Youthline http://oregonyouthline.org YouthLine is a free and confidential 24-hour teen-to-teen crisis, counseling, and referral line for youth. Thu, 17 May 2012 03:31:02 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Eating Disorders http://oregonyouthline.org/1653/eating-disorders/ http://oregonyouthline.org/1653/eating-disorders/#comments Thu, 17 May 2012 03:21:38 +0000 kaitlyn http://oregonyouthline.org/?p=1653 You may be struggling with an eating disorder at this very moment. Or if you are not, it is possible that a friend or a family member who you love is silently struggling and maybe no one has a clue. It is hard to ever really know what any given person is dealing with in their day-to-day life because a lot of times there is shame, guilt, and depression attached to issues such as eating disorders. Many people walk around day after day putting on a front that will be pleasing and “appropriate”  to others and for this reason, sometimes the most unlikely person you would ever think could be the one who is depressed, or who is thinking about suicide, or who has an eating disorder. Don’t let cliché stereotypes stand in the way of recognizing red flags and being able to support a loved one who needs you. If you have suspicions that your friend, sister, brother, cousin, etc. may have an eating disorder, it is completely okay to just voice your concerns and ask the person straight out if they think they might have an eating disorder. It can be a very awkward and tense conversation to start out, but your loved one who has likely been suffering all alone will be so relieved and feel like a ton of bricks has been lifted just by having someone acknowledge that something is wrong while also being supportive and nonjudgmental.

If this is a conversation that you think you may want to have with someone in the near future and you would like some helpful tips and guidance on how to go about that, please give the YouthLine a call at 1-877-968-8491 or text teen2teen to 66746. A teen on the YouthLine would be glad to help you out. If you are someone who is struggling with an eating disorder and you feel like you are all alone, please know that you are not alone and there is at least one person out there who cares very much about your safety, health, and well-being. You are strong, beautiful, and have a purpose. Your weight does not determine your worth! Below are a few helpful links about the road to recovery and success stories from others who have overcome eating disorders. Please contact the YouthLine if you have no one to talk to and need a safe person who listens and cares.

]]> http://oregonyouthline.org/1653/eating-disorders/feed/ 0 Words of Wisdom from Dr. Seuss http://oregonyouthline.org/1641/words-of-wisdom-from-dr-seuss/ http://oregonyouthline.org/1641/words-of-wisdom-from-dr-seuss/#comments Sat, 12 May 2012 00:41:20 +0000 kaitlyn http://oregonyouthline.org/?p=1641

]]> http://oregonyouthline.org/1641/words-of-wisdom-from-dr-seuss/feed/ 0 You can do whatever you set your mind to! http://oregonyouthline.org/1634/you-can-do-whatever-you-set-your-mind-to/ http://oregonyouthline.org/1634/you-can-do-whatever-you-set-your-mind-to/#comments Thu, 03 May 2012 01:55:02 +0000 kaitlyn http://oregonyouthline.org/?p=1634

]]> http://oregonyouthline.org/1634/you-can-do-whatever-you-set-your-mind-to/feed/ 0 For the girls! http://oregonyouthline.org/1603/for-the-girls/ http://oregonyouthline.org/1603/for-the-girls/#comments Fri, 20 Apr 2012 03:16:03 +0000 kaitlyn http://oregonyouthline.org/?p=1603 Life as a teenage girl can be awesome! But, it can also be hard, confusing, and overwhelming with the changes that you are going through as you become a woman. Not to mention the struggles that come along with school, drama, boy problems, and more! Dealing with this stuff on your own can be really tough, but luckily no one expects you to go through it alone. That’s why the YouthLine is here! If you are unable or uncomfortable talking to friends or family about the tough issues that come along with being a girl, you can give us a call at 1-877-968-8491. The line is available 24/7. You can also text teen2teen to 66746 or visit www.oregonyouthline.org to chat with the YouthLine. Teens are available to answer calls, text messages, and    chats Monday-Friday from 4-9pm. It is confidential and anonymous no matter how you contact us.

