Are You Worried?
Meeting new friends, learning to swim, competing in sports, family problems at home - all these and many more are things that we all worry about. It is completely natural to feel a mix of emotions about things, and worry can be helpful as long as it doesn't last too long, become too intense or happen too often.
Talking about your problems is always the best way to start making them better. Often, by talking to your parents, carers or another adult about the things that are bothering you can help you to see things differently and will make you feel that you do not have to deal with it on your own.
We're here to help!
At school, you can speak with your class teacher, or any other adult, who will always be able to make time to listen to you.
If you are not sure what to say, try writing it down and giving the message to an adult you trust to read and come to speak to you about it after.
Childline
You can also call childline on 08001111 (the call is free)
Childline are there for you on the phone or online whatever your worry. You can also get support from other young people in similar situations.
Emerge - A Voice of Hope
Emerge are a youth work charity that support young people due to the way they are feeling or the way they are acting.
Click here to find them online.
MeeToo
The MeeToo app allows you to talk anonymously about difficult things with other people of a similar age or experience. You can get help with your problems or use your experiences to help others. The app is a safe space where all posts and replies are checked before going live so there is no harassment, bullying or grooming.
Worry Jar
A Worry Jar is a place that you can put your worries, so you do not have to keep thinking about them. It is just storing them or putting them away instead of always thinking about them. Create a worry jar with your parent or carer by finding a glass or plastic jar and decorating it and then labelling it. Once made, write all your worries in a list on paper and cut each worry into its own strip of paper. Fold each worry and put it in the jar. Once all the worries are inside, close the jar
You can also make a worry box or get a special Worry Monster - anything will work!
Schedule Worry Time
The next step is to schedule "worry time". Worry time is a set time of day when you can sit calmly with your adult and discuss the things that are in the worry jar. Choose 10-15 minutes per day after school, or dinner (but not right before bed) and write this time on the jar (for example 4.15 - 4.30pm). During this time, open the jar and focus on one or two each day to talk over with your grown up. To end worry time, have a timer or alarm to sound, put the worries away for the next day.
Of course, it is normal for worries to come up at other times of the day, so it will be good to get into the habit of writing it down and "saving the worry" for worry time later that day.
By using the worry jar regularly, there will come an exciting time when you realise something you had previously put in the jar is no longer a worry, and you have successfully overcome! Celebrate this moment by taking the worry out and ripping it up!
Young Minds