Boundaries demonstrate what we think is acceptable, or unacceptable, in peoples’ behaviour towards us. Establishing boundaries can be a way of protecting ourselves.
To help in this article we cover:
This one hour online course for primary school teachers, has been developed by Jigsaw, in collaboration with ESCI – Education Support Centres Ireland.
The aim of the course is to increase the mental health literacy and skills of primary school teachers of 5th and 6th class pupils.
I think I have anxiety, but I am not too sure and too nervous to reach out somewhere for help. I also have very poor self confidence and find that this is affecting my life negatively. Do you think it’s worth to try to reach out to somewhere .
-mm1224
Hi mm1224,
Thank you for your question. Lots of young people wonder about whether or not they should reach out for help, so your question will help others. Reaching out for help is not easy, and it’s natural to be nervous about it.
You mentioned that having low confidence is affecting your life negatively. It makes sense that you might want to make some changes.
Hi,
Lately I’ve been feeling very down and not being able to feel positive. I’m a college student, but haven’t been able to move away from home because of the virus. I live in a rural area where I don’t know many people and I feel very isolated. Many of my friends have moved away and are having fun in student accommodation.
I feel as if the “best years” of my life are wasting away before me and I am not getting the college experience. My last year in college starts next year. I am afraid that it will too be wasted with restrictions and having no social life. I am the youngest in my family and when I compare my college experience to my siblings it upsets me, as I feel as if I will never get that.
Being stuck at home, bored and lonely has made me feel constantly down, anxious and stressed. I know that nothing can be done to change my circumstances, but how can I help myself to feel some happiness. Thanks
-Lulu17
Hi Lulu17,
Your reaction to the Covid-19 restrictions is something we have heard from many young people. Being unable to move away for the college year feels unfair, and I can understand why you are feeling anxious and feeling down at home.
We held the second instalment of a new series of webinars for parents on Monday, 9 November.
The theme of this webinar was self-care during winter months. You may notice when you are tired, stressed or feeling run down, this can have a knock-on impact on the dynamics and relationships in the household. This can then increase tensions and arguments. As a parent, paying attention to your own mental health and wellbeing is not a luxury; it is a necessity.
In this webinar, Jigsaw clinicians Conor and Olive gave a 20-minute presentation. This was followed by questions and answers from parents.
The areas covered are:
You can view the full recording below.
I am always down and sad. I’m 13 and I’m a girl I feel like everyone hates me and I’m alone. I have a few friends but I’ve been sad because I lost my very close friends and it’s hurting. I feel like I have anxiety but I don’t know. I’m really a mess and I need someone to talk to. I’m crying a lot and sad. I feel like nobody understands thank you for taking ur time
-Bb
Hi Bb,
Feeling down can make us feel fed up, teary, lonely and worried. It can also change how we view situations. We can think that people dislike us or that we aren’t good enough, even though these thoughts aren’t true. This can be exhausting and it’s important to mind yourself when feeling this way.
Jigsaw have partnered with BeLonG To Youth Services to launch a new online course: Supporting the Mental Health of LGBTI+ Young People.
This course is for adults who work or volunteer with young people. It consists of a self-directed online programme that takes under two hours, followed by a three hour live Zoom workshop.
**This course and waitlist are now full. We will make an announcement when we can open it up again. Thank you!**
Shaun talks about his experience of getting support from Jigsaw.
I feel really alone right now I don’t feel I can tell my parents. I cry when nobody’s around and I bite my hand instead of cutting, it hurts but it helps me feel better. if you have any tips any at all that would mean a lot thank you.
-Doglover88
Hi Doglover88,
I am sorry to hear that you feel alone right now and it feels like you cannot tell your parents. However, you should know that you are not alone.
I’ve been thinking for a long time now that I might have ADHD and I want to get tested for it. It affects me daily and especially ever since the lockdowns and my school exams started. I was wondering how I could get tested for it but I didn’t know how
-Fluffydog
Hi Fluffydog,
Thank you for reaching out and for sharing what has been going on for you. I’m sorry to hear this has been impacting you so much.
