Stressed out?

upset girlThey call hard times because… they are hard on you! Change and tough situations stress everyone. That’s normal. But if we don’t find ways to look after ourselves when we’re going through them, things can often get even tougher for us.

Here are ideas some young people suggested, after they’d been through really rough times. 

  • Eat good food 
  • Sleep well and have rests when you need to 
  • Ask for what you need 
  • Take time to do nothing - maybe stay with a relative or a friend for a break 
  • Do something physical sometimes to get moving 
  • Give yourself permission to feel whatever you feel 
  • Praise yourself – give yourself a pat on the back 
  • Don’t expect too much of yourself - forgive yourself 
  • Laugh and don’t feel guilty if you’re having a good day! 
  • Listen to the music you like 
  • Read the stuff you like 
  • talking it outHang out with good friends – keep connected – talk with others 
  • Spend time with people who care about you 
  • Spend time alone when you need some space to think 
  • Give yourself all the time you need to get through this 
  • Do the things that make you happy 
  • Join a youth support group if there’s one in your area 
  • Keep safe – don’t do dumb stuff 
  • beach 1Go to the beach or walk in the bush 
  • Do something creative 
  • Give a hug, get a hug 
  • Be patient with yourself - you’re only human! 
  • Get the help you need if you feel stuck

check out these VIDEO CLIPS of young people who've faced tough times

Read more for young people...

 

"I got really annoyed with people, especially my sister and brother. I’d explode over hardly anything, but I couldn’t stop myself. It just blew up from somewhere and I took it out on whoever was closest."

David

"I got hardly any sleep. I couldn’t be bothered eating. I got lots of cold sores. I ended up a physical mess."

Sam

"I figured I had to find some ways to make my life a little easier to live. These sorts of things helped. Now when I look back I’m proud of getting through that junk like I did. It was horrible, but I’m doing okay. Life’s good, despite the crap that can happen."

Leesa

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