Newsletter #7 - Join our magazine; get work done without procrastination; improve your self-esteem.

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TeenHelp Newsletter #7 - October 15th 2010 - http://www.teenhelp.org

Welcome to the TeenHelp Newsletter! Our Newsletter contains a lot of useful information about our current work, including updates to our site and services, work with our partners and affiliates, details of upcoming events, short bits of advice, interesting links and more!

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TeenHelp regularly makes changes to its site and services. Some of these are large and noticeable, and others are small and much less so, but each one contributes to the positive development of TeenHelp and how our users experience our community. Below are some of the most recent developments.

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Vacancies in Avatar Magazine (October 12th 2010)

TeenHelp currently has three editor vacancies in our magazine, Avatar. These are for a Graphics Editor (who creates the visual aspects of the magazine), a Deputy Graphics Editor (who sources images and improves magazine quality), and a Sub-Editor of Fun and Games (who produces quizzes, jokes and similar fun sections of the magazine). If you wish to join the Avatar team and apply for one of these positions, please complete an application form at your earliest opportunity.

http://www.teenhelp.org/apply/

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Changes to the Code of Conduct (September 25th 2010)

While TeenHelp has previously maintained many different sets of rules for each area of our site, each individual set has now been amalgamated into one concise document. These rules were re-written to create a shorter, clearer and more comprehensible document for the community, to ascertain what behaviour is accceptable at TeenHelp. Minor changes have also been made to the other three Terms of Service documents, but it is important to familiarise yourself with TeenHelp's new Code of Conduct.

http://www.teenhelp.org/terms/conduct/

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TeenHelp works with a range of different organisations and websites in order to help and educate young people. Below are some of our most recent affiliations. For a full list of the organisations we work with, please visit our Resources page.

http://www.teenhelp.org/resources/

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Planned Parenthood

For the past 90 years, Planned Parenthood has been a main source for women's health and wellbeing information and advice. They help women make decisions about sex, parenting and family. However, not only do they help women, they also help men, and teens of all ages, as well as professionals seeking to educate others in the classroom or elsewhere. More than 1.2 million youths and adults participate in Planned Parenthood educational programs every year.

http://www.plannedparenthood.org/

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Afraid To Ask?

Afraid To Ask? offers comprehensive information on a variety of medical topics that may be too embarrassing to ask about. If your question is not covered on the website, an 'Ask a Doc' service is available, for a moderate fee per question, where you will receive a personal response from a certified physician.

http://www.afraidtoask.com/

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Each month we share small bits of practical advice that you can implement to improve your life or that of others.

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How to beat procrastination

Does the thought of "I'll do that tomorrow" turn into days, weeks, and then months? Do you feel like you are not realising your true potential in life? Procrastination can be destructive, leading to missed opportunities, stress, overwhelming feelings, and may leave you with nothing but regrets. Learn how to beat procrastination today - don't put it off until tomorrow!

• Write a list of everything that you have been putting off and re-order according to priority. Now break each task down into small manageable steps.
• Set yourself reasonable deadlines.
• Reward yourself when you have completed a task.
• Lower your expectations and remember that no one is perfect.
• Schedule some time to rest and replenish your energy to avoid burnout.
• Tell a friend what you pledge to do. They can either congratulate you or berate you if you do not complete a task on time. Show them that you can do it!

If you would like more help on this or have any questions on procrastination, please visit: http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f22-education-careers/.

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Building self-esteem

Good self-esteem can lead to a happier and more successful life. Here are some ways in which you could boost your self-esteem:

• Focus on what you are good at, such as any activities you enjoy or talents you have.
• Accept and appreciate compliments, try not to downplay or reject them.
• Write affirmations and continuously remind yourself about your positive traits.
• Change the way you think by challenging negative thinking and assumptions.
• Help someone and make a difference. Realising that your help is valued can do wonders for your self-esteem.

For additional help and advice on increasing your self-esteem, visit: http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f14-mental-health/.

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Asperger's syndrome

Asperger's syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder characterized by problems interacting with others, which can range from severe to minor. If you or someone you know may have Asperger's, here are a few tips that may help you:

• Socialize yourself by joining clubs that you are interested in or trying to talk more with your classmates.
• When doing work, try to eliminate background noises and distractions. You can do this by sitting alone in a quiet room or by wearing headphones that block out surrounding noises.
• Some people may have trouble with sleeping. If you do, try to remove anything that makes sounds, use a heavy blanket as the pressure can help, and have blackout curtains over the windows to block out any light.
• There are several different types of therapy that could help, such as social skills training, occupational and physical therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and speech therapy.
• Practice methods to keep yourself relaxed, such as by closing your eyes and visualising a peaceful setting in your mind, or concentrating on your breathing for periods of time.