Click on the image below to visit an awesome website just for girls! You can find information on the changes your body is going through, relationship issues, sex and STD related information,  general life questions you may have, and there’s even a section on looks and style.

]]> http://oregonyouthline.org/1603/for-the-girls/feed/ 0 How do I get my boyfriend back? http://oregonyouthline.org/1598/how-do-i-get-my-boyfriend-back/ http://oregonyouthline.org/1598/how-do-i-get-my-boyfriend-back/#comments Thu, 19 Apr 2012 02:29:44 +0000 kaitlyn http://oregonyouthline.org/?p=1598 Dear YouthLine,

so my boyfriend broke up with me and now he won’t even act like im even there. I want to date him again but i don’t know how to some people tell me to give hint space then start talking to him but i don’t know what to do…

 

Dear Kaylee,

Hey, thanks so much for reaching out to the YouthLine! Break-ups can be really tough to go through and I imagine you are feeling pretty alone and confused right now since the break-up was not mutual and you still want to date him. At the YouthLine we like to emphasize honest and open communication. Is your ex aware that you would like to get back together and does he feel the same way? I would encourage you, if possible, to have a conversation with him to find out whether or not you two are on the same page and if there is a possibility of getting back together. By letting him know where you stand and finding out where he stands, you can have a solid answer and depending on how he feels, be able to either get back together or  start working through the break-up and moving on. I know it may seem a little scary to approach it so head-on, but it will save a lot of confusion and mixed feelings in the long run. Instead of having to make guesses about how your ex is feeling and whether there is a chance of getting back together, you will just know. If that is something you don’t feel comfortable with, that’s totally fine, it is only a suggestion.

The relationship aside, your health and well-being are very important and should come as a first priority. It is important that you are getting plenty of sleep and eating and exercising regularly. I imagine that this break-up has your emotions flying all over the place and probably has you feeling confused, sad, hurt, angry, and determined to get your ex back. All of those feelings are completely normal and understandable. I encourage you to talk to any close friends or family members about it because talking about the break-up and the way you are feeling can really help.

Feel free to give us a call at the YouthLine if you would like to talk more. Our number is 1-877-968-8491. You can also text teen2teen to 66746. Teens are here to answer calls and text messages Monday through Friday from 4-9pm. We hope to hear from you. Best of luck in your situation!

Sincerely,

YouthLine

]]> http://oregonyouthline.org/1598/how-do-i-get-my-boyfriend-back/feed/ 0 Yoga – Good for the body and the mind http://oregonyouthline.org/1595/yoga-good-for-the-body-and-the-mind/ http://oregonyouthline.org/1595/yoga-good-for-the-body-and-the-mind/#comments Sat, 14 Apr 2012 01:33:31 +0000 alex http://oregonyouthline.org/?p=1595 At YouthLine we always stress the importance of self care. No matter what life throws at you, one of the best ways to keep your mood up and your stress down is exercise. Exercising can be difficult for a lot of people – it takes time, space and can be embarrassing if you haven’t done it in awhile. One option that is often overlooked is yoga. Yoga is great for your flexibility and strength, and is well known for being amazingly soothing and even therapeutic. This article from Teen Health talks about how effective yoga can be as a stress reliever. Check it out and give it a try!

]]> http://oregonyouthline.org/1595/yoga-good-for-the-body-and-the-mind/feed/ 0 Check this out! http://oregonyouthline.org/1584/check-this-out/ http://oregonyouthline.org/1584/check-this-out/#comments Thu, 12 Apr 2012 02:53:23 +0000 kaitlyn http://oregonyouthline.org/?p=1584 Find out about some awesome programs and opportunities outside of the YouthLine =)

Click the image to visit the website.

