Members of our Youth Advisory Panel in Roscommon worked together to create this infographic with tips and advice about starting secondary school.
Brings categories: a young person
Five things you can do to help your mental health
Based on the ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’ report 2008, we have outlined five things you can do to help your mental health.
Answering sleep questions with a Jigsaw Clinician
Jigsaw Clinician Deirdre answers frequently asked questions around sleep.
Answering sleep questions
Many of the young people who attend Jigsaw services report that sleep is one of their main difficulties. In order to mark World Sleep Day 2021 we want to answer some of our most frequently asked questions concerning sleep.
Listen to Deirdre, Jigsaw clinician, walk you through the most frequently asked questions about sleep.
Ask Jigsaw: Lockdown affecting eating habits
I think the lockdown is damaging my eating habits and the way I view myself. I’ve been isolated to my house for weeks now. I’ve felt an extreme hatred towards myself, and it just seems to worsen everyday.
But I feel so awful for upsetting my family, especially my mam, who I know is being really hard on herself because of how I’m behaving.
I really do try to eat and not think about the disordered thoughts, but because I can’t distract myself, I feel sort of trapped with them.
I feel extremely guilty and horrible for adding more stress to my family, but I just can’t do what they’re asking me. I can’t see myself getting better and I feel like such a burden on everyone. I really do wish I could snap my fingers and make everything right, but I can’t. I don’t know what to do, it’s too difficult.
-Anna
Hi Anna,
I’m sorry to hear that you are going through such an intense experience during an already difficult time. Thoughts about body image can be all consuming, and can have a strong negative effect on our mental health, as you have described.
Ask Jigsaw: Everything makes me burst into tears
Why does every little thing make me burst into tears and start overthinking and finding more reasons to keep crying and not being able to stop.
-Nanabana
Hi Nanabanan,
I’m sorry to hear that every little thing is making you burst into tears. That sounds difficult, so thank you for reaching out to us. We hear from lots of young people who experience similar things, so I know your question will help others, too!
Getting used to self-guided study
Furthering your education or training after secondary school can also be a really exciting time.
This period of transition from being in the school system to becoming more independent can take some adjustment. Self-motivation is often needed to engage with this way of learning.
In this article, you will find:
Ask Jigsaw: Constantly feeling miserable
New year and nothing has changed it’s still just constantly feeling miserable. I don’t have it in me to ask for help and it’s only getting darker help
-I Want Help
Hi I Want Help,
I’m sorry that you feel this bad at the moment. A new year can bring hope for change or fresh starts. Often though, nothing changes from December 31st to January 1st, which can feel disappointing or disheartening.
Ask Jigsaw: I can’t stand being in this house
I feel I need to get away from my house, I’m 18 and I dont really have the means to go out on my own but I cant stand being in this house I feel as if my family are going to drive me to kill myself if I stay any longer. I dont know what to do and I cant find anyone to talk to who will understand and see through my parents lies.
Hi,
I’m sorry to hear that things are difficult for you at the moment. It is a hard position to be in, and I can imagine you are feeling many different emotions such as frustration, upset and anger. Especially at the moment, we are spending more time our houses, and this can put a strain on family relationships. Perhaps, it can also lead you to feeling somewhat helpless, with a loss of control.
