Newsletter #72 - The benefits of volunteering; how to reduce stress headaches; dealing with rejection after a job interview.

TeenHelp Newsletter

TeenHelp Newsletter #72 - March 22nd 2016 - 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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Latest articles (March 5th 2016)

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:

Irish Potato Candy

Irish potato candy is a treat that started as a way to remember the Irish potato famine. It became a tradition in the United States and is commonly made on Saint Patrick's Day. This article explains how to make this delicious treat.

What is the age of consent, and what does it mean for you and your partner?

The age of consent is the age at which a person can legally consent to sexual intercourse. While the age of consent is different depending on where you live, the purpose is to protect minors from statutory rape, which is defined as an adult having sex with a minor. Therefore, it is important to discuss this with your partner or any potential partners. This article defines the age of consent and lists the ages of consent for various locations.

Narcissistic abuse

Narcissistic abuse is most commonly a type of emotional abuse that is characterised by someone with Narcissistic Personality Disorder causing harm to another person due to the traits of their disorder. Read this article to learn about the characteristics of a narcissist, what narcissists do to harm their victims, and how to deal with a narcissist.

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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iSleep Easy Free

iSleep Easy Free is an application that uses meditation to help you get a restful sleep. You can choose between calming music or the sound of rain, as a soothing voice guides you through the exercises. It also provides some tips to get a better night's sleep. 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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Benefits of volunteering

Volunteering your time can be fun and there are other benefits to it as well. Volunteering is a great way to gain some experience after you leave school and while you are job hunting.

• Supplements your resume. Having volunteer experience, especially in the field you want to get a career in, can add bulk to your resume and give you more of an edge when trying to get hired. Even if you only volunteer a few hours each week, it will help you stand out in job applications. Volunteer experience on a resume shows that you are active in your community and care about others.
• Helps you gain experience. Often it is easier to get volunteer experience than job experience as it is less competitive. Volunteering will give you skills in areas such as communication, leadership, and the ability to work well with others. These are all very valuable to employers and emphasize your competence.
• Allows you to give back to the community. Volunteering gives you the opportunity to help people in need and in turn will make you feel better about yourself. You'll get the feeling of production and accomplishment as well. Additionally, working with others as a team can be a lot of fun and you'll have the opportunity to make some new friends.
• Assists in networking and making connections. Sometimes, volunteering can lead to a job later on. If they don't have any job openings, volunteering can still allow you to make connections that could lead to potential job offers, or you can have more people to use as references on job applications.
• Can lead to new interests and hobbies. The activities you do during your volunteer work may turn out to be something you continue in your free time. For example, if you work at a soup kitchen, you may find that you really enjoy cooking. If you work outside planting new trees, you may notice that gardening appeals to you. Volunteering can help you expand your horizons and learn more about yourself.

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

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Reducing stress headaches

Stress headaches are the most common headaches, and are caused by different factors such as poor sleep habits, bad posture, or a stressful environment. Stress headaches are all painful regardless of their cause. Here are a few things you can do to ease the pain.

• Use a cold compress. Cold compresses help reduce tension in your forehead and puffiness in your eyes. Run a cloth under some cold water, then wring out the excess. Then, lie on your back and place it on your forehead until the cloth warms. Repeat as necessary. Consider purchasing an eye mask that can be heated or cooled. They are relatively inexpensive.
• Consider trying massage oil. Purchase oil specifically for muscle pain, or look into a lavender scented one because lavender helps reduce stress. Apply it to your temples and the back of your neck to reduce your pain. The oil can make your skin feel hot, so it is suggested to do this in your down time.
• Sleep. Sleep is very important, and a lot of people don't get enough of it. However, getting a good night's sleep can be very beneficial. Don't drink too much or use electronics an hour before trying to sleep. Consider making a set schedule so your body can adjust its internal clock. Getting as much restful sleep as possible reduces stress, which in turn reduces stress headaches.
• Work on your posture. Poor posture often goes unnoticed, but it can harm your upper body. If you're not holding your body straight, it can hurt your neck and cause stress headaches. Try to walk as straight as you can. Square your shoulders and puff your chest out. Some people benefit from pretending they are a marionette and picturing the string that holds them up.
• Take pain medication. If you prefer to eat before taking medication, get something to eat and then take your preferred medication. Ibuprofen, Tylenol, and Aspirin are just a few of many different kinds you can choose from. Only take the recommended dose and see a doctor if you are relying too much on pain medication.

