Experimental
A group of young people in Derby with an interest in mental health issues have produced a DVD called ‘Experimental’, aimed at offering other young people support and encouragement about their own emotional well being. The short film is being sent out to selected school and youth clubs across the city, so it could be coming to a screen near you soon!
The five themes that are explored in the DVD are all featured below:
Bullying
Bullying can take many different forms, from name calling and teasing, to threats and physical violence. One things for sure though, being bullied makes you feel horrible inside. If you are being bullied, it is very important that you talk to someone about it.
It could be a friend, parent or carer, teacher, relative or a Helpline like Childline (see the contacts list at the bottom of the page). Talk to somebody that you trust: it is so important to talk, as if nobody knows, then nobody can help.
To get you thinking more about bullying, have a quick look at the questions below:
What is bullying?
Why do people get bullied?
Why do people bully?
Who do you ask for help?
What can schools/youth clubs do to help?
Eating Disorders Most people have doubts about their body at some time, feeling they are too fat or too thin. This is especially common during teenage years when our bodies are changing so much.
Eating problems are not just about food though. They are about your emotions too. When diets, losing weight and stressing about it become an obsession, physical and mental health may suffer.
If you are worried about these issues it is important that you talk to someone who you feel will make it easier for you to cope with your worries.
To get you thinking more about eating problems, have a quick look at the questions below:
Why do young people get eating problems and disorders?
Ways of coping: who can we ask for help?
What can friends and family do to help a young person suffering with an eating disorder?
Workload Managing school or college work can be stressful. Sometimes it can make you feel under pressure - it can be difficult to know when to work, if you are doing enough or too much? Are you getting the right balance between working too much and not enough? The questions and doubts can go on and on.
Do you have any worries about your school/college work or workload? Give the questions below a quick glance. They may help you to think of your own way to cope.
How can you plan your time to make your workload less worrying? Who can help if you are stressed about school/college work?
What do you do to relax?
Physical Health Both your physical and mental health are strongly linked. When you feel physically healthy it can help to improve your mental health, and it is the same the other way round.
If you are in poor physical health this can affect your emotions and mental health. Yet it has also been proven that being fit leads to improved mood and mental health. This is why Doctors now often advise people who are depressed to join a gym or take up another form of exercise.
The questions below will help you to think about the importance of being physically healthy.
What is physical health?
How do we keep in good physical health?
How do physical health problems affect a young person emotionally?
How do physical health problems affect a young person’s social life?
What can friends and family do to help a young person with physical health difficulties?
Family Difficulties All families are different and at times most of us will have worries about changes or difficulties within our families. If you are worried about family problems, then it is important that you find someone to talk to. Maybe you want to talk direct to your family about your worries, or perhaps you would feel more comfortable talking to somebody who you trust outside of the family?
The questions below may help you to think about ways to ease your worries about family difficulties:
What problems might families have to deal with?
How do you solve problems/arguments within your family?
Who can you go to if you are worried about a problem in your family?
What are the best things about your family?
Who Can Help?
The idea of talking about what's happening in your life can be scary. But if you share your worries with someone that you trust, they may be able to support you and help you to understand why you are feeling unhappy and what can be done to help. You could try talking to….
* Parent/Carer * Friend * Brother or Sister * Other family member * Teacher * Youth Worker * Social Worker * Counsellor * Anyone else?
If the quick questions in each section have got you thinking, and you want to know more about these topics or other emotion and well-being issues then log on to the following site:
Young Minds
CONTACTS
If you are concerned about any of the issues raised, then there are many organisations listed below that can help you:
Addaction Young Persons’ Advice Line 01332 222455 Support and advice for young people (under 18’s) affected by alcohol and/or drug problems. Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service 01332 292724. Monday-Friday 9am - 5pm.
Childline 0800 11 11 Free 24 hour advice line for children and young people in distress or danger. Choices 01332 206027 For gay, lesbian and bi-sexual advice and support.
Connexions, 8 Curzon Street Derby, 01332 200033 Free advice, information and support - including specialist careers advice. For all 13 - 19 year olds and people up to 25 years who ave learning difficulties and/or disabilities.
Derbyshire Housing Aid 01332 297611 For anyone with a housing problem, free independent advice and advocacy. Monday - Friday, 9.30am - 4pm.
Derbyshire Mind Rosehill Club 01332 772300 Social club ran on a drop-in basis. Safe environment to make friends and share experiences. (Please phone for club opening hours)
Disability Direct 01332 299449 Advice and information for disabled people, carers or family members. Domestic Violence Helpline 08082000247 Free confidential 24 hour a day helpline.
G.P.’s are there for your mental as well as physical health.
Hadhari Nari Women’s Project 01332 270101 Advice and information for women on many issues, including support and accommodation for women fleeing domestic violence.
Runaways Project 01332 206773 Advice for under 16’s who are thinking about running away from home.
Safe Speak 0800 093 5264 Free counselling service for young people in Derbyshire who have a change in their family situation
Social Care Services 01332 717000 Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm (4.30pm on a Friday) and Out of Office Care Line 01332 711250.
The Space 12 The Spot, Osmaston Road, Derby 01332 364 445 Free information and advice for young people aged 12-25 years on sexual health (including clinics), housing, benefits, careers, drugs and more. Open Monday - Friday 1pm - 6pm and Saturday 12pm - 4pm.
VOYCE 0800 028 6977 An independent advocacy service for children and young people who are in contact with Social Services in Derby.
Young Minds Office 020 7336 8445 Information and advice for children and young people aged up to 25 years, who have concerns about their mental health or emotional wellbeing.
Young Minds Parents Information Service 0800 018 2138 Advice and information for parents and carers who are concerned about the mental health or emotional wellbeing of a young person.
Remember! Above everything else “It’s good to talk” to friends/family/teachers or one of the contacts above …