Newsletter #59 - Updated FCRD schedule; choosing a new hobby; how to recognise the signs of PTSD

TeenHelp Newsletter

TeenHelp Newsletter #59 - February 18th 2015 - 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, new resources, 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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New FCRD schedule (February 7th 2015)

Following a recent review, the FCRD schedule has now been changed as follows:

Week 1: Building confidence and self-esteem
Week 2: Free
Week 3: Free
Week 4: Dealing with triggers
Week 5: Free
Week 6: Free
Week 7: Building positive relationships
Week 8: Free
Week 9: Free
Week 10: Living with mental illness
Week 11: Free
Week 12: Free

The aim is to increase the range of topics covered by having more 'free' slots.

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

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Latest articles (February 3rd 2015)

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:

Understanding self esteem

Self esteem can affect anyone from all walks of life. This article takes a look at the signs of a low self esteem, its causes and ways to improve one's self esteem, as well as debunking a few myths surrounding the issue.

Being prepared for university

Going to university can be a daunting experience, but planning ahead can ease some of those overwhelming feelings. This article discusses the financial implications, the importance of making a schedule, dorm life, and useful items to bring.

A quick review of Five Nights at Freddy’s

This article reviews the new horror survival game, Five Nights at Freddy's, that was released in August 2014. It includes an overview of the gameplay, and how one can reduce the fear factor, if required.

Debunking the myths of eating disorders

There are many misconceptions about eating disorders, which can make it difficult for sufferers to reach out and get help. This article tackles some widespread myths surrounding eating disorders and explains the truth behind these popular misconceptions.

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

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Staff outstanding contribution awards (February 1st 2015)

TeenHelp is pleased to announce that this month's Staff outstanding contribution awards go to:

Amber - Outstanding contribution to a positive environment/long service. Amber has been on TeenHelp for over ten years and has spent the majority of those years as a Staff member, covering roles including HelpLINK, Chat and Moderation. She spends many hours in the Chat Room helping to cheer people up and make them laugh, bringing a more relaxed atmosphere to the site that many have appreciated over the years. She actively listens to users and provides advice to help them. As one nomination said, “she truly cares”.

Cassie (Cassiopeia.) - Outstanding contribution to providing support. In addition to her duties in HelpLINK, Articles and as a Moderator, Cassie posts many great replies in the Support Forums, both providing detailed advice as well as welcoming new users. She replies to a lot of threads that don't currently have any replies, which means everybody can get the help they need. It has also been great to see her replying to advice from other Staff members so that her colleagues feel supported in their own troubles too.

Holly (DutchWelshWolf) - Outstanding contribution for a newcomer/reaching out. Although relatively new to Staff, Holly has already made an amazing contribution to the site. She shows great enthusiasm and dedication to her role on Staff and posts regularly in the Support Forums too. As well as replying to requests for advice, she has made a point of reaching out to users to help them get the support they need, which shows a very proactive approach.

Nala (Nala.) - Outstanding contribution across the site. Nala has made a fantastic contribution across the site, posting in the Support Forums, welcoming new users and sending countless supportive messages to people. She is known for being very friendly, welcoming and genuine and eager to help everybody who needs it. Although she is no longer a Staff member, I have decided to issue this award anyway. I think the sheer number of nominations Nala received is a testament to how appreciated she was on Staff and how much she will be missed.

These awards are very well deserved, congratulations!

http://www.teenhelp.org/volunteer/

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Resources

TeenHelp updates its Resources page regularly with a variety of different websites and mobile applications that is believed to be trustworthy and helpful, in order to help and educate young people. Below is one of our newest resources. For a full list of useful resources, please visit our Resources page.

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

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FitnessBuilder

The FitnessBuilder application allows you to create a multi-week fitness plan, schedule workouts, track your weight, and even access live personal trainers. FitnessBuilder lets you keep up with health and fitness news, pictures, articles, and videos to aid yourself in accomplishing your fitness-related goals. This application is considered suitable for people aged 12 and over, and is very user friendly.

Available for free on Apple and Android devices through their application stores.

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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 choose a new hobby

If you have some free time on your hands, you may like to consider starting a new hobby. This can be a fun and exciting experience, but it can be difficult to know how to start. Here are a few tips to get you started.

• First, you should decide whether you want to pick up a hobby usually done in groups or one you can do by yourself. Some hobbies have clubs you can join, whereas others are largely solitary. If you know which kind you are looking for, it can be very helpful.
• Determine how far you would be willing to travel in order to participate in your new hobby. You may have to travel to get supplies, join a club of like-minded individuals, or attend lessons. Knowing how far you are willing to go in advance will make the process easier.
• You might also like to think about how much time you can dedicate to your new activity. Some hobbies require regular commitments or a lot of practice, while others may be easier to pick up. Choose the type of hobby that fits into your schedule.
• Make sure you have enough funds to participate in your chosen hobby. Depending on the activity, it may require equipment, lessons, supplies, or other expenses. Do your research before you get involved so that you don’t run into problems later on.
• Narrow down the area in which you are looking for a hobby. Do you want to do something related to crafts or other creative pursuits? Would you prefer to do something active or outdoors? You might like to get ideas from friends and family, online, or even in magazines.
• Finally, don’t be scared to try new things. Starting a new hobby can be a good way to step out of your comfort zone or expand your metaphorical horizons, so don’t dismiss an idea simply because it’s something you haven’t tried before. This is the perfect excuse to try something new, so make the most of it!