If you need more help, or have any questions regarding Asperger's or autism, check out our Disabilities forum: http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f122-disabilities/

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A lot of content is posted to TeenHelp every single day, from threads to articles, social groups to albums. But it is difficult for even the most veteran user to keep on top of it all, so we have selected a few items from among the masses that we thought were interesting to draw your attention to.

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Threads

What is the one thing that gets you up in the morning?
Everyone must have one thing that encourages them, that gives them the strength to carry on. Whats yours? Let us know here!
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f29-g...ou-up-morning/

CNN Report: Children Unable to Escape CyberBullying.
With all the news about suicides resulting from bullying, this thread could be interesting to find out how many of us are dealing with bullying online. Check out this thread, and make sure to answer the questions. There is hope; things will get better.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f38-c...cyberbullying/

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Articles

Bullying
With all that has happened recently with teens becoming victims to bullying, here is a good article about how to prevent bullying, stand your ground and stop it from happening to yourself and others.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f86-p...t848-bullying/

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Social Groups

Hope through the rain <3
Have you previously overcome - or are currently working on - personal struggles in your life? If so, then why not join this group and share your experiences?
http://www.teenhelp.org/socialgroups...ain+%26lt%3B3/

The Get Healthy Challenge
Would you like to improve your lifestyle, change what you eat, and get help with unhealthy habits? If you want to start your own personal get healthy challenge and receive support along the way, why not check out this social group!
http://www.teenhelp.org/socialgroups...+challenge%21/

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Upcoming events

Discussion: Building confidence and self-esteem (Sunday October 17th 2010)

If you have low confidence or self-esteem you may feel unable to carry out certain tasks or that you are disliked by others. These feelings might hold you back and stop you from enjoying life to its fullest. Join this discussion to learn techninques to give your self-esteem a boost, and how to work on building confidence for a more fulfilling lifestyle.

Discussion: Health (drop in) (Saturday October 23rd 2010)

Do you find that the fast pace of every day life gives you little time to look after yourself and take care of your health? Each new day brings new demands, makes us busier, that we often neglect the basics; we become more prone to general health problems, which can also be worrysome, a problem in itself. Join this discussion for tips on how to stay healthy, and for support with general health issues.

Discussion: Mental health (drop in) (Saturday October 30th 2010)

At some point in our lives, we may be touched by mental health issues at any time and any place, whether it affects ourselves directly, or someone we know and care about. The stigma behind mental health may prevent people from seeking the help and support they need to recover. No matter what your problem, this discussion will help you to reach out and provide you with extra support.

Discussion: Puberty and growing up (Saturday November 6th 2010)

Adolescence can be a time of both great confusion and great change. From sex and puberty to the inevitable challenge of making the right choices, this discussion will help you to deal with the changes we must all face as young adults growing up.

Discussion: Depression (Saturday November 13th 2010)

Depression is a pattern of low moods that can affect all aspects of your life, and is often accompanied by low self-esteem, and withdrawal from emotional and social activities. This discussion will help you learn how to reach out for help, and begin a recovery from depression.

For more information about upcoming Facilitated Chat Room Discussions (FCRDs), and the times that these discussions will take place, please visit our FCRD page.

http://www.teenhelp.org/chat/discussions/

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Donate to TeenHelp

In order to continue providing free services to young people around the world, TeenHelp requires a constant income of voluntary donations to support our regular costs. If you are able to, we ask that you please donate any money you can to us, even if it's only a few dollars.

http://www.teenhelp.org/donate/

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Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Our Facebook and Twitter pages are a great place to get a lot of high-quality information. We aim to connect you to interesting organisations, volunteering opportunities, events, news stories, pictures, videos, and more!

Facebook: http://www.teenhelp.org/facebook
Twitter: http://www.teenhelp.org/twitter

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Editorial team

Editor-in-Chief: Rob
Deputy Editor: Briana
Assistant Editor: Brittany (.Brittany.)
Assistant Editor: Haley (Halcyon)

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