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Gaming and mental health

Posted on by Eve Donnelly

Online gaming is a really popular activity that can be a healthy and enjoyable pastime.

There are many benefits to online gaming. It can be a way of connecting with others, making friends online and reducing isolation.

Gaming can be fun and a good distraction from current negative news and social media reports. It doesn’t have to be competitive, with many games encouraging teamwork. It can help develop problem solving skills and give us a sense of achievement.

However, for a small number of us, gaming can have a negative impact on mental health if we are not paying attention to how it affects us.

In this article you will find:

 

Starting college during a pandemic

Posted on by Eve Donnelly

Ross, 18, a Jigsaw volunteer from Offaly, talks about starting college this year.

Like any young person, or any person at all in Ireland in 2020, it’s safe to say life has been anything but normal since March. Going from “schools are closed for two weeks”, to finding out that the culmination of 12 years of schoolwork, the Leaving Cert, was now cancelled, was an emotional rollercoaster.

The relief from finally getting a concrete answer gave room to thinking more about college and my concerns about third-level education in the world’s current state.

 

Ask Jigsaw: Is Jigsaw right for me?

Posted on by Eve Donnelly

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: Feeling empty and worthless

Posted on by Eve Donnelly

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: I feel like I may have ADHD

Posted on by Eve Donnelly

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: Thinking about ending it

Posted on by Eve Donnelly

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.

Ask Jigsaw: Constantly feeling anxious

Posted on by Eve Donnelly

Constantly feeling anxious in busy areas , school becoming a problem I can’t go to canteen by myself I have to meet friends first , a constant anxious feeling over me . 

– Layla104xx 

Hi Layla104xx,  

Feeling constantly anxious is exhausting. The physical sensations and spiraling thoughts, that often accompany anxiety, can be so strong that we avoid everyday things like school, or social events.   

Ask Jigsaw: Friend wants to self-harm

Posted on by Eve Donnelly

My best friend who is 14 wants to harm herself and I’m able to talk her out of it a lot but I’m afraid if someday I’m not there to help or give her the advice she needs or something like that.

I could really use some help here I’ve already recommended this website for her. I really need help with what to do for her because I am worrying a lot because of this. Please contact me for advice I should give to her. Thanks

-Five 

 

Coping with parental separation

Posted on by Eve Donnelly

Parental separation is one of the many challenges that young people can experience during their life.

We might experience our parents separating during childhood, adolescence or in early adulthood. Regardless of when it happens, parental separation can bring up many difficult feelings and every person will experience it differently.

You may experience some of the following:

  • Sadness. When circumstances change in our parent’s relationship, this can lead to feelings of sadness. When we feel sad, we might notice a change in our mood, and we may not enjoy the things we usually get joy from.
  • Confusion. We may feel confused about what is happening in our family. We may feel like we are stuck in the middle of things at times or uncertain about what will happen in our future.
  • Guilt. At times we may feel guilty about the feelings we experience and thoughts we have about the separation.
  • Relief. We might feel a sense of relief when our parents come to an agreement about what will happen next.
  • Anger. We could feel angry about what is happening in our family and how things have changed.
  • Blame.  Sometimes when we are trying to understand what is happening, we may blame ourselves or others.
  • Loss. We may feel loss for how our family has changed.

Remember that parents choose to separate for many different reasons that are to do with their relationship. It is not your fault.

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