A HEALTHY MIND

Stress is a problem in society today and is on the increase. When people feel stressed they may feel anxious or under strain and may find it difficult to deal with.
Many things cause people to become stressed and people react to stress in different ways.

Feeling Stress
Stress is a problem in society today and is on the increase. When people feel stressed they may feel anxious or under strain and may find it difficult to deal with.
Many things cause people to become stressed and people react to stress in different ways.

The Family
More and more people are suffering loss because of divorce, separation or bereavement. We all need to feel loved, valued and respected especially when we are growing up. The adults in your life should help to build your confidence and provide discipline and stability. The way you feel about your home life and your family has a huge effect on how you feel about yourself as an individual.
Problems at School
School problems come in many different forms:

• bullying
  
• exam stress
  
• school exclusion
  
• peer pressure
  
• boredom
  
• difficulty with lessons
  

These can all lead to mental suffering.

Bullying can include name-calling, teasing and physical abuse. In a survey it was found that a quarter of pupils reported that they sometimes felt afraid of going to school because of bullying.
Click here to find out more about coping with school problems such as bullying an exam pressure:
http://www.uzone.org.uk/subsections/school.html
school and exam zone of the U-Zone website

Alcohol and drug or solvent abuse
Some people may use alcohol, drugs or solvents to escape from problems or cope with difficulties. Drinking alcohol to avoid problems can make you worse and can leave you feeling depressed or isolated and is not the right way to deal with things. Drugs can make you feel tense, panicky or depressed. Sometimes you can continue to feel depressed and run down even after you have stopped taking them. So stay clear of these and try to work it out carefully.

Physical and sexual abuse
Child abuse can cause serious mental health problems. Experts think that about one in ten children suffer some form of abuse. Without help some people can end up with relationship or mental health problems later on in life.

Poverty and hardship
Lack of money and a poor standard of housing can affect the way you feel. Reasonable standards of housing and living together with a network of friends and family can help reduce the risk of mental health problems.

Suicide
Now and again people feel that life is purely not worth living - they are wrong! Many people feel suicidal at some point in their lives and this feeling can build up over time or appear quite suddenly after a distressing event. If you know someone who is feeling suicidal or wishes to harm himself or herself you can help by being there and supporting them. You should encourage them to seek help and to try and work out their problems, it is not easy, but life IS worth living! If you or someone you know needs someone to talk to, please seek help.

Depression
Depression is used to describe a variety of moods, from feeling down in the dumps to feelings of helplessness and misery that interfere with everyday life. People who are depressed may feel useless, guilty, low or suicidal. There are many reasons why people become depressed:

• problems at school.
  
• difficulties with relationships, and worries or fears about the future.
  

Being a carer
Caring for a sick or disabled relative can be both difficult and rewarding. If you are a carer you may need extra support. Click here for more information:

http://www.carersuk.demon.co.uk/Carers
National Association website.

Take time for yourself
Try to relax Listen to your favourite music Have a relaxing bath or take a pleasant walk. Give yourself the time and the space to think about things, if that's what you need to do.

Let out your emotions
Don't be embarrassed to let out your emotions. If you feel like crying or being angry - let people know how you feel this is important. Bottling up your feelings will create more problems but be careful not to let your anger turn into aggression.

Get active
Make time for your favourite sport or physical activity. It doesn't have to be competitive How about dancing? Turn your anxiety into positive energy.

See friends
Friends can give and receive support, encouragement and advice when you need it or just have a good time. You could make new friends by joining a group or getting involved in something new.

Talk about it
Talk through your problems with someone you trust - a friend, teacher, relative. Don't suffer in silence, talking can make you feel better. If you need confidential support - contact the psychological support group.

Challenging discrimination
To judge someone because of the way they look, the colour of their skin, their sex or sexuality is hurtful and wrong. Be positive and challenge discrimination.