Coping
People cope with their emotions in different ways. Some people may cope by:
- Taking exercise
- Relaxing
- Talking to their friends
- Getting professional help
- Writing a diary
- Listening to music
- Meditating or praying
- Pampering themselves
Some people cope in more harmful ways:
- Taking drugs
- Getting drunk
- Cutting themselves
- Taking overdoses
- Eating very little
- "Bingeing" on food and then being sick
- Having risky sex
This sort of coping can make you feel better in the short term, but in the long term it may make things worse. There is support available if you struggle with any of these issues. Some of these are listed below.
Suicide
Sometimes things may seem so bad that you think about killing yourself. Many people feel suicidal at times in their life, and it's okay to tell someone about it. The best person to talk to is your doctor (GP), but you might also talk to any trusted person, such as a guidance teacher, youth worker, counsellor, parent or friend.
Mental illness
You may have been told that you or someone you know has a mental illness, such as depression, manic depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, a phobia, or an eating disorder (like anorexia or bulimia). This can be hard to deal with, but with the right kind of help most people who have mental illness are able to get on with their lives. Sometimes people may have to take medication, have other treatments, or spend time at hospital. You can find more information in the websites listed below.
Stigma
Stigma and labeling can have a negative impact on mental health, or make existing mental health problems worse. People may not understand what it means to be LGBT, or what it means to have a mental health problem, and they may judge you or say things about you. You may feel isolated, worthless, or have low self-esteem. This is not okay.
Often people are just ignorant about what certain names mean, and say things which are hurtful. It may help to explain to them, but you don't have to do this alone. Seek support if you are experiencing discrimination.