Newsletter #16 - TeenHelp's birthday; Creating awareness about the dangers of technology; How to keep the peace.

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TeenHelp Newsletter #16 - July 17th 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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Celebrating TeenHelp's thirteenth anniversary (July 13th 2011)

Many of us remember the time when we turned thirteen years old, leaving childhood and becoming teenagers. Our teenage years are some of the most important in our lives, and many great surprises and accomplishments await us during them. This issue we are proud to announce that TeenHelp has now been in operation for over thirteen years.

In that time we have been fortunate enough to meet and support many wonderful young people, helping them out of the depths of despair and onto the road of success. Together, as the TeenHelp community, we would also like to thank our many talented volunteers, whose enthusiasm and commitment has made TeenHelp's work possible. We are thrilled that TeenHelp has thrived over the last thirteen years, and we look forward to the many successes and challenges to come.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f2-an...-now-teenager/

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Latest videos (July 7th 2011)

Due to the hard work of our new Videos Team, over the last several months we have seen many great additions to our Videos section. More videos are being added all the time, so check regularly to see all our favourite picks! Some of our latest additions include:

How To Help Someone Having a Panic Attack

When a person you cherish has a sudden onset of panic it can be pretty scary if you don't know what to do. This video provides information on how to identify when someone is having a panic attack (including common signs and symptoms) and how to prepare and compose yourself to help your loved one get through a panic attack.

Acne

Acne is infamous for appearing at the worst time possible. Plaguing most of us at one point or another, this common skin problem can be embarrassing to live with. By watching this video, you will become more familiar with acne; be able to identify its causes; learn how to treat and prevent it; and much more!

http://www.teenhelp.org/videos/latest/

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New FCRD Officers (July 4th 2011)

In an effort to help our Facilitated Chat Room Discussions run more smoothly and effectively in the future, TeenHelp is pleased to announce the creation of a new FCRD Officer position to oversee this service. For this position we have hired two capable volunteers, Jenny [**Ordinary Day**] and Julz [Thirteen], who we hope will flourish in their new roles. The FCRD Officers will support the FCRDs in a number of ways, including matching the right facilitators to discussions and monitoring discussion quality, to ensure that our users can get the most from taking part.

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

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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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Living With Anxiety

Anxiety exists in many different forms, from pervasive conditions to acute phobias, each of which can be highly disruptive to the lives of those affected. Living With Anxiety aims to support those suffering from anxiety and their carers. Their website has a wide variety informative resources, including facts about the different types of anxiety, a number of self tests, informative articles and videos. It also gives you the opportunity to have your questions about anxiety answered.

http://www.livingwithanxiety.com/

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The Emergency Contraception Website

If you're sexually active and aren't ready to become a parent yet, then knowing how to protect yourself is crucial. The Emergency Contraception Website helps to provide women with valuable contraceptive information, such as how it works and where to get it from, Frequently Asked Questions, and a database of emergency contraceptive pills available in different countries.

http://ec.princeton.edu/

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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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The dangers of technology

While new technology can provide many benefits in our daily lives, if we're not careful it can also be a danger without us even realising it. The following tips will help you stay safe while using technology.

• Texting while driving is dangerous and can lead to car accidents, which are a major cause of death among young people. Don't underestimate the effect texting has on your concentration; put you phone way and pay attention to the road!
• Camera phones are great for giving you memories at times when a camera isn't available, but being photographed in embarrassing situations (such as in a bathroom or locker room) can be upsetting. Even worse when those photos or videos are sent to friends or put online. Try not to put yourself in situations that would enable these to be taken, for example by drinking less when you're out with your friends.
• Careless posting on social networks like Facebook and MySpace can present problems for you in the future. Private information is often taken without the user knowing, and this can sometimes affect the decisions of your future employer or university. Remember to use the privacy options provided to filter who can see what you post.
• People you meet online may seem trustworthy at first, but they could hurt you in many ways - for example by publishing your private details for the whole world to see, or turning out to be someone they're not. Be extremely careful who you believe online, and unless you know them in person don't divulge sensitive information to them.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f24-technology-gaming/

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How to keep a conversation going

At some point in our lives, we may have experienced that awkward moment when a conversation runs dry. It takes practice to master the art of conversation, so don't feel disheartened if it does not work out straight away. Here are a few tips to get you started.

