Newsletter #48 - TeenHelp for mobile devices; self-harm myths; how to get the most out of your college education.

Source: Newsletter | Issue 48 | If you would like to receive the full quality HTML version via email please sign up.

TeenHelp Newsletter

TeenHelp Newsletter #48 - March 16th 2014 - 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!

==========

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.

==========

TeenHelp is now Mobile (March 13th 2014)

A mobile version of TeenHelp has been launched, making it more accessible and easier to navigate the site while 'on the go'. The same features are available as on the main site, including the Chat Room, HelpLINK and Live Help. We hope this will enhance the user experience and be beneficial to many. To access a more streamlined version of TeenHelp on your mobile devices, follow the links below.

http://teenhelp.org/mobile

==========

Latest videos (March 11th 2014)

Due to the hard work of our 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:

High School study tips: FAQ

High school is not as easy as it seems. Typically in high school, tests and quizzes are challenging, grades become more important, and our time becomes more valuable, especially when active in extracurricular activities. Watch this video to gain tips and advice on how to successfully pass homework, quizzes, and tests.

Online dating basics

With online dating comes unforeseen dangers, complications, advantages, and disadvantages. Take a look at this video to learn about those advantages and disadvantages, and protect yourself from any possible dangers or complications online dating may bring about.

Gambling addiction

A gambling addiction can be a problem that causes serious financial burdens on many. Take a look at this video to understand what a gambling addiction is, what causes it, and possible treatments for it.

Immunise for good – how vaccines work

There are many misconceptions about vaccines, from what is in them, to how they work. This video will show you how vaccines are made, what is in them, how they work, and how useful they actually are.

Myths about pregnancy

With pregnancy, many myths and misconceptions seem to arise. Watch this video to find out the real answers behind some of those myths and misconceptions.

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

==========

Latest articles (March 3rd 2014)

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 role of dogs in society

Most people are aware of guide dogs, but what many people may not know is that dogs can serve many other purposes, from helping people with everyday life to helping children learn to read. This article covers some of the basic types of assistance or service dogs, explaining what they do and what kind of people they work with.

Debunking myths of self-harm

Self-harm is a widely acknowledged but often poorly understood issue. This article runs through some of the myths surrounding self harm (such as ‘cutting is the only form of self-harm’ and ‘self-harm is only a method to get attention’) and explains why these assumptions are incorrect.

Asexuality: myths and misconceptions

Asexuality is arguably one of the least understood sexual orientations, with many people holding false or skewed views regarding it. This article clears up some of these misconceptions and explains the importance of furthering awareness and understanding.

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

==========

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/

==========

SAFE Alternatives

SAFE Alternatives is a mobile application that allows users to cope with and learn how to manage urges to self-harm. In the SAFE Alternatives application, you will find logs that you can use to help keep a record of impulses, productive risks, confrontations, negative thinking and dilemmas. There is also the facility to to email your logs to a loved one, counsellor, or to whomever you would like to view your progress and current standing. SAFE Alternatives is also very secure, with the option to keep all logs password protected and hidden. SAFE Alternatives is considered suitable for people aged 13 and over, and is very user friendly.

Available for a small fee on Android and Apple devices through their application stores.

==========

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.

==========

Getting the most out of your college education

Achieving a degree is very time consuming and expensive. For the most part, we find ourselves adjusting to not being at home, and spending an endless amount of time applying for scholarships, financial aid, and private loans so that we can attend the school we want. Since you are putting in the time and the money for a higher education, why not get the most out of it? Here are a few tips to get the most out of your college education.

• Attend all your classes. You paid for the education, the professor's time and expertise, and the materials, so you might as well take advantage of every minute of lecture and education you can obtain. You will not have this opportunity once you graduate.
• At most universities, professors are required to have office hours to be available to any student who needs extra help. Attending these office hours as needed will not only allow you to clarify subjects or material that you don't fully understand, but will also allow you to gain knowledge and information not covered in the classroom. In most cases, professors are also extremely willing to talk to you about their career fields and other educational experiences.
• Most schools have an advisor or career services office in which you can plan out what classes to take next, or what major/minor would suit you. Even if you know what classes you would like to take, and what you would like to specialise in, visiting this office will also provide you with invaluable information and connections for your field of study.
• Almost all educational organisations have counselling services for students to use, the majority of which are free of charge. Take advantage of this service as much as you can, because once you complete your degree, you will most likely have to pay for such services.
• Get involved. Joining teams, groups, and clubs is a great way to meet new people, get acclimated to the new environment, and increase your grades. It can be as small as joining the chess team or the debate team, or as big as joining the swimming team or the football team. In most instances, getting involved on campus is free, and it also provides opportunities for amazing friendships to arise.

