The common misconceptions of PTSD By Cassie (Calico.) Post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD is a serious mental health condition that develops from experiencing or witnessing a horrific or life threatening event. PTSD develops from trauma, whereas other mental illnesses do not and that is what separates PTSD from other illnesses. It can affect anyone of any sex, race, age, or background. Like other illnesses, PTSD has a negative stigma that often prevents sufferers from getting...

The benefits of group therapy By Dez ( *~Skittlify~* ) In group therapy, people with similar problems meet with a therapist in order to discuss and solve problems in an intimate setting. People are able to give and receive support from one another and share ideas in a safe space. At first, group therapy may seem frightening because it can seem scary to share your feelings with others. However, once you become more comfortable with group therapy it can be a beneficial experience. Group...

How to make a calming jar by Cassie (Cassiopeia.) Calming jars are a do-it-yourself craft that is sparkly and fun for people of all ages. The colorful glittery solution can serve as a calming substitute for people struggling with the use of unhealthy coping mechanisms such as self-harm. With the help of a few materials, people can create a calming jar of their own in just a few minutes. Materials needed Old clothing (optional) A mason jar

Coping with triggers By Robin (PSY) In order to cope with triggers, it's important to understand what a "trigger" is. A "trigger" is a cue or signal for anything that 1) reminds a person of an upsetting event, and 2) leads a person to have a strong, negative, physical and/or emotional reaction in response to being reminded of that upsetting event. Everyone has different triggers, because everyone experiences different kinds of upsetting events. Triggers can come in the form of people,...

Debunking the myths of eating disorders By Jenny (coolkid98) There are a variety of misconceptions about eating disorders which can make it difficult for those with eating disorders to reach out and get help. This article will debunk some of the common myths about eating disorders. In clarifying common misconceptions, it hopes to promote greater understanding of what eating disorders are, and categorically are not. Myth: Eating disorders aren't serious; they're a lifestyle choice. Fact:...

Understanding self esteem By Jenny (coolkid98) Self esteem can affect an individual in many ways. If one has a low self esteem, it can affect their home, school or work life, and their relationships with peers and family members. Many people struggle with a low self esteem in some way, and it is especially common among teenagers. There are many factors which can impact a person's self esteem; these can include the media, families, school and puberty. What is self esteem? Self esteem is...

Living with a mental illness By Chess ( *~Skittles Martinski~* ) It’s quite common for people with a mental illness to say they are suffering from it: “She suffers from depression” or “He suffers from bipolar” are phrases which sound familiar, but they may not be entirely accurate or helpful. This approach is fairly typical, but it’s also problematic. For many people with mental illness, a diagnosis can result in a declining sense of stability within their lives. They may fear that their...

Eating in public By Cassie (Idyllic.) For people who suffer from eating disorders or anxiety, eating in public isn’t exactly a walk in the park. A fear of eating in public or in front of others is a specific phobia that is a lot more common in people than it is perceived to be. A specific phobia is defined as "a lasting and unreasonable fear caused by the presence or thought of a specific object or situation that usually poses little or no actual danger" source]. Signs of specific phobias...

Believe You are Good Enough By Sara Westbrook Sara Westbrook, one of TeenHelp's partners, has graciously shared this article on the value and importance of self worth in improving one's quality of life. She is a motivational singer, song writer, and speaker, and youth advice columnist who hopes to empower youth around the world. For more information on her mission, visit www.sarawestbrook.com. Q: I’m really going through a lot and there’s no one I can talk to. I’m hating myself by the...

Just a bad dream By Robin (PSY) You are clinging to the edge of a cliff. Your grip is slipping and suddenly you begin to fall. Before you can hit the ground, you wake up. Your heart is racing, your palms are sweaty, but you sigh with relief as you realize that it was all just a horrible nightmare. After giving yourself a moment to calm down, you roll over and go back to sleep. It's over. Unfortunately, some individuals suffer from recurring nightmares. These nightmares may emerge for the...

Social anxiety By Holly Marie (Rie) We all get jittery at times and occasionally we all get nervous around people we don't know. Can you imagine that feeling intensified and multiplied so many times that it's almost unbearable to throw oneself into a social situation? Sometimes anxiety can disrupt your life, and if it severely impairs or limits your ability to function, you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. There are many types of anxiety disorders. To begin with, there is...

The basics of dialectical behavior therapy By Anonymous Dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, is a branch of cognitive behavioral therapy that deals with the theory of dialectics – two seemingly opposite notions that exist simultaneously. The basis of DBT is to encourage participants to accept themselves as is while still aiming for the possibility of change. The idea of integrating acceptance and change was paradoxical, and of course, dialectical, when it was first proposed in the 1980s by...

Men with eating disorders By Jenna (.:BreakingBeautifully:.) It is common knowledge that women are more likely to struggle with eating disorders than men. It is estimated that on any given day, ten million American women struggle with an eating disorder. According to the most recent statistics provided by the National Institute of Mental Health, 4.9% of all American women struggle with an eating disorder at some point in their lives (0.9% with anorexia, 1.5% with bulimia, and 3.5% with...

Complementary therapies By Jessie (Felorena.) Complementary therapies are a combination of conventional medicine therapies and philosophies (such as believing that illnesses develop when the person's body is out of balance and that a person's body, in the right conditions, can heal itself). While some people find going into counselling helps them with their mental health, other people find complementary therapies to be more beneficial. Complementary therapies are not just used by people who...

Coping with social anxiety at school By Gareth (Oracle.) Everyone feels nervous or self-conscious sometimes. Even the most confident of people can get the jitters just before a big occasion, such as an interview or giving a speech in front of a large group of people. This is perfectly normal and generally nothing to worry about, but when these feelings are very powerful and you just can’t seem to shake them, it can be a sign of a more serious issue. Social anxiety disorder, also known as...