Mental Health Week 2010

Introduction W e are here today to help you understand more about what gets you down and hopefully find a few ways to help. This presentation is a starting point and it can help you get started in the right direction. We’ll also give you a whole bunch of useful numbers, names and links to experts in all the most common teenage mental health issues.

What is mental health It’s easy to see when something’s wrong with us physically. But what about our mental health? (broken leg) Mental health is something we all have and it is something we should take steps to protect in the same way we guard our physical health. If you can get your head in the right place then you’ve got the strength to handle anything life throws at you.

So what does it feel like for you Mental health for teenagers isn’t the same as it is for adults. For one thing, there’s so much else going on in your lives it can be hard to spot a real problem. (school, social life, relationships, worries at home, family breakup) The worst thing you can do is bottle it all up and tell no one. You may think this is only happening to you, but in fact 1 in 5 young people (aged ) are going through a tough time at any one moment. So if this is you, you’re not alone

What’s going on around Ireland Studies show that the number one health issue for young people is their mental health. Your teenage years are a time when you’re particularly vulnerable. If you sort out your mental health problems now its better in the long run because studies show that three quarters of adults had signs of mental health problems when they were 18. In other words, to avoid bigger problems later, sort out the issues at the start. The best estimates we have suggest that in Ireland, at any given time, 1 in 5 adolescents and young adults experience serious emotional distress. Only a small number seek help

Give yourself a lift 1. You’re OK Don’t give yourself a hard time! 2. Keep active It’s amazing what a little exercise can do for you. Keep it simple, just choose an activity you like doing anyway 3. Get out there Talking to yourself all day is no help. So why not get out of the house and see what everyone else is up to. meet up with friends. They are important especially when you have problems or are not feeling so great 4. Eat well What you eat has a surprising effect on how you feel. 5. Take five Find space in your day for things to help you unwind, like listening to music, reading or watching movies etc 6. don’t ignore your worries If you’re feeling stressed or worried, just blocking it out with alcohol or something isn’t the solution. Find someone to talk things over with and you’re half way to fixing the problem. Friend or a trusted family member 7. Ask for help Everyone needs a helping hand. Asking for help in tough times is a sign of strength not weakness.

Look out for each other See the Signs If someone can’t talk about their problems, it may take a friend or family to help out. Naturally, we all get stressed out and irritable sometimes. These feelings are normal and will usually pass, but if they don’t go away they can be the symptoms of a mental health problem. So how do you spot a real problem? Look out for these typical warning signs: A drop in performance at school or in hobbies Avoiding friends, family, school, work, sports or other things that they usually enjoy A big change in mood or loss of control in certain situations Broken sleep patterns – too much or too little Disturbed eating patterns – again, too much or too little Getting obsessed about a particular issue Loss of interest in the way they look If you think that someone you know might be having problems talk to them. Most people will turn to a friend for support during tough times, so being there for your friends can really help. But you must not take on all of the responsibility.

How to help a friend Approaching a friend and finding the right words to talk about personal problems can be tough and scary. But remember that, very often, someone suffering from stress would actually appreciate help – they just don’t know how to ask for it. First of all, you should just try to get them to talk themselves. Ask them if there’s anything the matter, say you’ve noticed they’re not themselves lately. Keep it no pressure, just leave it open for them to say something. Just talking about a problem with someone can be a massive help. But if you feel their problem is too serious, or you don’t feel you can cope with sorting it out on your own, there are any number of professional advisers you and your friend can call – just see the Help section of your leaflet.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION

BULLYING it’s not your fault and it can be stopped. If you are scared to talk about it ask your friend for support. Remember to believe in yourself and not what the bully says.

APPEARANCE Self image - are you sure you see yourself as you really are? And not the way the media want you to look.

BEREAVEMENT Losing someone close to you is very hard to cope with. People deal with it in different ways, some want to be alone whilst others want people around them. Either way there is support for everyone out there.

PEER PRESSURE All of us experience peer pressure at times. It is important to feel confident within yourself and make the right decision and not what other people want you to do.

SCHOOL At times school can be a very stressful place. Make sure to make time for yourself and your friends, remember to talk to your teachers if you are feeling stressed.

RELATIONSHIPS Not all relationships are good! Having a happy positive relationship is good for your mental health, this goes for all relationships like with you family, friends boy/girl relationships.

SELF HARM Self harm is when someone deliberately hurts, cuts or injures themselves. if you or someone you know is self-harming you need to seek help right away!

FAMILY Problems at home whether arguments, money worries, divorce or separation can affect young people so much that their school work and social life suffers. Remember that there is help out there. It doesn’t matter what sort of family you have.

ISOLATION/LONELY You don’t have to be in the middle of nowhere to feel you are on your own, even people within groups can also feel alone. Don’t wait for your friends to always contact you

DRUGS & ALCOHOL Almost all young people will be exposed to alcohol at some point in their lives. Some will also be exposed to illegal drugs and some will try them Sometimes young people use drugs or alcohol to escape from their problems but this makes the situation worse.