Sinead, a Jigsaw Clinician, talks to Josh, one of our young volunteers about stress; when it can be good for us, and when it can become a problem.
Brings categories: a young person
How to practice gratitude
Alan, Jigsaw clinician, talks about positive thinking, having a balanced perspective on life and how you can practice gratitude.
Starting secondary school – advice from our YAP
Members of our Youth Advisory Panel in Roscommon worked together to create this infographic with tips and advice about starting secondary school.
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.
Starting college in 2021
There’s a big emphasis placed on starting college. It’s a chance to make new friends, pursue your own interests, and increase your independence.
But as with many things in the last 18 months, that experience could be quite different now. The pandemic has changed a lot of ways of life, with one of the biggest impacts being on education.
Colleges are due to open for on-site education in the academic year 2021-2022. Though while some restrictions remain in place, college might still present challenges.
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: