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| Do you realise how much of our lives are spent talking? What with mobile phones, emails, chat rooms and instant messenger, communicating with the people around us is getting easier and easier. It's almost impossible to stop our tongues wagging about boys, friends, clothes, school and the latest gossip. But when it comes to more serious issues like bullying and abuse, it is always a bit more difficult to open up. |
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New research reveals that a third (34%) of teens are always worried about something. 82% worry about exams, 69% are scared of being attacked in the street, 50% are worried about their parents divorcing, and 49% are concerned about being bullied. Findings also revealed that girls worry more than boys about sex, pregnancy relationships and friendships. Almost half of all young people worry about having no one to discuss their problems with. 18% of young people say they don't want to tell anyone about their problems, as they don't want to worry them.
Whatever it is that is bothering you, talking to someone about it always helps.
Source: Extracts from NSPCC Press Release on Anxiety Among Children and Young People
Talking about your problems and confiding in someone is the first step towards helping yourself - but is often the hardest thing to do. Often victims of abuse experience a lot of pressure not to confide in other people. For example, it is very common for victims of sexual abuse to be pressurised into keeping quiet by their abuser. Despite what some people might tell you, keeping your problems to yourself is not going to help your situation. In fact, by not talking to someone you are in effect protecting the person causing your problems and prolonging the situation.
There is no doubt that talking helps. The people you confide in can help you understand and help you find solutions to the problems you are facing. A professional with an outsider perspective can offer information about the options available to you. How much information you share is totally your decision and can be based on how comfortable you feel. Don't be afraid to ask questions - remember, the aim of speaking to someone is for them to help protect you. The more they know, the more they can help.
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| Have you ever been the victim of abuse or been troubled by a serious problem? Have you ever had to seek help for your troubles? How did talking to someone help you? Maybe you are struggling with a problem and want to someone to talk to. If this sounds like you, share your thoughts and experiences with MKP users here. |
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