Do you want to enjoy being young?
Stay aware, accept and appreciate your mental health.
Happy World Mental Health Day.
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GREAT YOUTH WELLBEING
Think Blog
Think Blog is our FREE KNOW-HOW section. An informative blog post, offering helpful questions and suggesting practical solutions. In addition to providing simple tools and tips on how young people can develop their self-belief skills in motivating themselves towards thinking, feeling, and acting GREAT, ultimately improving their wellbeing.
Whatever you do, action or inaction... Think
MIND & EMOTIONAL NURTURING
Please feel free to ask your questions, post comments, or send an email to think@mindemotionalnurturing.com
What is the difference between substance abuse and addiction?
Substance abuse refers to the use of illegal substances or legal substances in a way that can be harmful. Prescription medication, alcohol, smoking, and vaping are all legal. However, their abuse can lead to serious legal, medical, or psychological consequences.
Addiction occurs when the person becomes dependent upon the substance. All addictions begin with substance abuse.
What can I do to avoid engaging in substance abuse?
If someone invites you to a party where substance abuse may be an issue, tell them that you cannot attend because you have other plans that you are unable to break.
If you are at a party and substance abuse is a part of it, tell the host that you need to leave because you received a call from your parents.
Just say “no.”
If you are uncomfortable saying these things, practice in front of a mirror until you feel comfortable.
How can I help myself or a friend who has a problem with addiction?
Whether the person with the addiction is you or someone you care about, find an adult you trust that you can talk to. You cannot stop other people from using, but finding support is important if you are emotionally connected to the addicted person. You can also let the addicted person know that you are there for them if they need someone to talk to.
Call HSE Drugs and Alcohol helpline. freephone on 1800 459 459 or Sent an email to helpline@hse.ie
Suicide
After completing two days of intense Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), I have decided to write about the topic of suicide briefly!
Suicidal thoughts are more common than you may think. 11% of 18-25 years of age have reported having thoughts of suicide. According to World Health Organisation (WHO) 2021, suicide is the fourth cause of death amongst youngsters aged 15-19. For the 15-24-year-old age group, the rate of suicide is 14 per 100,000 people.
If you have thoughts of suicide, it is important to get help. You may think occasional thoughts of suicide are no big deal. The problem is that these thoughts can build upon each other and eventually lead to a crisis.
It is important to seek help before it becomes a crisis. Talk to an adult who you trust, a counselor, or call the Youth Suicide Prevention Ireland at 1800 828 888
I think someone who I know may hurt themselves. What should I do?
It is important to ask them if they have thoughts of hurting themselves. Please encourage them to seek help.
Call;
Local GP or Emergency Department
Emergency Services on 112 or 999
Samaritans anytime on Free Phone 116 123
Pieta Free 24/7 Crisis helpline:1800 247 247Text HELP to 51444
If they seem resistant to getting help, tell someone. It would help if you told their parents unless you believe it will make things worse for your friend. It is important to tell someone.
Also, if your friend admits that they are thinking of hurting themselves and tell you to keep it private, tell them that you cannot make that promise. You may be saving their life even though you may lose their friendship.
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