You are in control of your own reactions. If you let other people control how you react, you are giving them power over you, and letting them decide how you will behave.
Everyone knows people who seem to be naturally good at everything. Instead of being jealous or envious of them, learn from them. Ask if they can help you learn to do something the way they would do it, and practice until you accomplish it.
There are lots of mental health organisations to help support young people: Young Minds, Mind, Harmless, CYPMHC, CAMHS, Rethink, TheSite.org, RecoverYourLife.com, and the NHS to name a few.
Most teenagers who self-harm are able to give up this behaviour as they learn to manage feelings in healthier ways. Your GP can refer you to a specialist to help, such as a counsellor or psychologist.
The person who is self-harming may feel deep shame and guilt, or may feel confused and worried by their own behaviour. It’s important to approach them with care and understanding. They may not wish to discuss their self-harm with you, but you could suggest that they speak to an anonymous helpline or see their GP.
Some signs indicating self-harming behaviour may include: unexplained cuts, bruises or burns; being fully covered up even when hot; depression, low mood or low self-esteem, and being secretive about eating.
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week. We’ll be supporting Young Minds by sending out messages this week on mental health for young people.
We’ll be taking a photo featuring members of the public to show all generations in Norwich. It’s to show people of all ages helping one another and being part of one big community, passing on knowledge and learning from each other.
Self-harm is when somebody intentionally damages or injures their body. It is a way of expressing deep emotional feelings such as low self-esteem, or a way of coping with traumatic events, such as the death of a loved one.
Try to be aware of what effect your thoughts have on you. Spend less time thinking about things that make you unhappy and focus more time on thinking about things that make you happy.