Newsletter #69 - Holiday gift ideas; making New Year's resolutions; how to drive safely in the snow/ice.

TeenHelp Newsletter

TeenHelp Newsletter #69 - December 22nd 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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The Newsletter team would like to wish everyone on TeenHelp and their loved ones a happy holiday.

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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 Articles Officer (December 19th 2015)

TeenHelp is pleased to welcome Cassie (Cassado) as our new Articles Officer. Cassie, an existing Staff member with a wealth of experience, will be responsible for the day to day running of the Articles team. We congratulate and wish Cassie all the best in her new role.

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

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HelpLINK relaunch (December 6th 2015)

TeenHelp has made a temporary version of HelpLINK active. If you would like assistance from our Mentors, submit a request for help and you will receive 1-3 detailed responses. You will receive your responses via PM if you are a registered member and via email if you are a guest.

http://www.teenhelp.org/helplink

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Latest articles (December 4th 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:

Self-harm: the road to recovery

Recovering from self-harm can be difficult, but it is possible and can feel very relieving. This article discusses aspects of recovery such as making reasonable goals and finding alternatives and reasons to recover.

Menstruation terminology

It can sometimes be difficult to understand the terminology surrounding menstruation. Understanding these terms can help ease your worry and learn more about your body. This article defines the terms someone will commonly hear when discussing menstruation.

Disproving the myths of sexual assault

293,000 Americans are sexually assaulted each year, but there is still a lot of misunderstanding about sexual assault. Read this article to learn the common myths of sexual assault and become more aware of what sexual assault really means.

Living with a narcissist

Someone goes through narcissistic abuse when someone with Narcissistic Personality Disorder uses their disordered traits to cause harm to their victims. It can be difficult to live with a narcissist. Read one person's experience with living with a narcissist and learn what can be done to survive in this situation.

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

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Resources

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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Bedsider

Bedsider provides accurate information about the various methods of birth control. This site can help you become informed and determine which method of birth control may work best for you.

http://www.bedsider.org/

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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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Creative and inexpensive holiday gift ideas

If you are looking to spread the holiday cheer and want to give gifts that are thoughtful and affordable to your family and friends, the following ideas will give you inspiration. They are fun and easy to make!

• A homemade CD is an inexpensive yet creative way of showing someone you care about them. CDs and CD sleeves can be purchased in the electronic section of a store. Make a playlist on iTunes, click "File" and "Burn Playlist to Disc." If you purchase your music from Amazon, download Amazon Music Player. Right click on your chosen song and click "Export to iTunes." From there, you can create a playlist on iTunes and burn it to your disk.
• Create a candy bouquet for a tasty treat. You'll need a piece of dry foam, a hot glue gun, some skewers, and some candy. Purchase four or more types of boxed candy. This candy is commonly sold at movie theatres but it can be bought in some regular stores. Glue the boxes along the edges of the foam to create the base of the bouquet. Then, glue your other candy on skewers and stick those into the foam.
• Almost everyone will enjoy a movie basket. Purchase a regular basket or get a popcorn bucket if you are able to find one anywhere. Purchase some candy, soft drinks, and popcorn. You might already have some of these items readily available in your home. You can purchase an inexpensive movie, too. Most regular DVDs are sold at lower prices and some stores have discounted movie buckets to choose from. Arrange all of your items in the basket, and then wrap it up if you'd like.
• Make a memorable moment even more memorable with a special picture frame. Purchase a wooden picture frame from the craft store or the framing section of any other store. Use a hot glue gun to glue old Scrabble pieces onto the frame to create a message for someone. Next, add your chosen picture.
• Make someone a calming jar to soothe their nerves. Use a mason jar or a glass container that is able to hold water. Boil some water and create a solution out of glitter glue and glitter. Use some food colouring to add colour and seal the top with some glue when you're done. Learn more about how to make a calming jar here.

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

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New Year's resolutions

With New Years approaching, you might be thinking about your resolutions for the upcoming year. Here are some tips to help you thrive during the upcoming year and for many years to come.

