Newsletter #12 - Moderating changes; the dangers of self-diagnosis; coping with bullies.

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TeenHelp Newsletter #12 - March 15th 2011 - 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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Moderating changes (February 2nd 2011)

For a long time one of the main ways to report issues with fellow users was to contact the Disputes Committee. Recently, however, an increasing number of issues are being reported to the Disputes Committee that could be better handled by Moderators, which has often left Disputes Committee overwhelmed. To improve this we have introduced a "Report a user" form that allows these issues to be reported directly to the respective Moderators. This will make moderating both quicker and more efficient for all parties, and allow Disputes Committee to focus on the situations that need their attention most. This will lead to better moderating judgements and an overall safer and more enjoyable experience for everybody.

http://www.teenhelp.org/misc.php?do=form&fid=35

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

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

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Kidscape

Kidscape is a UK charity established in 1985 that specifically aims to prevent childhood bullying and sexual abuse. Kidscape offers a variety of support and advice in the form of booklets, posters, educational videos, and much more! Kidscape also organises the ZAP Assertiveness Training program at their London office, which aims to create a fun and safe environment in which kids aged 9-15 can learn to incorporate more assertiveness into their current lives.

http://www.kidscape.org.uk

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The Dougy Center

The Dougy Center is a support network that is based in Portland, Oregon, USA. The website aims to create and foster an environment in which people of all ages and walks of life are able to share their experiences, and help one another past their grieving stages and back to the path of happiness. The website has excellent resources that include finding a local support group, online stories/articles, emotional and moving works of literature and much more!

http://www.dougy.org

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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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Staying on track with your New Year resolutions

Every year, many people make New Year's resolutions, but how many of us actually keep them? If you have found yourself falling behind, here are some tips to help you stay true to your resolutions.

• Re-define your goals; make them clear and realistic, remembering that less is sometimes more. "I want to spend 30 minutes more focusing on my daily work" is better than "I want to spend more time focusing on my daily work".
• Choose a date in the summer to accomplish your resolutions, as you are more likely to be motivated during the brighter months.
• Write down your resolutions in an eye-catching way and place it where you will see it every day.
• Tell your family and friends what you pledge to do, to gain support and encouragement, should you start to deviate from the plan.
• Track your progress and reward yourself at significant milestones.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f219-lifestyle/

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The dangers of self-diagnosis

Many people self-diagnose medical issues, whether it be in an attempt to understand our problems better, or to pull attention towards us. But self-diagnosis can be dangerous, so it's important to be cautious.

• When we think we have a certain disorder or sickness, the first step we take is to see a professional. However, if we are able to convince the doctor of a certain sickness, it may lead to a misdiagnosis, which could then cause further complications, such as brain damage by taking the wrong medication, or making us bypass true symptoms we might have.
• Self-diagnosing undermines our current doctors. By self-diagnosing we take away faith for our current doctors, the only people who can really diagnose something for us.
• We may think that our symptoms are worse than they actually are. For example, if you have trouble sleeping, paying attention and that overall 'blue' feeling, it may make you to think that you have insomnia, ADD and depression, when in fact you might just have depression (all three are symptoms present in depression).
• If we believe we have a current disorder, but our doctor thinks differently, it may prompt us to hide the real symptoms.
• Self-diagnosing can ultimately lead to a habit that can, in turn, lead to other problems during our lives.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f16-general-health/

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Coping with bullies

Almost all of us can relate to some form of bullying, whether it be online, at work or at school. How can we cope with this so it does not take a toll on our lives?

• Stand up for yourself, but don't bully back; walk away with dignity, as the more you show that it does not affect you, the less the bully will pester you.
• Tell a responsible adult about the situation, as things can be done to stop the bullying.
• Know and analyse your bully, use their weakness to your advantage; for example, if he/she is scared of a certain person, stay with that person.
• A bully can only hurt you as much as you allow them to, do better things with your time and don't let their words or actions affect you.
• Talk to someone you really trust or use other resources (such as TeenHelp) and tell them about your day.

Things really do get better. Keep fighting, and one day the tables will turn and the bully will have got what he/she deserves for their past actions.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f20-p...sure-bullying/

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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

Working Together for A Better World
This inspirational thread aims to motivate everybody into doing something to positively affect the world around them.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f3-ge...-better-world/

Daily Random Act of Kindness Thread
A small act of kindness goes a long way. When you are kind to others, it inspires them to reciprocate and be kind to someone else. What was your random act of kindness of the day? Whether it be big or small, share them here, and also get ideas for other good deeds.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f29-g...ndness-thread/

Funny Memories
By sharing our funny memories, we also share the gift of laughter. Laughter instills hope and courage when we are fighting our battles, and brings out our true ability to excel and achieve the impossible.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f32-c...unny-memories/

How is 2011 so far for you?
New years can bring about great changes: new friendships, new adventures, and new opportunities. Share your 2011 news with TeenHelp!
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f3-ge...11-so-far-you/

Chain Mail
When you receive chain mail, do you read and pass it along or simply discard it? Do you think there may be some truth behind them, or is it just a scam? How do you react when you receive chain mail? Share your viewpoint here!
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f24-t...51-chain-mail/

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Social Groups

Tumblr Users
Do you have a Tumblr account and want to find other inspiration? Get to know TeenHelp members of the Tumblr community here!
http://www.teenhelp.org/socialgroups/g211-tumblr+users/

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Upcoming events

Discussion: Eating disorders (Saturday March 19th 2011)

Eating disorders can affect anyone and are becoming increasingly widespread due to a multitude of factors. Join our discussion for more information, to find out what we can do to ensure that we are free from eating disorders, and carry on with our everyday lives.

Discussion: Dealing with triggers (Saturday March 26th 2011)

Triggers are anything that reminds you of negative feelings or makes you want to perform unhealthy or dangerous behaviours. Often these are unavoidable parts of life and are tough to deal with on your own. This discussion will help you learn to control any urges the triggers may cause and how to prevent them from affecting you.

Discussion: LGBT, sexuality and gender identity (Saturday April 2nd 2011)

Do you feel discriminated against because of your sexual orientation? Do you need some support in 'coming out'? Discovering your sexual orientation can be a very confusing, lonely and isolating time. You may not know anyone else who feels the same way as you do, and you may feel worried and concerned that your peers will not accept you. Join this discussion for advice and support, and to ask any questions surrounding LGBT, sexuality and gender identity issues.

Discussion: Self harm (Saturday April 9th 2011)

Self-harm is a significant problem for many young people today. This discussion will explore alternatives, solutions and ways to seek advice in the face of this widespread and often misunderstood issue.

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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Statistics

30,000 registered users

Have you noticed a lot more new faces recently? TeenHelp now has over 30,000 registered users! Be sure to drop by to witness them for yourself.

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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: Haley (Halcyon)
Assistant Editor: Rianna (Dreaming ♥)
Assistant Editor: Rylan (u.got.ninja.ed)
Support Editor: Jessie

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