Jigsaw
Search Jigsaw
Resources Anxiety Anger Self-harm

Month: October 2020

Children’s Books Ireland launch reading guide

Posted on by Eve Donnelly

The Covid-19 pandemic is a considerable source of worry for children and families. Young people are having to cope with big changes at home and at school.

In response, Children’s Books Ireland, in partnership with Jigsaw and ISPCC Childline, launched “Mind yourself – the mental health and wellbeing reading guide” on Monday, 5th October ahead of World Mental Health Day.

World Mental Health Day, 10th October is an international event that promotes mental health education and awareness. A recent UNICEF report found that children and young people in Ireland are struggling with their mental health.

In a survey of 38 OCED countries, Ireland is number 26 when it comes to the mental wellbeing of children. Books can provide comfort to readers during a difficult time. There is robust evidence to support that reading for pleasure can have a positive effect on mental wellbeing.

Ask Jigsaw: Guilty for feeling sad

Posted on by Eve Donnelly

when I feel a negative feeling like anger, sadness or loneliness. I always feel so guilty and overall stupid for having those feelings because I know that I have had a pretty okay life compared to those who in the world who have suffered from so much pain and hurt that they didn’t deserve.

But I was just wondering is it normal to feel your feelings are not valid and unimportant? I just think I have always had some sort of just a numbness in my heart that I’ve just gotten used to, so any different feeling to that numb feeling is followed by guilt. I am grateful that I’m here everyday though. Just its something I think about all the time and I had to ask. Thank You

-chico093

Hi Chico093,

I can tell from your question that you are a very thoughtful, caring, self-aware person. Your question is actually something we hear a good bit at Jigsaw and something that many young people struggle with.

Ask Jigsaw: Frustrated and lonely

Posted on by Eve Donnelly

I feel very frustrated and lonely most of the time because i can’t express my problems to anyone i know. At school i only have one or two friends that im not that close to, and i cant tell my family either because ive tried to, but they dont understand me and it frustrates me.

Even if i had close friends, i wouldnt want to open up because in previous friendships it hasnt helped me (to open up) and they never understand anyway.

The problems are about being really anxious, feeling sad and disoriented very often and a lot of negative feelings. I feel lonely because its like im on my own and i cant turn to anyone for help

Epalios

Ask Jigsaw: Am I wasting my youth?

Posted on by Eve Donnelly

Why do I feel like I am wasting my youth? My entire family has struggled with massive drug and alcohol addiction so I try to stay away from it, but it feels like I’m wasting my youth. I’m so afraid that I’m going to look back at this time in my life and be full of regret. 

-Elle

Hi Elle,  

Worrying about future regrets can have a big impact on the choices we make in the moment. The fear of regret can make us question even our strongest values.  

School avoidance

Posted on by Eve Donnelly

The majority of young people face challenges at some point throughout their schooling.

Common difficulties can occur in the following areas: learning and curriculum, social and peer related and/or the physical environment.

For the most part, young people overcome these challenges and school provides positive, enjoyable experiences. However, for a number of young people, school can cause a significant amount of distress. This leads to difficulty attending school.

If your young person is currently experiencing difficulty attending school, this article covers the following:

Back To Top