Great Youth Wellbeing: I do not feel good about myself. What can I do about this?

Negative Self-Image

Having a negative self-image is becoming increasingly common among teenagers. One of the major reasons for this is social media. Teenagers are susceptible to self-doubt because they judge themselves against what they see on the internet.

If you have a negative self-image, this is a well-being issue. You must stop judging yourself and comparing yourself to others. Instead, learn to be GREAT;

• Give compassionately toward yourself.

• Relate non-judgementally and become your best friend.

Think about it, how would you care for someone you cared about?

Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on what is great or lovable about you. Everyone is special in their way. You can stay curious and find out what is special about you.

Great Youth Wellbeing: Am I addicted to online?

Online Addiction - Am I addicted to online?

The answer to this question requires you to be mindful and open-minded. We live in a digitized world where the internet is vital for obtaining information. Could you ask yourself what your intentions are for going online? Are you going online to get information that will improve your life, or are you spending too much time online to avoid thoughts or emotions you do not want to deal with?

A youth spending too much time online doing the latter is laying a foundation for a serious well-being issue. You may want to find ways to address those thoughts and feelings rather than avoidance.

Great Youth Wellbeing: I feel moody most of the time. Is something wrong with me?

Moodiness

As a young person, you may be experiencing what all teenagers go through, puberty. Adolescence is a time of major hormone changes, leading to moodiness. Staying in this state for longer than two weeks and moving away from your norms (normal ways of being) could signify developing a well-being issue.

Next time you are feeling moody, do not judge yourself. Instead, become mindful and curious.

1. Are you your emotions?

2. Do your emotions define who you are?

You cannot fully control your thoughts and emotions, but you have the power not to let your emotions control you. Accept that emotions are part of you but do not define you. When you feel moody, zero in on what is going right in your life, even if it is something simple and ordinary.