Newsletter #41 - Misconceptions about HIV; doing your school year justice; make your tasty treats.

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TeenHelp Newsletter

TeenHelp Newsletter #41 - August 16th 2013 - 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 News

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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Latest videos (August 8th 2013)

Due to the hard work of our Videos Team, we continue to see 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:

I had a black dog, his name was depression

This is personal and moving tale of one person's struggle with depression, told through the metaphor of depression as a black dog. The accompanying pictures tell the story of what it is like to live with the 'black dog', which can make everyday activities seem unappealing and impossible. However, there is hope, and this video shows how you can start to deal with your own 'black dog' and live the life you deserve.

Recovering from anorexia

For those dealing with anorexia, recovery can be a scary prospect. This video talks about some of the difficulties when it comes to recovery, including the mental roadblocks, complicated questions, relapses, and and what 'recovery' actually means.

How to cope with pet loss

Most pet owners will agree that pets are more than just animals - they are part of the family. When a pet dies, it is natural to go through the same stages of grief and mourning as if a person had died. This video discusses how to come to terms with the loss of a pet and how to deal with the feelings such an event may result in.

ADD and ADHD

Although most people have heard of the terms ADD and ADHD, many may not know exactly what they are. This video explains what both disorders are, as well as the signs, symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevalence.

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

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Latest articles (August 1st 2013)

Our team of talented writers bring our users a constant stream of fresh articles to read each month. Articles are being published regularly, so be sure to check regularly to see what we're doing. Some of our latest additions include:

The life and death of Margaret Thatcher

Margaret Thatcher is a household name, and most people are aware that she passed away in April this year. However, even to those within Britain, her actual accomplishments and overall influence may not be fully understood. This article gives a brief overview of the life, career, and death of ‘The Iron Lady’, including her childhood, marriage, and premiership.

Debunking myths about HIV

Can HIV be transmitted through kissing? Do people die from HIV? Are HIV and AIDS the same thing? Read this article to find out the answers to these and many other misconceptions about the human immunodeficiency virus.

http://www.teenhelp.org/articles/

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Affiliates

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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Thinkuknow

Thinkuknow aims to help young people learn how to stay safe online, as well as to inform adults on how to protect children from the dangers they may be exposed to while using the Internet. The website is divided into five sections for 5-7 year olds; 8-10 year olds; 11-16 year olds; parents and carers; teachers and trainers, and the information presented is tailored towards those age groups. There is also advice on how to report any incidents where you are made to feel uncomfortable, or if you are feeling worried. All the information on this website is provided by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre.

http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/

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Tips Of The Month

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 make home-made ice pops (popsicles)

Whether you are bored and in need of a treat, or the weather is scorching, making ice pops can be fun and tasty! Here is how you can make your own home-made ice pops.

• Purchase ice pop moulds that are made of hard plastic and are freezer safe. If you aren't able to purchase these, paper cups or yoghurt cups make a nice substitute.
• Create your mixture. Choose a flavoured drink such as juice that sounds good to you. Experiment with different varieties, like Gatorade ice pops or even pudding ice pops!
• Fill each mould/cup 3/4 full. You don't want to overfill it, because the mixture could expand while freezing. It can also make it harder to remove the ice pop from the mould if it's too full.
• Cover the moulds with wrap. Foil works best, but plastic wrap will work as well. Make sure that whatever wrap you use is on tightly.
• Place a popsicle stick directly in the middle of the mixture, making sure that it touches the bottom. The wrap will hold the stick in place.
• Put the ice pops in the freezer overnight, or until the mixture is solid. Once your mixtures are frozen, be sure to enjoy your tasty cool treat!

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f184-food-recipes/

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Making the most of your school year

Whether your school year is just starting, or you are halfway through, it can feel quite long and tedious. Because of that, many of us end up with a sense of dread and a lot of anxiety. However, the school year does not have to be something to cause unnecessary amounts of stress in our lives. Use some of these tips to make the best of the school year and enjoy it as much as you can.

• Get involved! It is the easiest way to have a good time during the year. Find a club or activity that you truly enjoy and make it a part of your daily or weekly routine. If you cannot seem to find something that you are interested in, grab some friends, go to the guidance office, and create your own club. It is easy enough to do, and you will be able to add something great to your school's list of organisations.
• Go to as many events as you can. School events can sound lame sometimes, but it is where some of the best memories can come from. Football games, pep rallies, dances, and any other event that your school decides to come up with are bound to have something to offer, even if it's just something that will make a funny story in the future.
• Take risks! Ask out the person you've had your eye on. Try out for the part in a school play. Start a hobby that you have only dreamed about before. These years are for making memories that will last a lifetime. There is nothing wrong with trying new things, even if they don't work out for you in the end. It is better to give it a go, instead of wondering what might have been. Who knows? Something amazing could come out of it.
• Make time for your studies. It will be the most tedious thing out there, but set aside a solid amount of time each night to finish your homework, study for your exams, and skim the coming chapters. It will make your life so much easier if you stay on top of things from the beginning. Besides, if you have to be there, you might as well rock your classes and impress people with your knowledge.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f22-education-careers/

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How to take better photographs

Whether you are using a digital camera, a single-lens reflex (SLR) camera, or a smartphone to take your photographs, there are ways that you can instantly improve your shots. Here are a few tips to get you started.

