James is 22 and from Kerry.
After he moved out of home, he experienced difficulties with his mental health. Eventually, fed up with staring at the wall, James went to Jigsaw for support. He talks here about his experiences.
Author: eve
James’s experience in seeking support
James, aged 22, talks about his experience of seeking support for his mental health.
Ask Jigsaw: Parents separated
My Mam and Dad separated recently and my Dad moved out. I am really angry with him for loads of different reasons. I have access with him on Saturday’s and its really awkward, we sit in McDonald’s and he asks really awkward questions about school and my Mam, I have told my Mam that I don’t want to go anymore and she says i have to go or else she will get in trouble with the court.
Its really getting to me because i think neither of them care about how i am feeling, they just care about the court and doing what they think they have to do, I done think anyone really cares about me and its getting me down
– Louise
Hi Louise,
When parents are separated it can bring up lots of emotions for people. We may feel relief, sadness, anger or fear about what will happen. It means change in terms of practical arrangements and often can have an impact on our relationships with parents.
Using technology to support your mental health
We hear a lot about the downside of technology, and how we should try to spend less time on it. But the pros of technology have also become obvious.
Our need for connection and fun is still clear. Though at present, our usual routines have been disrupted and everything is a little bit out of sorts.
But we have to adapt to the way the world is now and reach out in ways that we can. We need to restructure how we do the things that help our mental health, and technology can help.
Jigsaw clinicians Vicky, Sarah, Valerija and Aoife discuss how they use technology to support their mental health during this time.
Ask Jigsaw: Can’t tell anyone, really unhappy
I feel like nothing really makes me properly happy anymore. I’m always tired and I don’t feel enthusiastic about the things I used to. I know I should probably talk to someone or something but I feel like that might turn it into a big deal and that would make me feel worse. I don’t know if it’s just because of exam stress (I’m doing my JC this year) or because I don’t really sleep but I’ve felt like this for quite a long time and I feel like it would make people act awkward around me if I told someone. I hoped it would go away sooner but it hasn’t and I’m not sure what I should do.
-Sleepless
Ask Jigsaw: I scratched myself what can I do?
I am anxious about the leaving I scratched myself what can I do? ( I tried get apt with local jigsaw device there are no apt’s til may)
– Lc220
Hi Lc220,
You are not alone in feeling anxious or worried about exams. The leaving cert year can be a really difficult one for many different reasons. The exams themselves are difficult, along with thoughts about the future. You can find out more about some strategies and ways to cope with Leaving Cert stress here.
Ask Jigsaw: Teachers don’t get my problem
Why don’t teachers get my problem I tell them alot they just don’t care they first thought is just send her to class
-Dee
Hi Dee,
Speaking to someone about a problem at school, can take a lot of courage. It can really affect us if we don’t get the response that we expected to.
Ask Jigsaw: I want to help my friend but I don’t know what to do
A close friend of mine is going through a very tough time at the moment and I dont know what to do. Her parents wont help her get support because they dont understand what shes going through. I want to help her but I dont know what to do. She is willing to try a chat anonymously but I dont know where to find any number, can you help?
-Bumblebee
Hello Bumblebee,
It sounds like you and your friend have a very close relationship, and it’s great that she trusts you enough to share her problems with you. As she has not told many others, particularly her parents, it might feel like there is pressure for you to support her on your own. There are lots of things that you can do to support your friend. However, you are right to suggest that your friend gets help from others. Dealing with this on your own could lead you to feel a little stressed yourself, so do make sure you are looking after your own mental health.
Practicing gratitude
Below, Alan talks about positive thinking and how you can practice gratitude.
Exercise, mental health and social distancing
Exercise is good for our physical and mental health. It has been really important to look after all aspects of our health during the pandemic.
For some of us, the word exercise can be off putting. However, it simply means to be active. It doesn’t have to mean going to the gym or taking part in competitive team sports.
We can view exercise as any activity that gets our body moving, increases our heart rate and breathing. Read more about how exercise can impact mental health.
However we choose to be active, it’s really important we remember to follow the guidelines on social distancing.