Mental well-being

Headaches? Tired? Moody? Changes of appetite?

These may be signs that you're overdoing it and need to slow down. It's not unusual to feel stressed, depressed, worried or confused and the chances are if its not affecting you directly, stress might be affecting someone you know.

Although its normal to feel panicky in stressful situations it usually only makes things worse. The trick is knowing how to deal with these feelings - learning how to chill. Try to talk to someone, don't struggle on your own. Getting support early on can stop the problem from getting too big.

If it's exams that have you climbing up the wall, visit Channel 4's Student stress site or have a look at their Tips for coping with exams.

To find out more about mental well-being, go to Connexions Direct

Self-harm

Self-harm is when you cause injuries or pain to your own body - it may not be something you have heard a lot about, but it is more common than you think and it can take many forms.

From time to time depressed feelings inside you can build up and give you a lot of stress and worry and people cope with these in different ways. Some smoke, overeat, drink too much or drive too fast but some people harm themselves because they feel it’s a way of taking their mind off their painful feelings. Schoolwork, exams, parents divorcing, bullying, the death of someone close, in fact anything that is worrying you could set off the problem. Many people hurt themselves secretly for a long time before finding the courage to tell people because they feel that no one will understand or that people will get angry.

There are many types of self-harm but the most common one is called 'cutting' where you scratch or cut your arms with knives, razor blades or scissors. Other forms of self-harm include burning yourself, bruising yourself or pulling your hair.

If you do self-harm, you may be thinking about stopping but don't know how. You might feel guilty or alone, or you might feel embarrassed because people may think you are odd. Its ok to feel this way and if you can’t talk to family and friends there are other people and organisations that can help you. You could talk to your school nurse, a teacher or Connexions Personal Adviser that you like and trust, or a school or college counsellor.

If you think someone you know is harming themselves try and get them to talk to you about it and encourage them to get medical help.

Helplines and information

YoungMinds is a national charity committed to improving the mental health of all children and young people.

The Young People and Self Harm website is a key information resource for young people who self-harm, their friends and families, and for professionals working with them.

Bristol Crisis Service for Women have a helpline for those who self-harm - 0117 925 1119.

Eating disorders

Bulimia and anorexia are eating disorders that can affect young men as well as young women. Both disorders can lead to long term health problems including major organ failure. Crash dieting can also seriously damage your health.

If you think about what you are eating all the time, or feel you aren't in control of your eating there is plenty of help and support available.

Check out www.b-eat.co.uk - Beat (Eating Disorders Association), or call them on 08456 347 650. This helpline is especially for young people and is open 4.30-8.30pm Monday-Friday and 1.00-4.30pm on Saturdays.

You can also speak to your doctor or someone at NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

Tattooing and Body Piercing

It is an offence to tattoo anyone under 18.

If you are getting a piercing or tattoo, look for the following:

• The shop should be clean and clearly set up for the purpose.
• The staff should have clean outer clothing and be wearing surgical gloves.
• Staff should be using sterilised equipment for each customer (in the case of tattooing, dyes and needles should be sterilised). Sterilisation is critical to avoid transmission of HIV.
• For body piercing, check that the person doing it is using surgical steel or gold. Ears can be pierced with silver but infection and oxidation is easier to avoid anywhere when either surgical steel or gold is used.
• If you get any kind of infection or adverse reaction to a piercing or tattoo, see a doctor as soon as possible.

For information about tattooing and cosmetic piercing, visit the Tattoo Club of Great Britain web site at www.tattoo.co.uk >>