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

==========

How to stop caring about what others think of you

We all want to fit in, and many of us will try to mould ourselves to do just that. However, there is a danger of caring too much about what others think, and getting hurt in the process. Follow these tips to stop letting this have an impact on your life.

• You cannot control what others think, and nor can you mind read, so try not to imagine the worst and that people won't like you. People tend to be too occupied with their own lives to notice in the first place.
• Assess how you feel about yourself. If you are worried about what people think about you, it might be that you lack confidence, rather than people judging and thinking bad of you.
• It is impossible to please everyone, and worrying about what other people think is time consuming; time better spent in improving yourself. So take that focus and project it outwards on something more worthwhile, such as developing your skills, which would in turn help you to gain more confidence.
• Put yourself out there and do the things that you find embarrassing. Start a random conversation with someone standing next to you at the bus stop, or at a supermarket checkout. The chances are you're not going to ever see these people again, so their opinion of you won't matter.
• Surround yourself with positive people who care about you, and the rest won't matter.

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

==========

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.

==========

Threads

Do you really believe in "the one"?
Do you believe that there is only one person who is compatible with you? Do you believe in soulmates? Share you thoughts here and find out what other people's perspectives are.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f9-re...ly-believe-one

Which flavour cheetos do you like?
Invented 6 decades ago, cheetos now come in several different flavours. Which flavours do you like?
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f184-...s-do-you-like/

What does PINK mean to YOU?
Colours can be used to raise awareness or to represent a particular charity. Canada recently had a Pink Shirt Day, which is their national anti-bullying day. What does the colour pink mean to you?
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f32-c...pink-mean-you/

Application blocked?
If you enter the TeenHelp Chat Room but discover that the application has been blocked, read this thread, which contains handy tips on how to overcome this on a PC and Mac.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f24-t...ation-blocked/

==========

Blogs

Oceandust
A user has written an inspirational message about how we are all here for each other, and that there is still hope. It ends with a meaningful quote.
http://www.teenhelp.org/blogs/acoust...472-oceandust/

I'm happy
When you have a good day, it's important to write about it, so that you can go back and reminisce at a later date. Read this blog to encourage you to write about your own happy days.
http://www.teenhelp.org/blogs/cookie...7387-im-happy/

==========

Social Groups

Acrophobia Support Group
If you are afraid of heights and would like to overcome it, or would just like some support in general, this group is for you. Discuss how this fear affects you and meet others who are suffering alike.
http://www.teenhelp.org/socialgroups...support+group/

Asian TeenHelpers
This support group welcomes all Asians, as well as those who are interested in learning more about the Asian culture. Join this group to meet fellow Asians and to share your experiences with each other.
http://www.teenhelp.org/socialgroups...n+teenhelpers/

==========

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.



==========

Upcoming events

Discussion: Handling negative emotions (Saturday March 22nd 2014)

Negative emotions include sadness, anger, jealousy and hate. These feelings are natural, but they can also be destructive if they are not dealt with appropriately. This discussion will help you to find ways to deal with these negative emotions so that they are not detrimental to your life.

Discussion: Living with mental illness (Saturday March 29th 2014)

Although one in four people experience mental health problems, there is regrettably still a stigma attached to it, which prevents people from seeking help. Consequently, living with a mental illness can be a particularly isolating time. If you are concerned about your mental health, join this discussion to discuss day-to-day coping techniques, how to reach out to professionals and other aspects of living with mental illness.

Discussion: Long distance and Internet relationships (Saturday April 5th 2014)

Today, with technology, education, and other factors coming together all at once, you may find yourself having a relationship that either started online, or offline, with one partner having to leave the area, resulting in a long distance relationship, which can be a challenge. Join this discussion to gain an insight on how to go about creating a healthy and successful long distance or Internet relationship, and get advice on how to resolve any conflicts that may arise along the way.

Discussion: Facing the challenges of growing up (Saturday April 12th 2014)

The transition from childhood, through adolescence and into adulthood can be very testing, as you seek to find greater independence and a balanced lifestyle, while also coping with the developmental, emotional and psychological changes to your mind and body. You are not alone, however. Join this discussion for advice on how to make the transition easier, and to learn from the experiences of others.

Discussion: Managing stress (Saturday April 19th 2014)

We can feel stressed when there are so many things demanding our attention at once. While a certain amount of stress is necessary, for example, to help us complete an assignment, too much stress can lead to mental health problems. This discussion will teach you how to recognise what triggers your stress, how to help you manage stress, and how to get support for it.

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/

==========

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/

==========

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

==========

Editorial team

Newsletter Officer/Editor-in-Chief: Haley (Halcyon)
Assistant Editor: Chris (Chris)
Assistant Editor: Sammi (Masquerade.)
Assistant Editor: Chess (Syzygy.)

==========