Growing up - Teenage Anxiety

> You might need support when things start to go wrong or you are not sure about something.
> Sometimes you can feel you are on your own with things. Talking might not make things right, but it can help you work out how you feel and help you deal with things.
> There are many people who can help. Get support when you need it

Let’s face it, your teenage years aren’t exactly the easiest ones.
There’s loads of things to worry about – your appearance, school, friends, the future, your family, money, finding a job and somewhere to live – and all of them can be a source of anxiety from time to time.

But how do you know that your worries are the type that everybody has, and not something more serious?
After all, at any time about 1 in 20 people are clinically depressed. Well, here’s a checklist of common symptoms;

>Have you lost interest in everyday things?
> Do you feel guilty or that you are “no good to anyone”?
> Do you find it hard to concentrate on things you like?
> Do you always feel tired?
> Do you seem to be putting on (or losing) weight?
> Do you find it hard to get to sleep at night?
> Do you often feel agitated?
> Do you feel worthless?

If you have had a number of these symptoms for two weeks or more, you may be depressed.
What to do about it

> The trouble is when you’re depressed you often don’t feel like doing anything or sharing your feelings with more people.

> But if you can manage to tell someone close – a friend or someone in your family – you will feel less alone.

> And if you can tell your doctor, they will be able to help you by either placing you with a trained counsellor or giving you some medication.

> The most important thing to remember is to talk to somebody – don’t let depression make your life a misery.

Click on:
www.thesite.org
www.youthinformation.com
www.childline.org.uk - Link through to the Childline website....
www.counselling.co.uk - Find a counsellor within your locality

Contact:

> Calm (For young men who are depressed.) Freephone 0800 585858
> Childline For children & young people in distress. Freephone 0800 11 11
> Eating Disorders Association Youth line Tel: 01603 765050
> Heads Together Tel: 01737 780007
> Open Door Youth Counselling Service Tel:020 8680 0404
> Relateen Counselling service for teenagers 11-18 Tel: 01737 245212