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Category: Information and resources

Ask Jigsaw: Should I reach out?

Posted on by eve

I think I have anxiety, but I am not too sure and too nervous to reach out somewhere for help. I also have very poor self confidence and find that this is affecting my life negatively. Do you think it’s worth to try to reach out to somewhere .

-mm1224

Hi mm1224, 

Thank you for your question. Lots of young people wonder about whether or not they should reach out for help, so your question will help others. Reaching out for help is not easy, and it’s natural to be nervous about it.

You mentioned that having low confidence is affecting your life negatively. It makes sense that you might want to make some changes. 

Ask Jigsaw: Missing out on college experience

Posted on by eve

Hi,

Lately I’ve been feeling very down and not being able to feel positive. I’m a college student, but haven’t been able to move away from home because of the virus. I live in a rural area where I don’t know many people and I feel very isolated. Many of my friends have moved away and are having fun in student accommodation.

I feel as if the “best years” of my life are wasting away before me and I am not getting the college experience. My last year in college starts next year. I am afraid that it will too be wasted with restrictions and having no social life. I am the youngest in my family and when I compare my college experience to my siblings it upsets me, as I feel as if I will never get that.

Being stuck at home, bored and lonely has made me feel constantly down, anxious and stressed. I know that nothing can be done to change my circumstances, but how can I help myself to feel some happiness. Thanks 

-Lulu17

 

Hi Lulu17,

Your reaction to the Covid-19 restrictions is something we have heard from many young people. Being unable to move away for the college year feels unfair, and I can understand why you are feeling anxious and feeling down at home.

Webinar: Self-care during winter months

Posted on by eve

We held the second instalment of a new series of webinars for parents on Monday, 9 November.

The theme of this webinar was self-care during winter months. You may notice when you are tired, stressed or feeling run down, this can have a knock-on impact on the dynamics and relationships in the household. This can then increase tensions and arguments. As a parent, paying attention to your own mental health and wellbeing is not a luxury; it is a necessity.

In this webinar, Jigsaw clinicians Conor and Olive gave a 20-minute presentation. This was followed by questions and answers from parents.

The areas covered are:

  • A look at some of the things that might deplete our wellbeing
  • How our body responds and how we may respond in ways that might not be helpful
  • Explore more helpful ways to respond
  • Practical things parents can do to look after their own self-care

You can view the full recording below.

Ask Jigsaw: I feel like everyone hates me

Posted on by eve

I am always down and sad. I’m 13 and I’m a girl I feel like everyone hates me and I’m alone. I have a few friends but I’ve been sad because I lost my very close friends and it’s hurting. I feel like I have anxiety but I don’t know. I’m really a mess and I need someone to talk to. I’m crying a lot and sad. I feel like nobody understands thank you for taking ur time 

-Bb

Hi Bb,

Feeling down can make us feel fed up, teary,  lonely and worried. It can also change how we view situations. We can think that people dislike us or that we aren’t good enough, even though these thoughts aren’t true. This can be exhausting and it’s important to mind yourself when feeling this way.

Ask Jigsaw: Feel alone and bite myself

Posted on by eve

I feel really alone right now I don’t feel I can tell my parents. I cry when nobody’s around and I bite my hand instead of cutting, it hurts but it helps me feel better. if you have any tips any at all that would mean a lot thank you.

-Doglover88

Hi Doglover88,

I am sorry to hear that you feel alone right now and it feels like you cannot tell your parents. However,  you should know that you are not alone.

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.

Webinar: Supporting young people struggling with mental health at school

Posted on by eve

We held the first instalment of a new series of webinars for parents on Monday, 19th October.

The theme of this webinar was supporting young people struggling with mental health at school. Jigsaw clinicians Jen and Linda gave a 20 minute presentation, followed by questions and answers from parents.

This webinar covers the following topics:

You can view the full recording below.

 

Domestic violence and mental health

Posted on by eve

Over the lockdown restrictions, we were asked to stay at home where possible. This was really challenging if home was not somewhere safe.

Domestic violence can happen in any type of relationship, no matter what your age, gender or sexuality. It can also happen in any family, regardless of culture, status or financial situation.

If you have experienced domestic violence you are not alone. One study by the National Crime Council has shown 15% of women and 6% of men in Ireland have been subjected to domestic abuse.

Domestic violence is not your fault, and help is available. Both local and national services are still open and offering support, despite the pandemic.

In this article you will find: