Start That Conversation

Start That Conversation It is now important more than ever to address the way we are feeling during this time of uncertainty. Specifically in by Holly McGinty (aged 16) correlation to young minds within the UK.

Teenage mental health: a subject we are extensively aware of, yet hesitant in talking about. The way we feel and the way we are wired, are not always within our control. Young people can be under enormous amounts of pressure academically and socially, causing a damaging expectation to succeed in the minds of students. Do we really offer extensive support, mentally, to all students? Even the quiet ones? On average, 1 in 5 young people suffer from mental illness in the UK, a staggering amount to say how little we address the topic. Encouraging open conversations and normalising seeking help can vastly impact the number of teens who come forward and better their lives. We need to make teens see that admitting they need help is immensely brave and courageous and not a sign of failure. The media, especially social media, can be guilty of portraying mental health issues in a light-hearted way which can be harmful to young people who are highly impressionable and may then be reluctant to come forward with genuine concerns. Dodie Clarke, a singersongwriter, was hesitant in opening up about her own struggles with mental health, saying many of her fans who idolise her, began to copy and mimic her behaviour. However, it is important that celebrities are open and honest about their struggles, without glamorising them. It can really help young people to relate to someone they identify with. For example, recently Freddie Flintoff was on TV talking about his struggles with bulimia, this can only be a good thing. Professor Green has also been very open with his struggles with mental health. Debunking the stigma can highlight areas of teenage mental health we have abandoned, such as anxiety and depression. Personally, as a teenager myself, I can tell you: there’s always someone who will listen and you are not alone. Maybe you’ve recently been feeling extremely anxious or potentially struggling with depressive thoughts. It’s important for you to acknowledge that starting a conversation with someone you trust, can only help the situation get better. Maybe you’re a parent reading this. If your child expresses their worries or asks for help - please be kind to them. The bravery accompanied with such exposure should be handled delicately, not with frustration or anger or worse, dismissed completely. Any issue, any distress, any troubles are all valid. You are not a burden, nor are you being dramatic, you are simply encouraging a conversation that can help you tremendously. You have the ability to be brave. Start that conversation.

If you are struggling: Childline: 0800 1111 • “Kooth”- mobile app • Your local GP • Samaritans: 116123 Papyrus: 0800 0684141 • Young minds helpline (for parents): 0808 8025544

Isn't it easy to look after our loved ones? Yet when it comes to ourselves, do we put on our own oxygen mask first? With work-life boundaries becoming blurrier as lockdown progresses and working from home continues, learning to look after ourselves has become an even greater need. We easily turn to comfort food and TV in search of distractions and downtime but do we feel recharged afterwards? Get in touch today to find out more, I offer a free first consultation service and I'd love to tell you more about what I do.

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I am Renata - Ren for my friends - and I am the founder of Wren Coaching, offering you a wide variety of services to let go of stress, connect with yourself, break through from overthinking and release your inner strength. My services at a glance: • Just Relax classes - do you long for prioritising your own wellbeing but feel you can't afford the time and money? My Just Relax classes offer you an excellent opportunity to take out 1 hour a week just for yourself and practice a variety of relaxation and mindfulness techniques, ensuring you get a true rest. • Relax Kids - mindfulness is not just for adults. I am a qualified RelaxKids coach and I run 1-2-1, family and group classes to teach children about mindfulness and emotional resilience through playing. Classes can easily be run online during a lockdown and they are a massive help for children who might be struggling with their emotions. • Life & Wellbeing coaching - this is a 6 weeks program that I run both on a 1-2-1 basis or in groups. If you haven't come across life and wellbeing coaching before, this is a great time to start from the comfort of your own home! • Vision Boards - A two hours online workshop that enables you to unleash your creativity and create a vision of what you want to achieve in your future. They are a great source of inspiration, motivation, and pure energy!

Have you ever noticed that when someone tells you what to do it doesn't work? Well, if you are feeling stuck in your current situation, feeling caught up by the hamster wheel of life or simply feeling in need of direction, get in touch now. I won't tell you what to do, on the contrary: I will help, support and motivate you in your wellbeing journey, leading you to the answers that only you can truly hold.