Keeping your mind healthy

You deal with different kinds of feelings and emotions on a daily basis.

Sometimes these are easy to cope with and sometimes they are harder. At times you might feel happy and at others you might feel sad and down.

When these moods are extreme you need to think about seeking help or talk to some-one you trust.

If you are feeling sad or down these suggestions might help to lift your mood and make you feel better:

• Talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling. This could be someone you know and who knows you or a stranger
• Try to be creative by writing a letter, diary or by doing some drawing or painting
• Listen to some of your favourite music or music which reminds you of good times
• Read a book you enjoy, watch a film or something funny on TV
• Go for a walk in the fresh air or do some exercises
• Try to eat more healthily and have plenty of fruit and vegetables

Everybody feels a bit down sometimes but it can help to talk things through with friends or family. Don’t forget your personal adviser can help as well. If you feel the problem is more serious, however, you might need to see your local doctor.

The following organisations may also be able to help:

www.hycs.org - Free, confidential, one-to-one counselling for young people aged 11 - 26 who live, work or study in Hounslow. Daytime or evening appointments are available. Phone 020 8568 1818 for details

www.youth2youth.co.uk - telephone, e-mail and online chat run by young people for young people. Helpline: 020 8896 3675 www.youngminds.org.uk - offers useful information, including depression, bullying, and self-harm.