James, aged 22, talks about his experience of seeking support for his mental health.
Brings categories: a young person
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: 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.
Watch: Good days and bad
Ricky is 24 and from Sligo.
Following a relationship break up Ricky experienced a dip in his mental health and decided to go to Jigsaw. He still has good days and bad days, but feels he has developed the skills he needs to help him cope. Here Ricky talks about his experience.
Watch: Realising it’s not just me
Lauren is a 20 year old health and social care student from Clondalkin.
When her anger and anxiety started to impact on her life Lauren decided to go to a Jigsaw service for support. However, she worried what people around her would think. Once she started telling her family and friends about her mental health, Lauren realised ‘it’s not just me’. We all need help and support at different times. Here, Lauren talks about her experience of going to Jigsaw.
Watch: Personal responsibility in college
Watch as our Jigsaw Volunteers Sam and Rachel discuss the shift in taking personal responsibility when you move away to college.
Coronavirus and mental health
During this global pandemic the recommendation is social distancing and staying safe. There is also a lot of focus on mental health.
Looking after your mental health is always important. But with Coronavirus spreading, we now face more and different challenges to our wellbeing.
Some of the stressors that we now face include:
- Uncertainty about the future
- Loss of routine
- Fear of catching Coronavirus
- Isolation from social distancing
- Losing loved ones
- Spread of misinformation
- Worry about the actions of others
- Boredom.
It’s unrealistic to think that the current situation won’t affect most of us in some way. We might be experiencing feelings of stress right now, or feel slightly numb or immune to it. However, the more we pay attention to our emotional and psychological needs the easier it will be to get through this turbulent time.
Keep what works
Minding our mental health does not mean we do lots of new stuff. We need to change the things that have worked previously to our new situation. Think about what helped your mental health before. Find ways to incorporate them into your new regime. Watch 5-a-day for mental health here.
Strategies for managing mental health can be adapted for now. Read more about:
Coming out about your sexuality
Whether it’s your first time coming out, or your hundredth, it can be both a daunting and liberating time.
Coming out begins with coming out to ourselves. We need to allow time to explore and discover who we are physically, romantically and sexually attracted to. Here are some tips that can be helpful to remember.