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

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Useful tips on picking classes and professors

Picking classes and professors who teach those classes can be challenging and time consuming. However, to ensure that you will get the most out of your money, it is essential that you spend the extra time researching this. Here are some useful tips to help students in the USA find the right classes and professors.

• There are a variety of different online resources (such as ratemyprofessors.com) that you can use to search the reviews and ratings of classes and professors.
• Use your advisor. Usually you have the ability to meet with an advisor or counsellor to assist you in picking future classes and professors. A lot of times, these advisors have been at the school for a while and know what each class entails and the personality of majority of the professors.
• Utilise office hours. While a professor’s office hours are usually available for students currently in their class, most professors won’t have a problem if you stop by and ask them questions about a class that they currently teach. You’re also able to get a sneak peak at the professor's personality and see if you’ll be happy being in this class with them.
• Ask your friends. Nothing beats getting information and advice from friends who are in or have recently taken the class or professor. Just remember, while a class and/or professor may “fit” your friend's personality and desire, it may not connect to yours.

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

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Recognising the signs of PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can happen to anyone of any age, and can occur after a traumatic event or a series of high-stress situations. It is important to recognise the symptoms early on, so that you can receive treatment and support. The time frame in which symptoms of PTSD appears can be as soon as a few days after the event(s) or months, and possibly years, later. Here are some of the indicators of someone who is suffering from PTSD.

• Flashbacks and nightmares - Involuntarily reliving the trauma as flashbacks during the day, or as nightmares when you are sleeping. It can be so realistic that you may feel that the incident is happening all over again. During this re-experience, you may have physical sensations such as sweating, feeling shaky and an increased heart rate. You may also experience frequent upsetting thoughts or memories about the event(s).
• Repressed memories - You may experience cognitive impairment such as difficulty recalling certain aspects of the event(s), or repressed memories.
• Avoidance and disconnection - This can include avoiding places and people that trigger the memory, and refusal to speak about the trauma, as well as loss of interest in activities that were enjoyable before the event(s). Some people may become emotionally numb and feel isolated or disconnected from others, as well as experience dissociation as a way of coping with distressing memories.
• Feeling on edge - You may find that you have difficulty relaxing and are continually anxious and watchful of your surrounding environment. This can lead to sleeping problems and feeling irritable, and having emotional outbursts that are difficult to control.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f14-mental-health/

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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

Babysitting
Are you new to babysitting? This thread gives some advice on activities you can do, and if you have some experience with babysitting, share your suggestions here.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f22-e...4-babysitting/

Favourite fictional characters
Who is your favourite fictional character, be it from a book, movie or TV series? Let others know here!
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f32-c...al-characters/

What makes a person shine in your eyes?
What character traits make a person stand out from the rest and make them shine in your eyes? Share your reasonings here, and see what others have to say.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f39-r...ine-your-eyes/

What would you say to your younger self?
If you could go back in time and could impart wisdom and advice to your younger self, what would you say? Share your thoughts with others here.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f32-c...-younger-self/

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Albums

My little Jethro
Do you have a pet that makes you feel better? Take a look at some pictures of a cat here, and maybe create your own album of your furry friend(s).
http://www.teenhelp.org/albums/tesla...ittle+jethro./

Art work
People express themselves in different ways. This user has posted pictures of her creative work; check out her art work here!
http://www.teenhelp.org/albums/bette...2313-art+work/

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Blogs

Challenge to you
A user challenges others to make a butterfly to aid recovery, no matter what battle they are facing. Will you take the challenge?
http://www.teenhelp.org/blogs/crotia...challenge-you/

We've been there, and we've survived
This motivational blog reminds us that it's okay to fail, and while it's hard to move on and accept the things we cannot change, it's okay to reach out for help, as there will always be people to support us.
http://www.teenhelp.org/blogs/mathma...weve-survived/

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Social Groups

Girl gamers
Gaming is not only for boys, but for girls as well. Join this group to meet a community who loves gaming, no matter what their gender. It is a perfect place to discuss everything related to gaming!
http://www.teenhelp.org/socialgroups...mers%21%21%21/

Short people of TH
Being short can surely have its disadvantages, but it has its perks, too! Join this group to meet and talk to others who are not very tall.
http://www.teenhelp.org/socialgroups...rt+people++th/

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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: Dealing with traumatic events (Saturday February 21st 2015)

Your long-term mental health can be affected by traumatic events; 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 February 28th 2015)

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: Long distance and Internet relationships (Saturday March 7th 2015)

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: Death and grieving (Saturday March 14th 2015)

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.

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)
Senior Newsletter Editor: Chris (Chris)
Newsletter Editor: Jenna (Lucent.)
Newsletter Editor: Chess (*~Skittles Martinski~* )
Newsletter Editor: Rishy (Saiyouri)

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