by Hannah Brown
Happy Easter, Happy Holidays or simply Happy Weekend! School is out, the half term is here and for most people the Bank Holidays provides a very welcome break from the daily grind. You wouldn’t think it, or perhaps you do, but holidays and festive periods can cause discomfort and anguish for some people.
Be yourself – whoever you are, however you feel, whatever life has thrown at you. If things are tough, talk about it. Samaritans can be reached on 08457 90 90 90 or jo@samaritans.org .
Finding it hard to talk about how you are really feeling? Samaritans is a safe place to turn; it’s anonymous and confidential: 08457 90 90 90 or jo@samaritans.org .
Sometimes the best support you can give someone is to refer them on to someone who can help them better than you.
If something is troubling you, Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All chats are completely confidential. You can reach them on 08457 90 90 90 or jo@samaritans.org .
Feeding yourself well goes beyond what you eat. If you are hungry for attention, comfort, understanding, or companionship, turn toward friends and family instead of food.
Our physical resilience depends largely on what we eat, so nutrition is our first line of defense in keeping our immune systems strong.
Each child/young person may respond differently to experiencing or witnessing domestic abuse, some common long-term effects are: anxiety, depression, withdrawal, nightmares, bed wetting, low self esteem, aggressive behaviour, eating disorders, underachieving at school.
‘Bad’ behaviour is often caused by an unfulfilled need. Addressing the need is often a much more effective strategy than addressing the behaviour.
Signs of anorexia include: fear of gaining weight, unrealistic ideas about body shape or weight; denial of a problem; an ‘inner voice’ that challenges views on eating and exercise; strange or obsessive behaviour around eating; mood swings, depression, secrecy; restlessness or hyperactivity; wearing baggy clothes; vomiting, taking laxatives, exercising excessively.