We are often asked about our ‘goals in life’ when it comes to careers or discussions about the future. ‘Squad goals’ or ‘couple goals’ appear in many Instagram posts, but what does this really mean? Are personal goals something we want to be, or want to have?
In this article, you will find help to set and achieve your goals:
The App Store or Google Play host thousands of apps claiming to help people with their mental health.
With so many to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start, or which to trust.
At Jigsaw, we are often asked which are the best apps for anxiety, or what ones we would recommend. Research and evidence are important parts of our work so we can really stand behind what we say.
To ensure we recommend safe apps to use, we embarked on a review project with funding from ESB Energy for Generations,. The aim was to identify apps that might be helpful to young people in managing their mental health.
In Jigsaw, we know how important youth workers can be in young people’s development. Youth workers play an invaluable role in promoting youth mental health.
They help young people access supports that contribute to their personal, emotional, social and educational development.
This article has practical advice for youth workers on how to support youth mental health and to help create a safe place where it is promoted.
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.
How would I be tested for ADHD without going to a doctor? Where would you recommend going?
-Caitlin
Hi Caitlin,
Thank you for reaching out today. Unfortunately, there is no way to get a diagnosis for ADHD without going to see your GP and/or a specialist. This is because mental health conditions such as ADHD are complex. It takes time and training to assess each person’s individual symptoms and experience.
Many face-to-face mental health services are now offering support through text, telephone or video-based platforms.
Technology provides great opportunities. But, it can feel daunting connecting with a clinician or counsellor in a new format. There are a few things to bear in mind if you access online therapeutic support or online counselling.
In this article, you will find information on:
We can often find it difficult to talk about our anxieties and worries. It’s not unusual to form a habit of thinking it’s “all in my head”, or “not a big deal”.
If you spend any time on Jigsaw.ie or our social channels, you’ll see plenty of references to One Good Adult.
One Good Adult (OGA) refers to an adult who a young person can turn to if they are in need of support. The theme of One Good Adult emerged from the My World Survey, a national study of youth mental health. OGAs support young people in their life by listening to them, giving them time and space to open up and not judging them.
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.
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.