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

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How to deal with rejection after a job interview

Finding out that you didn't get the job after an interview can be very demoralising, but it doesn't mean that you are a failure. Here are some ways to deal with rejection after a job interview.

• Reflect objectively on the interview process. Think about the preparation you did before the interview, as well as your performance during the interview. Think about what went well, and what you could improve upon for next time. Be careful not be too critical of yourself. Think of it as a learning opportunity.
• Ask for feedback. Find out how you could have improved your performance, what they were looking for in a candidate, and what else you could have done to demonstrate your suitability. Feedback can be very valuable for future opportunities, but keep in mind that some employers are very busy and you might not get a response.
• Consider that there could be many reasons why you weren't hired. The employer might have had someone in mind to begin with, or they employed someone internally, who is already familiar with the business. Perhaps the vacancy might have been cancelled due to a lack of funding. So don't take the rejection personally, as it may be down to a factor you had no control over.
• Remember that you are not alone and think realistically. There are plenty of people in the same boat as you, trying to make it in the world. After a certain amount of "No's", you will get a "Yes", so don't give up.

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

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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

Why saying "That's so gay" is stupid
Calling something gay is not correct terminology, and it can often lead to people being offended. How do you feel about the use of the word "gay?"
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f3-ge...so-gay-stupid/

Asparagus. Yes or No?
Asparagus is used in a variety of dishes but not everyone enjoys it. Do you like asparagus?
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f184-...aragus-yes-no/

Horror book suggestions
Do you enjoy reading horror books? Suggest some of your favorites here!
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f198-...k-suggestions/

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Social groups

Sexuality
Join this social group to hear about other users' experiences and to gain support and advice about sexuality. Why not post in this group to help others or get support yourself?
http://www.teenhelp.org/socialgroups/g500-sexuality/

Hopeless Romantics
Do you see yourself as a dreamer and believer of true love? Join this group to meet others who are also hopeless romantics to get advice and to meet people who feel the same way.
http://www.teenhelp.org/socialgroups...ess+romantics/

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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 Newsletter Officer (Static Wolfie.) on the website.


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Upcoming events

Discussion: Living with mental illness (Saturday 26th March 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: Being assertive (Saturday April 2nd 2016)

Being too passive or too aggressive can lead to problems in your relationships with other people, causing trouble at work, with friends, and even at home. However, becoming assertive in your behaviours and actions can help alleviate these issues, allowing you to express your needs and thoughts while respecting others. Join this discussion to explore ways to become more assertive, learn its benefits, and share your experiences.

Discussion: Coping with bullying (Saturday April 9th 2016)

The pressure to conform in order to be accepted is very prevalent in today's society, as is the act of bullying if someone appears to be different in some way. Join this discussion if you are being bullied or pressured into doing something against your will, or to learn more about how to help someone who is being targeted.

Discussion: Building confidence and self-esteem (Saturday April 16th 2016)

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 loneliness/isolation (Saturday April 23rd 2016)

Everybody gets lonely from time to time, but if you become isolated from others over an extended time it can be harmful for your mental wellbeing. Join this discussion to learn how to cope with feelings of loneliness, as well as reduce your isolation in ways that you're comfortable with.

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)
Newsletter Officer: Chess (Static Wolfie.)
Senior Newsletter Editor: Cassie (Cassado)
Newsletter Editor: Dez (Epiphany.)
Newsletter Editor: Jenny (coolkid98)
Newsletter Editor: Nicole (eumoirous)

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