• Make a vision board. Use a poster board or a cork board as a way of figuring out your expectations and goals. Print out pictures, clip them from magazines, or draw your own to put on your board. If you want to get into a certain school, for instance, you might print out the school's name or mascot and put it on your board.
• Keep track of positive events. Every day, write down one thing that has made you smile or lifted your spirits. This will help you acknowledge the big and small positive things that happen in your life. Put these slips of paper in a jar and look at them around this time next year.
• Choose one word to live by. Making detailed resolutions can be overwhelming for some people. Instead, focus on one word you'd like to try to live by this year. For example, you might use the word "healthy" to live by instead of making a large resolution about losing weight.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f126-goals-ambitions/

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Driving safely in the snow/ice

The winter months can give rise to unpredictable weather, which can bring about dangerous driving conditions. You should only drive when it's absolutely necessary, but if you need to venture out, here are some ways to be prepared and to stay safe while driving.

• Keep essential items in your vehicle. Make sure your car is stocked up with a de-icer, an ice scraper, a small shovel, blanket, torch, phone charger, first aid kit, emergency food and water. Also ensure that your vehicle has a full tank of fuel before setting off.
• Clear the snow and ice from your vehicle before you drive off. Having snow or ice on your headlights can affect the intensity of the light, which can make it more difficult for people to see you. It is also important to clear any snow off your roof - the snow can either fall forwards onto your windscreen, blocking your own view, or backwards, which could be hazardous to other drivers.
• Drive off slowly. For manual cars, it is recommended to pull away in second gear to reduce wheel spin. Accelerate and decelerate slowly, and use gentle manoeuvres, especially around bends and corners.
• Keep your distance. Stopping distances can be ten times longer in snow/icy conditions, so give yourself plenty of time to stop, and apply the brakes gently.
• Only make essential journeys. If you do need to go out, plan your route on busier roads, as they are more likely to be cleared or gritted. Remember, if you're not confident about driving in the snow, don't do it.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f3-general/

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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

Holiday season is upon us
The holiday season is quickly approaching! What do you and your family do for the holidays? Read about what other users do and share your own traditions here.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f39-r...eason-upon-us/

What is the very first memory you have?
What was your first memory, and how old were you during it? Do you remember it in detail? Share with other users here!
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f35-g...mory-you-have/

Do you have pet insurance?
Pets are considered family members to many people. Do you have pet insurance, and why or why not?
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f119-...pet-insurance/

Pet-related pet peeves
Most pet owners have pet peeves regarding what pet owners do (and don't) do. Do you have any pet peeves? Share your thoughts here.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f119-...ed-pet-peeves/

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Social Groups

Trekkies United
Are you a fan of everything Star Trek, or are you just getting into the show? Join this social group to meet others who are interested in Star Trek and share your favourite aspects of the show!
http://www.teenhelp.org/socialgroups...ekkies+united/

Support for FtM
It is important for someone who is transgender to know they are not alone. If you are female to male transgender, join this group to meet others in a similar situation and support one another.
http://www.teenhelp.org/socialgroups/g487-support++ftm/

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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 publications@teenhelp.org, or messaging our Publications Team Leader (Halcyon) on the website.



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Upcoming events

No discussion (Saturday December 26th 2015)

Discussion: Living with mental illness (Saturday January 2nd 2016)

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: Nutrition and healthy living (Saturday January 9th 2016)

Do you wish to change your habits in order to lead a healthier lifestyle? From feeling better about yourself to an improved immune system, establishing a healthier lifestyle now will enable you to reap the benefits for years to come. Join this discussion to learn about maintaining a healthy diet, proper exercise and other aspects of getting the most out of your health.

Discussion: Dealing with guilt (Saturday January 16th 2016)

Feelings of guilt can arise for many different reasons, each with their own unique origins. This discussion will help you learn to forgive yourself and move on from the past, whatever your past might be.

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

Publications Team Leader/Editor-in-Chief: Haley (Halcyon)
Senior Newsletter Editor: Cassie (Cassado)
Newsletter Editor: Dez (Epiphany.)
Newsletter Editor: Jenny (coolkid98)
Newsletter Editor: Nicole (eumoirous)
Newsletter Editor: Rishy (Pirouette)

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