Health
The move from childhood to young adulthood can be both exciting and confusing. Read about the issues that may affect you during this time, such as social and survival skills, plus physical and mental health.
Alcohol
Alcohol is a very powerful drug. Drinking too much alcohol can change your behaviour, make you vulnerable to personal harm and crime, can cause health problems, and over time you may become dependant on it.
Anxiety and fear
"I cry myself to sleep every night and have nightmares about what might happen."Counselling
Counselling is a process where you can talk to a trained person, known as a counsellor, about your concerns, worries and anything that you consider to be important.
Depression
"Mum walked out on me and my brother and dad got a job in another part of the country, so we had to move. Mum didn't want to see us anymore, because she said she had a new life."
Eating disorders
"I started a diet. When I lost the amount of weight I wanted to, I felt a sense of achievement so continued to lose weight. I came to hospital to help me get over anorexia."Feeling angry
"In my family no-one shows they are angry... well apart from my Dad... everyone just keeps it inside. Sometimes I go up to my room and just want to smash things up."Healthy eating
The benefits of a balanced diet are numerous. No single food contains everything the body needs so it is important to eat a wide variety.
Isolation
"I don't have any mates. I dread school 'cos I know everyone dislikes me and thinks I'm a nerd."Mental illness
Just as people's bodies can become unwell, people's mind can become unwell too.Physical fitness
There are several health and lifestyle benefits to maintaining a regular exercise routine. Such as: Lowering your risk of heart disease and giving you more energy.
Self-harm
"I think control's a big thing. You can't control what's happening around you, but you can control what you do to yourself"Sexual abuse
"When I told him not to do it he said... 'Don't be silly, it's just a game, what do you mean you don't like it?'...I felt really missed up."Sexual health
It is important you make the right choices in your life. So when it comes to sex, make sure you have all the knowledge and advice to make those key decisions.
Stress
"I'm under lots of stress and my family don't understand. They don't know how hard it is to keep up my grades and cope with all homework thrown at me"Last updated: Wed 09 Nov 2011 at 14:28
