fbpx

Month: December 2020

Amy’s story: Living in a high-risk household

Posted on by eve

Amy, 22, a Jigsaw volunteer from Limerick shares her experience of the pandemic.

My experience of the Covid-19 pandemic has been somewhat different to that of my peers, as I am living in a high-risk household. A member of my family is currently undergoing chemotherapy which compromises their health immensely. Because of this, myself and the other members of my family are not only responsible for our own health, but for their health too.

The feeling of responsibility for someone else’s health is a difficult feeling to put into words. I did not feel much pressure and frustration during the first lockdown as everyone was in the same boat. I oddly felt safer and more relaxed knowing that everyone was undertaking the necessary precautions.

Reflecting on 2020

Posted on by eve

While the new year is a time to look forward and plan ahead, December offers a chance to reflect on the year that’s gone.

Without a doubt, it’s been a tough and challenging year for many of us.

It’s completely understandable, we may focus on the toll the year has taken on our lives and plans. Missed opportunities due to social restrictions, unemployment and uncertainty about the future have led to challenging situations for young people. Some of the experiences we’ve heard about from young people this year are low mood, trouble sleeping and anxiety.

Fionnuala’s story: Living with someone who is high risk

Posted on by eve

Fionnuala (23), a Jigsaw volunteer from Kerry, lives with a parent who is it high risk in relation to Coronavirus due to an underlying health condition. Here, Fionnuala shares her story. 

I feel anxious about bringing Coronavirus home, it’s a big thing as I have a family member who is high-risk. With the figures going up and down, it’s an unknown, and I don’t like unknowns. I find myself watching the news and the numbers quite closely. It feels like continuous months of checking. In Kerry, they went really down recently, we had zero for a lot of days. Whereas yesterday it went up to 19, so I’m back to being completely restricted again.

THE FESTIVAL OF NOW

Posted on by eve

According to our MyWorldSurvey, the top 2 coping strategies for adolescents are enjoying music (54%) and friends (56%).

So, we are thrilled to partner with POD for The Festival of Now, a unique festival film celebrating the heart of music and arts in Ireland today.

The Festival of Now is a brand new film, which showcases a variety of Ireland’s best musicians, poets, and performers.

The film will feature performances plus interviews focused on the collective experience of the past year, delving into the importance of music and art for our mental health.

 

 

Ask Jigsaw: I’m self harming. What should I do?

Posted on by eve

I have recently started to cut my wrist and I’m not exactly sure why. I am an extremely shy person and could possibly have social anxiety. At first I thought it was a way of asking for help without actually talking to people but now that I have done it I am extremely scared of anyone finding out and am now terrified of what might happen. I don’t know what to do and need help. I am a very young person and shouldn’t even be considering on self harm. What should I do?

-Sarah  

Hi Sarah,

Sometimes there’s no particular reason why people start to self-harm. It can quickly become a habit that’s difficult to break on your own.  

Jigsaw Galway update

Posted on by eve

Jigsaw in Galway is currently in the process of moving to a new home. During the move, our commitment to providing services and support to young people in Galway remains the same.