• Talk about a topic that you're both interested in.
• Ask open-ended questions, as closed questions force 'yes' or 'no' answers and is a sure way to bring a conversation to a halt.
• Listen out for free information when the other person is speaking, as it may help you to ask them further questions about what they have just said.
• People like to talk about themselves, so ask questions that would help you to learn more about them; if you can relate through your own personal experiences, share as much as you feel comfortable with.
• Keep a bank of questions on standby that you can call upon if you run into trouble.
• Remember that it may not be your fault if a conversation does not go as well as you would have liked. The other person might be having a bad day or could be distracted.

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

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Keeping the peace

When we have disagreements and quarrels with those we care about, how can we keep the peace and remain calm so we do not endanger our friendships/relationships in the process?

• Admit your wrong doings - It takes a true person to stand up and admit to their faults, but having the courage to do so can easily prevent future issues from escalating, as well as easily ending a quarrel.
• Give a heartfelt apology - From the beginning of time, the best way to show sincerity or care for one another was to apologise. Simply saying "I'm sorry" with meaning really shows that you accept what has happened and that you are trying your best to repair what was damaged.
• Know when it's time to "Fight" or "Flight" - Something that many people do not possess is knowing when to stand up for themselves and when to walk away. A common rule of thumb is that when things are really heated, it is best to wait until they calm down before voicing your opinion. Even if the other person is fuming, ignore it and wait until things have cooled down.
• Know that damages take time to heal - Like any cut or wound we have experienced on our bodies, emotional damage to one another may take time to heal. If it seems to be taking unusually long for someone to forgive you, be patient and remain sincere. Always remind them how truly sorry you are and soon enough their damage will heal.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f18-friends-family/

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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 song is stuck in your head right now?
A lot of songs have meaning through their lyrics, or have a really catchy beat. We feel the songs through what the artist is performing about, and, because of it, this becomes a song that is constantly on replay for us in our mind. Let us know what song is stuck in your head, here!
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f224-...ead-right-now/

Favourite type of Mythology?
Learning about ancient cultures and the beliefs and traditions of each can be both fascinating and entertaining. Which culture's mythology are you most interested in?
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f3-ge...ype-mythology/

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Blogs

Yeah, you've only begun to shine
When you feel low, have you been quick to turn on a sad song? Might our actions actually make us feel worse? Read this blog for inspiration, and to see how a user has turned their life around.
http://www.teenhelp.org/blogs/%26%23...possible-trig/

What's Perfect?
With the merging advancement of technology today, the media imposes on us that certain image of so called "Perfection" that many of us try to incorporate into our lives. This blog, however, is an inspiration, and gives us a true glimpse of how we are. It also instils a sense that every one of us is born with unique and special qualities that altogether make us perfect, just the way we are.
http://www.teenhelp.org/blogs/totaal...whats-perfect/

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Social Groups

Just Keep Swimming
During the rough times, it is helpful to keep a positive outlook, but it is not something so easy to achieve. Join this group for support and encouragement from fellow users, and to remind each other to think positively.
http://www.teenhelp.org/socialgroups...imming+%3A%29/

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Upcoming events

Discussion: Building confidence and self-esteem (Saturday July 23rd 2011)

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 techniques to give your self-esteem a boost, and how to work on building confidence for a more fulfilling lifestyle.

Discussion: Dealing with traumatic events (Saturday July 30th 2011)

If you've experienced a traumatic event then it can affect your long-term mental health; you may be left depressed, experiencing flash backs, or having trouble sleeping. Attend this discussion to learn about developing positive coping strategies to help you live past your traumatic experiences.

Discussion: Dealing with triggers (Saturday August 6th 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: Death and grieving (Saturday August 13th 2011)

Death can be one of the toughest struggles to overcome. If you know someone who has passed away, and need help with moving on, join this discussion to learn more and help others with the same difficulties. Also, if you have lost loved ones to suicide, this discussion will help you start the healing process as a survivor.

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: Haley (Halcyon)
Assistant Editor: Rianna (Moonlight.)
Assistant Editor: Rylan (Ashiteru)

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