The team behind our Fighting the Stigma campaign are working hard to spread mental health awareness in schools, so students are able to identify the signs peers or family members are struggling. This will involve providing a series of PowerPoint to schools in which they can use during form/ registration periods, we aim to get as many schools as possible doing at least an hour of mental health awareness a fortnight. The average age someone experiences a mental health struggle is getting lower and lower, so this is where we step in. We aim to stop the stigma around mental health especially in children, who most likely don’t understand how someone is feeling and how they can help! This therefore will hopefully lower the number of teen suicides as they feel more supported by teachers, friends and family who will now have a greater understanding of the subject.
I just thought I’d introduce myself and why I’ve started this blog/campaign (with help from others).
Previously in my life one of my close friends committed suicide. As a 14/15 year old girl this hit me hard, as i’m sure it would for anyone. The tragic event destroyed my mental health and I found comfort in doing things I now regret. My school and family all knew but I didn’t receive the help I needed, not because of their lack of caring, but because of my unwillingness to seek help.
A couple of weeks ago another friend of mine chose to take his life. I wasn’t as close to him but many of my friends were left heartbroken. As I am now 17 I understand the reasons behind why a lot clearer and realise that no one can blame themselves for the passing of a loved one, and that they are in a better place now.
After this event, I noticed the phrase ‘so close yet so far’ reflects on the awareness of mental health. There are many great charities and organisations out there willing to help those who need it, yet not many people are realising they may need help, and therefore refuse to accept it once/if it gets presented to them.
Many people believe the saying: ‘they don’t care until you’re dead’. I, on the other hand, acknowledge this isn’t a saying to live by. There are always people who care, whether that’s your family or friends. They may not show it all the time but your absence would impact more people than you realise, and any issues can be spoken about.
This is my way of trying to make a stand and bring about more awareness to the matter. I have dealt with a lot in my past and I’ve finally found the courage to speak out.
The team and I are here to talk. We’re here so that you know you are not alone and you have someone to talk to, no matter what the situation is about.
This worksheet has already been uploaded to the google drive for you all to have a go at, I’m leaving the guidance for the worksheet on here!
If you’re feeling anxious or you’ve just got through a spell of anxiety or a panic attack and you feel as though you need to ground yourself to make life return from a mental pause this is the one for you.
In each box one of your 5 senses is listed, in each of these boxes you must list at least three things. Eg. Hear = dog barking, leaves rustling and a door closing.
In the final box at the bottom list your favourite sense from each box and draw how you think that sense would look if it was physical!
Below is a link to our shared google drive which I will be uploading daily self help worksheets and even the occasional PowerPoint for you to work through!
The first worksheet is now available, it can be used to help ground yourself after a spell of anxiety. Go check it out! Requests are open for future worksheets and PowerPoints, either contact us on our instagram linked below or our email!
You are worth it, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!
During this difficult period of time while we are all stuck at home due to COVID-19, our team are here to support you. You’re able to email us in the contact tab and also access our instagram account which you can also directly message us, one of the team will respond as soon as we get your message.
Some of you might be over the moon to be at home everyday, with some not so much. This is the time where we all, including you, need to step up. We all have a duty to ensure you, your friends and family are healthy, both physically and mentally. Check in with grandparents, check in with your friends you haven’t seen in 2 weeks. These small gestures can make a big difference to someones day no matter how they’re feeling, so make it meaningful.
Soon we will be publishing some “How to help” PowerPoints, to give you a greater awareness of what to look out for and warning signs someone might be struggling. Also including some activities and worksheets of what you can do when you’re struggling, with some distraction techniques if needed.
Fighting The Stigma 