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Category: Ask Jigsaw Q&A

Ask Jigsaw: Lockdown affecting eating habits

Posted on by eve

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

Posted on by eve

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!

Ask Jigsaw: Constantly feeling miserable

Posted on by eve

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

Posted on by eve

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.

Ask Jigsaw: Anxiety before sleeping

Posted on by eve

Hi, I just wanted to know if it was normal to have anxiety before sleeping at night as multiple times during the past few weeks I’ve been feeling anxious going to bed and I’m not quite sure what is causing it.

-gracex06

Hi gracex06,

Feeling anxious before sleeping at night is common and you are not alone experiencing this. Often when we are feeling stressed these feelings can surface at night making it difficult to sleep. This can be frustrating especially if you are unsure where this anxiety is coming from.

Ask Jigsaw: Online learning has been so hard

Posted on by eve

I get good grades in school but I can’t bring myself to continue schoolwork at home. Online learning has been so hard and unmotivating and I’ve stopped going to most classes, lying about my internet cutting out or my camera not working or my headphones breaking. I don’t want to do it and I want to be as good as I know I can be if I put my mind to it but I just don’t have the motivation to do anything related to school anymore.

Hi there,

Thank you for reaching out today. It might be helpful to know that you are not on your own with this. Many of the young people we speak with are having a similar experience with online learning and schoolwork.

Ask Jigsaw: I have anxiety

Posted on by eve

I’ve had panic attacks since I was about 11 years old and my mom takes no notice and I have lots of anxiety going about my daily life I’m almost positive I have anxiety but because of how anxious I am I’m afraid to bring it up with my mom.

– Justwondering

Hi Justwondering,

Anxiety is a natural emotion that we all experience from time to time. While it can feel uncomfortable, it’s also useful in alerting us to danger. Although we can’t get rid of anxiety completely, we can learn ways to manage it.

Ask Jigsaw: Not sure if I am depressed

Posted on by eve

Hi there.

I am wondering what to do about my current mental health. I am not sure if I’m depressed or overthinking – I no longer enjoy hobbies I used to love, I want to spend all my time alone and find it so hard to get out of bed, because I can’t look forward to anything. I feel guilty for being less involved and kind to my family, and also guilty that if I am not actually depressed I am undermining those who are actually struggling, wasting time of others and opening up to family only to find out I don’t need help.

I cannot remember the last time I was happy. I can’t concentrate at school and keep zoning out, even though I usually do well. I keep feeling like a burden and feel down even when my closest friends text me because I have to put effort into replying. I keep people pleasing but avoiding social interaction when I can.

I can’t really remember when all this started but I don’t know if this is normal for young people, if I should wait to see if it continues, tell my family or go see a doctor. I was hoping this could help me figure out what to do next.

Thanks

-giantflowercat

Hi giantflowercat,

Thanks for getting in touch. I’m sorry to hear you are going through a tough time. You sound like a considerate person for not wanting to waste people’s time or undermine people who are struggling, but that’s not the case at all. Life can be hard and you deserve to get support just as much as anyone else. We do hear from a lot of young people who describe feeling this way, so know that you’re not alone.