Emotional well-being
You can think of emotional well-being as a sort of sliding scale. At one end of the scale you have a feeling of security and being able to cope with obstacles and challenges in life, at the other end, you have a sense of distress and despair. And we all go up and down this scale – that’s part of life and an important part of being emotionally healthy.
Looking after your emotional health is just as important as looking after your body and caring about your physical fitness. No one feels great all the time, and it’s normal to feel low sometimes, as long as it doesn’t stay that way for too long. Sometimes people start to feel overwhelmed by misery, anger or fear. They may experience problems that affect their relationships with others and their ability to achieve their goals. If this happens to you (or someone you know) it’s important to seek help, and the best way to set the ball rolling is by talking.
Talking openly about how you really feel can be like opening a door. Talking puts you back in control and reveals the choices that you have. While it may not be possible to solve all the problems you’re facing, you can find ways that will help you to look after yourself day to day.
If you have a problem (big or small) that’s making you worried, anxious, upset, stressed or depressed - it’s important to talk to someone you trust. Remember, your Connexions Personal Adviser in school / college or at your local Connexions Centre is there to support you. If you need specialist help, they will be able to put you in touch with the right people. There are also many local and national support services who can help.
For more information on emotional well-being, visit
Connexions Direct - For information on depression, stress management, self-harm, seasonal-affective disorder and dealing with anger.
Teens first for health - Reassuring information and expert advice on mental health and mental health problems.
www.youngminds.org.uk - Lots of information for young people and parents about mental health and emotional well-being.
My Head Hurts - Information about treatments for mental health problems. The idea for this website came from young people themselves and they have been involved in its creation and content.
www.need2know.co.uk - The basics on mental and emotional health, including topics such as laughter therapy, healing the pain of self-injury and anger management.
www.thesite.org - Lots of useful information covering topics such as anxiety and stress, depression, self-harm, eating disorders, phobias, dealing with anger, counselling and medical treatments .
Other people who can help
The Samaritans can provide confidential emotional support 24 hours a day. They are there for you to talk to if you’re worried about something, feel upset or confused or if you feel you just want to talk to someone. Visit www.samaritans.org.uk or phone 08457 90 90 90.
North Staffs Mind provide counselling, befriending, help and support for people with mental health problems. Phone 01782 262100.
Staffordshire Mental Health - This website provides useful information and details of a range of services and projects across Staffordshire where you can get help and advice. Visit www.staffordshirementalhealth.info.
