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Mind, body and soul

Life can be tricky; exams, job interviews, driving tests, bullies, relationships (starting them, stopping them, lacking them), feeling insecure about the way you look. Sometimes it gets too much. Need help? Ask. You're not alone, and life's for living, not suffering in silence.

Depression

Fifteen out of a hundred people are depressed, it's nothing to be ashamed of. Got that? Good.

Spot the signs:You are not alone Displays a larger version of this image in a new browser window
You are not alone

  • you haven't got any energy;
  • you have trouble sleeping;
  • you can't concentrate;
  • you feel sad, guilty and messed up;
  • you want to harm or kill yourself.

Help me!

Visit your general practitioner (GP) to discuss your options. These can range from counselling to anti-depressants. If you're feeling suicidal or want to self-harm, get on the phone to the Samaritans helpline  08457 90 90 90 or try these other organisations

Self-harming

According to the Samaritans' statistics, three teenagers self-harm every hour. It can, and does, happen, don't be afraid to face it. It can affect any type of person, it can be triggered by things like worries at school or family problems. Remember many young people have been helped to cope and stop. The first step is to find someone you can talk to and trust.

Spot the signs

Physically harming yourself in any way, including

  • cutting
  • punching
  • burning
  • picking skin
  • pulling hair out
  • hitting yourself
  • knocking your body against things
  • taking overdoses.

If you see suspicious and regular wounds, bruises or scars on a friend, they may be self-harming and need help.

Help me!

Ask someone you trust for help, it's difficult to deal with it alone. It can seem like a hard thing to understand, but if someone you know is self-harming, don't judge them, get advice from someone you trust, and encourage them to get help.

Eating disorders

These are much more than just a 'slimmers' disease', Anorexia is thought to affect around 5% of young women, mostly aged 16-17, and its long-term effects include; poor circulation, brittle bones, infertility, fainting and dizziness, dehydration and kidney damage.

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Get some support

Anorexia:

  • avoiding carbohydrates and fatty foods;
  • not noticing the physical effect of increased exercise;
  • low moods;
  • irregular periods; and 
  • fear of putting on weight, leading to a strict eating regime or starvation.

Bulimia:

  • swinging between frantic binge-eating and purging;
  • going to the toilet to make yourself sick soon after meals or taking laxatives; and 
  • periods of excessive fasting and exercise.

Help me!

Open up to someone you can trust, like a friend, counsellor or family doctor. A professional can help you put together an acceptable eating and exercise plan, and help you get healthy again.

  • Eating Disorders Association www.edauk.com
  • Youth Helpline 0845 634 7650
  • Anorexia and Bulimia Care 01695 422479

Bullying

Bullying is serious, it isn't just a fist in the face, from name-calling to physical violence to threatening text messages. Whatever form it takes, it's not acceptable.

Spot the signsBullying is not acceptable, don't suffer in silence Displays a larger version of this image in a new browser window
Bullying is not acceptable, don't suffer in silence

Some of the ways bullies might give you hell are:

  • calling you names;
  • stealing or damaging your stuff;
  • spreading rumours about you;
  • physically threatening or hurting you;
  • making silent or abusive phone calls; and 
  • sending you offensive messages.

Help me!

Remember, don't suffer in silence. Tell a parent, teacher or counsellor immediately, and don't be scared of the consequences. Write down any incidents of bullying so you've got a record, and try and stick to places where there are other people.

Other Organisations

Lots of people can help you with issues you might face. As well as talking to family and friends, you can chat to your Connexions adviser. You can also visit the following websites

Also see external links.