The emotional ask of teachers and school staff has been significant since the start of the global pandemic. School staff have had to navigate their changing environment and support young people in their classrooms to do the same.
Author: eve
Ask Jigsaw: Is Jigsaw right for me?
I was referred to Jigsaw lately but I’m worried my problem isnt big enough for the need of the 1:1 sessions. I dont feel the way I do all the time, so I dont really know if it’s for me?
I like the sound of it though, but at the same time I havent told anyone the full story of my mental health. I know my one of my parents have to be there first session initially, but do I have to speak about how I’m feeling with them there and how does that work with the video support? I just think they would worry a lot about it considering I’ve been hiding how I’m feeling for the past while.
Thank you!
-Orla
Hi Orla,
Thank you for your question. It’s one that a lot of young people wonder about, so it will help others thinking about accessing Jigsaw too.
Ask Jigsaw: Is pinching self-harm?
does pinching myself count as self harm?
-kitkat15
Hi kitkat15,
Self-harm is when someone deliberately hurts or damages their body. It can take many forms and could include pinching yourself. Often the person engaging in self-harm is feeling a lot of powerful feelings that they’re not sure how to deal with.
If this is the case for you, I just want to tell you that you’re not alone. However, there are other ways to manage those difficult feelings.
Ask Jigsaw: Feeling empty and worthless
what do you do when you just feel so sad to a point that you can’t even cry anymore. you just feel so empty and worthless and it’s the middle of the night so you can’t talk to anyone about it. and even if u did try to talk to someone they wouldn’t fully understand how your feeling so it would b hard to tell them.
-rosie7765 ( )
Hi Rosie,
It sounds like things are very difficult for you at the moment. Everybody experiences sadness in different ways. Sometimes when we feel overwhelmed, we can feel a bit numb. That might be a reason that you feel you can’t cry anymore.
Ask Jigsaw: Worried about back to school
I’m worried about going back to school I’m going into leaving cert but I keep getting really spaced out and cant focus on what’s around me. I’m worried that it will happen in class or exams.
-Anonymous
Hi Anonymous,
It’s been a really difficult few months school-wise. It can’t have been easy doing 5th year from home. It’s totally understandable that you’ve been finding it hard to focus on what’s around you. With normal routines out the window, it can be especially hard to concentrate or be productive in your home environment. It’s a space we’d usually use to switch off, but suddenly have to use it to study also.
Ask Jigsaw: Should I be worried?
I don’t really know what to think if it’s in my head or not but I have started to notice that nothing makes me happy and I can still go about my day doing the things I normally do, should I be worried
-Star101
Hi Star101,
Thank you for getting in touch with us and sharing your experience.
Ask Jigsaw: I feel like I may have ADHD
I have always had trouble concentrating in general, but no one noticed because i was quiet. I feel like I may have ADHD as I strongly relate to most of the behaviors. How do I subtly tell my parents and try to get help.
-JJ
Hi JJ,
It sounds like understanding your concentration difficulties is really important to you JJ. It’s great that you’re being proactive in finding out more, despite other’s not noticing the reality of your experience.
Ask Jigsaw: Bad news about my dog
We got bad news about my dog’s health today and I don’t know how I’m going to cope without him. I don’t know if this is the right place to type this but, I just felt like maybe, but he has helped me through so much I just don’t want to go through something tough without him. He’s like my therapy dog and I don’t want him to leave me
-CRB2010
Hi there CRB2010,
Thanks for getting in touch. I’m so sorry to hear about your dog’s ill health. Pets become such a big part of the family so it’s understandable that you are feeling that way. It sounds like your dog really brings you a lot of comfort and has helped you through tough times which is lovely!
Happythreads donate €5,000 to Jigsaw
Happythreads.ie, the healthcare clothing company, have made an amazing donation of €5,000 to Jigsaw, as their chosen charity for the month of June.
Ask Jigsaw: Thinking about ending it
I thinking about ending it all. i have tried talking to my Guardians about being sad but they didn’t care so i just feel alone
-Max
Hi Max,
First of all, well done for reaching out to talk to your guardians about how you feel. That was a brave and positive thing to do. I am so sorry that they weren’t able to understand how sad you are feeling.