exam stress.

exam stress can become unbearable at times and many people can struggle with stress related problems throughout  the exam period.
I for one are one of those people who suffer with exam stress and ive been given many tips on how to deal with the exams and here are a few:

1. use relaxation techniques- breathing in and out can be a good way to calm down before an exam, if your getting stressed over revision or if your in an exam and you are becoming over whelmed.
2. count the colours in a room- this technique is used as a distraction technique and I find it extremely useful. majority of people sit exams in halls and gyms and a few (like me) sit there exams in a classroom and with a lot less people in. the good thing about this technique is that it can be done anywhere regardless where you sit in an exam. firstly you need to find a colour that appears lots in a room. this can be any colour I counted all of the yellow things in my maths exam. all this technique does is distracts you for a small amount of time just to simply get some stress out and perhaps calm you down a little.
3. don't revise for too long-when I was doing my exams I was revising everyday for ten months and only having short breaks. don't do this atleast spend some time having fun and chilling out and doing something you love! this can release stress because you are doing something you enjoy.
4. don't do too much-try not to get a job which could cause stress, doing extra things is great but when these things become time consuming it can become very hard to mix work with revision and time for your self.
5. don't doubt yourself be positive-don't doubt yourself in your exams because this could cause you too panic. remember what happens is okay and you can always re sit your exam if you need to.

exams are stressful but they do pass don't get over whelmed with them it's okay and remember there are many support networks out there.

Sleep hygiene.

Many people struggle sleeping like me for example on average I get around four-five hours a night if that. My physcotherapist gave me some sleep hygiene techniques and I thought I'd share them with you:
1) get up at the same time each day.
2) do not lay in bed beyond usual amount of time before insomnia begins.
3) stop caffeine, alchol, tobacco and stimulants around four pm.
4) no day time naps.
5) exercise early in the day, not before bed time.
6) avoid evening stimulation.
7) hot bath soaks before bedtime (you want to raise body temperature.
8) eat at regular times. Avoid large evening meals.
9) practice relaxation techniques.
10) maintain comfortable bedroom conditions.

You shouldn't feel ashamed.

Scars are an important part of your life now and you have to learn how to live with them everyday.  But what ever you do, you should never fell ashamed, even if you relapse.  Life goes on. It's extremely hard to face the facts of self harm and im having some issues right now but if you're truth and honest things will get better. Don't be ashamed its made you who you are!

LAUGHTER

The great thing about laughter is that it is free and anyone can do it. Fibd something that makes you laugh and smile and everything you feel down or triggered do something that makes you laugh! For me its having a laugh with my friends reading something funny, watching something funny, doing something crazy or just having a chat can make you giggle.  Sometimes people who suffer from mental health issues like depression feel like they can't smile,  but they can,  we all can. Laughing helps fight depression because for that couple of seconds you realise how good life is and how good you can make it. Just one laugh a day can save a life! So please whatever your doing today make sure you smile.

SUPPORT NETWORKS.

Im aware their are many support networks available for people suffering from mental illness suicide ideation eating disorders stress bereavement abuse ...ect. however I just want to make you aware of some:
Camhs (child and adolescent mental health service)- im currently under camhs at the moment and there's loads of therapies they offer such as mindfulness, cbt, suicidal ideation, art therapy, family therapy and many more. Camhs is run by the nhs so it's pretty hard to access unfortunately however schools can refere you also your hospitals and docters can to.
Childline-personaly I have never used it I don't feel that my problems are that serious however I know people who have and they its very beneficial they also have a website for help and support.
Kooth-an online counciling service were you talk to someone about your problems without them knowing who you are.
Doctors-some people don't like going to the doctors about mental illness because of fear about discrimination but don't worry that won't happen. Doctors treat physical illness the same as mental illness.  Many people go to them about symptoms of mental health so you wouldn't be the only one.
Local charities-there are many local charities throughout different communities supporting mental health were you can go. You can talk to them about many things and they give you lots of support.
I hope this has helped someone:)

ICE SKATING

So your probably wondering why im posting this but here's the reason.  Not only is ice skating physical activity which will help my depression it is also grear to be out if the house and trying something new. I also had to fear alot of anxiety issues such as seeing blades which could of triggered me into self harm, looking like a fool in public and being scared to let go on the rail, but im pleased to say I did it!
Never let your anxiety put you off something face it! Never give up danger is real fear is mentality

WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY!

So as you can tell from the previous post it was world mental health day. (Well it was yesterday but some silly builder decided to burst the pipe) anyway me and a few prefects and so of my close friends did loads of work at lunch to celebrate this amazing day! The school brought cakes and with every person who made a pledge for mental health got a cake. In just fourty minutes there were nealy  200 pledges made! My school was also the first school in the country to win a uk competition for breaking the taboo for mental health!  The people in the photos mean a great deal to me and they have helped me with my battle and no matter what weve stuck by each other and I don't think I would be so positive if they werent supporting me. So, why don't you make a pledge with your self today to help someone with mental health or go and get help for you!  Happy mental health day for yesterday!