fbpx

Category: Asking for help

Ask Jigsaw: I’m having trouble communicating

Posted on by eve

Hello, I’m having trouble communicating and having general conversations with people I know and don’t. Mostly I think it’s the fact that I don’t have anything to share with people that they will find interesting and that makes me feel like I am a boring and plain person. Do you have any advice? 

-Alex

Hi Alex,

Thank you for your question. A lot of us have experienced difficulties with communication, and the current Covid-19 restrictions don’t help matters! We’re not doing much so we have less news to share, and we’re also a bit out of practice when it comes to socialising.

 

Ask Jigsaw: I recently lost a family member

Posted on by eve

Hi jigsaw, I recently lost a family member over the Christmas. I’ve been struggling in lockdown as I have so much time to sit around idle. The only thing is, I cant seem to accept it. I can’t believe he’s really gone and I feel like at any moment I will see him walk through the door. I didn’t even cry at the funeral. I feel as though I have been on autopilot ever since. Is this normal? Please help

-Ella

Hi Ella,

I’m so sorry to hear that you lost a family member over the Christmas. That must have been so difficult, particularly during COVID with restrictions on funerals. I hear you about struggling with lockdown and having so much more time to think.

Ask Jigsaw: How would I be tested for ADHD?

Posted on by eve

 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.

 

Ask Jigsaw: How do I know if I have a mental disorder?

Posted on by eve

How do I know if I have actually have mental disorder? I don’t know what is real and what is not. Is it anxiety or am I just oversensitive about everything? Do I have depression even though I don’t have all the symptoms? How is a diagnosis given?

-Username

Hi there,

It’s healthy to feel a wide range of emotions in response to things that happen in your life. For example, you might feel sad after a bereavement, or anxious during exams. This does not mean that you have a problem with your mental health.

Online mental health support

Posted on by eve

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:

Ask Jigsaw: I’m self harming. What should I do?

Posted on by eve

I have recently started to cut my wrist and I’m not exactly sure why. I am an extremely shy person and could possibly have social anxiety. At first I thought it was a way of asking for help without actually talking to people but now that I have done it I am extremely scared of anyone finding out and am now terrified of what might happen. I don’t know what to do and need help. I am a very young person and shouldn’t even be considering on self harm. What should I do?

-Sarah  

Hi Sarah,

Sometimes there’s no particular reason why people start to self-harm. It can quickly become a habit that’s difficult to break on your own.  

The importance of rallying around young people

Posted on by eve

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

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.

Ask Jigsaw: Assessment for ADHD

Posted on by eve

I’ve been thinking for a long time now that I might have ADHD and I want to get tested for it. It affects me daily and especially ever since the lockdowns and my school exams started. I was wondering how I could get tested for it but I didn’t know how  

 -Fluffydog

Hi Fluffydog, 

Thank you for reaching out and for sharing what has been going on for you. I’m sorry to hear this has been impacting you so much. 

Ask Jigsaw: Do I need parental consent?

Posted on by eve

I am a minor and I want to get professional help. but, in my current situation, I do not feel like I can go to my parents but I need parental consent to receive any form of treatment. Is there any way I’d be able to go about receiving treatment or counselling without my parents being involved or notified?

-a

Hi a,

Thanks for your question. We often hear from young people who feel that they can’t talk to their parents but are looking for support. So you are not on your own with this.