Friends and Relationships
Every friendship and relationship is different, and though the people in our life can be great at supporting us and making us happy- things can sometimes go wrong.
Its important to remember that in every decision you make you have a choice. You don’t have to be friends with someone who makes you feel bad and you don’t have to stay in any relationship where you don’t feel happy.
We have put together some advice below for all things friends and dating, but if you have any questions or are worried it is always good to try speaking to an adult. It doesn’t have to be your parents, any adult who you trust and feel comfortable with- any teachers, group leaders, family members or even your friends parents may be able to help.
Friendships
It is easy to look at someone and believe they are your friend and only have your best interests at heart, but sometimes people can be manipulative and unfair which leads to us feeling confused and alone.
Health for Teens have put together an article about Friendship– what makes a good friend and what to look out for in a negative friendship.
You can find further advice on friendships including what to do if you fancy your friend, falling out with friends and how to say goodbye to friends when leaving school by clicking here.
Bullying & Cyber-bullying
Bullying can have a big impact on you and your mental health, but you aren’t alone and there is support out there for you.
Bullying UK provide information on bullying as well as how to get support and look after yourself.
The Anti-Bullying Alliance have put together advice on what to do after bullying and how to report it, as well as things that you can do to overcome bullying in person and online.
Kidscape offer advice targeted at cyber-bullying, including who you can report it to and the steps that you should take to manage the situation.
LGBTQ+
Some of us identify ourselves as LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual, Queer or Questioning), or may define our gender and sexuality in other ways. Those who identify as LGBTQ+ are more likely to experience a mental health problem because of bullying, rejection, stigma and discrimination. This often leads to low self-esteem, depression, anxiety and isolation.
If you have questions about how you identify or what the different sexuality identities mean Health for Teens have created an article about all thing sexuality.
Talking about these issues and seeking support are important ways that people who identify as LGBTQ+ can manage their mental health.
Health for Teens has some advice on coming out to friends and family- but its good to remember you only need to tell people when you are ready!
The Mind website explains more about LGBTQ+ communities and mental health. You will find personal experiences of LGBTQ+ people with lived experiences of mental health issues, and the understanding and support they have found helpful.
Outline is a charity in Surrey that provides support to people with their sexuality and gender identity, primarily through a helpline, website and support groups.
There are also a range of youth groups and support services for young people who identify as LGBTQ+.
If you are interested in getting more involved in the LGBTQ+ community around surrey, why not take a look at the Pride in Surrey webpage.
Sexual Health
It is important to remember that having sex is a big decision and isn’t something that you have to do. It is important to consider whether you are comfortable and the person who you are with should care about you enough to respect your decision.
Free sexual health services in Surrey are available to young people under 25 and include:
- Emergency Contraception
- Chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing
- Chlamydia treatment
- Condom distribution
You can find out more information about the above, and thinking about your sexual health before you start University, here.
Health for Teens has also put together a guide on safe sex and things to consider before having sex.
For more information around sex, relationships and contraception there are lots of options here.
If you have had sex and suspect that you may be pregnant NHS has compiled a teenage pregnancy guide on what you should do next and the advice and support that can be put in place to help.
Abuse
Sometimes we face difficulties in our relationships, and at times like these it can be reassuring to know you’re not alone. Domestic abuse happens when one person hurts or bullies another person who is, or was, their partner. It can happen when people live together or separately and can also happen after a relationship has finished.
If someone in your life is abusive, you must remember that it is not your fault. If this is happening to you, remember that you’re not alone. There are people that can help you. Everyone has the right to be and feel safe.
If you’d like more information, read this article about on how to recognise an abusive relationship and what you can do.
If you have been sexually abused it can be hard to know who to turn to and what you can do next. This NHS guide can help answer your questions and find out where you can get help.
The Solace Centre in Surrey offers free support and practical help to anyone in Surrey who has experienced sexual violence or abuse. This leaflet provides contact details and more information on what they can do to help.
Relationships
The world of relationships is often confusing and difficult- but finding the right person who supports you and makes you happy can make the world of difference.
For advice on all things relationships through from starting a relationship or breaking up, click here for some guidance and tips.
These is also more information available on on safe relationships and what to do if you are not comfortable in the situation you are in.
If you’d like to know more information about how you can cope after a break up, or would like to know how to build a healthy relationship, you can visit the Relate and Health Surrey websites for helpful information.