• Ensure that the camera is set to the highest resolution. This will allow you to better edit your photos later.
• To avoid or reduce red-eye in photos in low light levels, use a pre-flash. This will help the pupils to constrict and reduces the amount of light into the eye. The red eye phenomenon is caused by the pupils not having enough time to constrict when flash is used.
• Pay attention to the rule of thirds. Instead of placing your subject in the middle of the photo, consider positioning them one third from the left or right in the viewfinder, or one third from the top or bottom. This gives the photo a better composition.
• To take clearer photos, use a tripod, or prop your camera on a wall. If you cannot place your camera anywhere, hold it steady with both hands, and try not to take too long to take a photo, as the longer you take, the more likely it is for your hands to shake.
• Remove distracting objects in the background, or position your subject so that it is not in the path of clutter. Don't be afraid to try out different angles, or get closer to the subject for interesting effects.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f221-art/

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Interesting Things (on TeenHelp)

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

Can animals do 'more'?
Animals have learnt how to adapt to survive in their own environment, but do you think that they are capable of doing more?
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f3-ge...imals-do-more/

Picky eater "contest"
We all have foods that we simply do not like to eat. List yours here.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f184-...eater-contest/

What's your Internet speed?
Are you interested in discovering what your Internet speed is? Find out how to check your Internet speed in this thread.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f24-t...nternet-speed/

What medium do you use for self expression?
There are many ways to express yourself, from writing to drawing, or even creating music. How do you best express yourself?
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f40-s...lf-expression/

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Blogs

I have to believe
Recovery can often feel miles out of reach. Sometimes, all you can do is believe in recovery, and believe in happiness. This user talks about her emotions and her drive to recover. Perhaps it might even inspire you along your own road to recovery.
http://www.teenhelp.org/blogs/jovial...-have-believe/

Some of my secrets
Everyone has secrets. Some are positive and some can be negative. This person shares some of hers. What are some of your secrets?
http://www.teenhelp.org/blogs/bloomi...me-my-secrets/

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Social Groups

Self-harm free goals
Deciding to stop self-harm can be hard enough, and actually stopping can feel like a slow and intense process, but setting goals and telling someone about your intention can help. Join this group for some encouragement, and to encourage others too.
http://www.teenhelp.org/socialgroups...rm+free+goals/

The hopeful
At times, life can be difficult to cope with, but there may be small things, which happen during our day, that takes us by surprise; that shining light through the storm.
http://www.teenhelp.org/socialgroups/g428-+hopeful./

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Albums

Inspirational pictures
When times are hard, and everything seems to fall apart, it's easy to lose hope. Check out this album for inspiring pictures that can help improve a mood.
http://www.teenhelp.org/albums/lumos...onal+pictures/

Drawings
There are many forms of self expression. They can range anywhere from dancing, to drawing and even to writing. How do you express yourself? Take a look at this user's album to see how she expresses herself.
http://www.teenhelp.org/albums/%26%2...3033-drawings/

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Picture Of The Month

Each month we feature a picture by one of our users. If you would like to see your picture here please contact us by replying to this Newsletter, emailing us at contact@teenhelp.org, or messaging our Newsletter Officer (Halcyon) on the website.


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Upcoming events

Discussion: Building confidence and self-esteem (Saturday August 17th 2013)

If you have low confidence or self-esteem you may find yourself unable to carry out certain tasks or feeling 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 pessimism (Saturday August 24th 2013)

Pessimism is something that many people will encounter in their lives, either in themselves or in other people. It can ruin hopes and future prospects, and may lead to depression, but there are ways to deal with it so it does not get out of hand. Join this discussion to learn about what causes pessimism, and how to overcome or avoid it.

Discussion: Dealing with triggers (Saturday August 31st 2013)

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: Dealing with social situations/introversion (Saturday September 7th 2013)

Introverts tend to prefer interacting with small groups of people, or on a one-to-one basis, and can find social situations emotionally draining and difficult. Join this discussion to share your experiences with other users and to learn how to deal with awkward social situations.

Discussion: Building positive relationships (Saturday September 14th 2013)

Relationships between family members, friends and significant others each come with their own difficulties, but knowing how to overcome the obstructions to your relationships is essential if they are to be fulfilling for you. Join this discussion to look at how to build positive relationships with those you care about.

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, Twitter and Tumblr

Our social networking 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
Tumblr: http://www.teenhelp.org/tumblr

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Editorial team

Newsletter Officer/Editor-in-Chief: Haley (Halcyon)
Assistant Editor: Lyndsee (Glitter.)
Assistant Editor: Sammi (Masquerade.)
Assistant Editor: Rianna (Starlight.)
Assistant Editor: Chess (Syzygy.)

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