]]> http://oregonyouthline.org/1584/check-this-out/feed/ 0 Are you or someone you care about being bullied? http://oregonyouthline.org/1551/are-you-or-someone-you-care-about-being-bullied/ http://oregonyouthline.org/1551/are-you-or-someone-you-care-about-being-bullied/#comments Fri, 06 Apr 2012 00:16:52 +0000 kaitlyn http://oregonyouthline.org/?p=1551 The following information can be found at http://helpguide.org/mental/bullying.htm

IF YOU ARE BEING BULLIED:

-Don’t blame yourself. It is not your fault. No matter what someone says or does, you should not be ashamed of who you are or what you feel.

-Be proud of who you are. Despite what a bully says, there are many wonderful things about you. Keep those in mind instead of the messages you hear from bullies.

-Get help. Talk to a parent, teacher, counselor, or other trusted adult. Seeing a counselor does not mean there is something wrong with you.

-Learn to deal with stress. Finding ways to relieve stress can make you more resilient so you won’t feel overwhelmed by bullying. Exercise, meditation, positive self-talk, muscle relaxation and breathing exercises are all good ways to manage the stress from bullying.

TIPS FOR DEALING WITH BULLYING & CYBERBULLYING:

Tip #1: Respond as bullying is happening

  • Walk away. Bullies want to know they have control over your emotions so don’t react with anger or retaliate with physical force. If you walk away, ignore them, or calmly and assertively tell them you’re not interested in what they have to say, you’re demonstrating that they don’t have control over you.
  • Protect yourself. If you can’t walk away and are being physically hurt, protect yourself so you can get away. Your safety is the first priority.
  • Report the bullying to a trusted adult. If you don’t report threats and assaults, a bully will often become more and more aggressive. In many cases adults can find ways to help with the problem without letting the bully know it was you who reported them.
  • Repeat as necessary. Like the bully, you may have to be relentless. Report each and every bullying incident until it stops. There is no reason for you to ever put up with bullying.

Tip #2: Handle a cyber-bully

  • Do not respond to cyber-bullying messages. The bully wants to feel in control of your emotions, so the best response is no response.
  • Document cyber-bullying. Save and print out emails, text messages, or screenshots.
  • Block the cyber-bully on your phone, IM list, websites, or social media pages. Report inappropriate messages to an Internet service provider or website moderator; report threats to the police.

Tip #3: Reframe the problem of bullying or cyber-bullying

By changing your attitude towards bullying you can help regain a sense of control.

  • Try to view bullying from a different perspective. The bully is an unhappy, frustrated person who wants to have control over your feelings so that you feel as badly as they do. Don’t give them the satisfaction.
  • Look at the big picture. Bullying can be extremely painful, but try asking yourself how important it will seem to you in the long run. Will it matter in a year? Is it worth getting so upset over? If the answer is no, focus your time and energy elsewhere.
  • Focus on the positive. Reflect on all the things you appreciate in your life, including your own positive qualities and gifts. Make a list and refer to it whenever you feel down.
  • Find the humor. If you’re relaxed enough to recognize the absurdity of a bullying situation, and to comment on it with humor, you’ll likely no longer be an interesting target for a bully.
  • Don’t try to control the uncontrollable. Many things in life are beyond our control—including the behavior of other people. Rather than stressing, focus on the things you can control such as the way you choose to react to bullies.

Tip #4: Avoid isolation

Having trusted people you can turn to for encouragement and support will boost your resilience when being bullied. Reach out to connect with family and real friends (those who don’t participate in bullying) or explore ways of making new friends. There are plenty of people who will love and appreciate you for who you are.

  • Find others who share your same values and interests. You may be able to make friends at a youth group, book club, or religious organization. Learn a new sport, join a team, or take up a new hobby such as chess, art, or music.
  • Share your feelings. Talk to a parent, counselor, coach, religious leader, or trusted friend. Expressing what you’re going through can make a huge difference to the way you feel, even if it doesn’t change the situation.
  • Boost your confidence. Exercise is a great way to help you feel good about yourself, as well as reduce stress. Punch a mattress or take a kick boxing class to work off your anger.
  • Don’t beat yourself up. Don’t make a bullying incident worse by dwelling on it or replaying it over and over in your head. Instead, focus on positive experiences you’ve had.

If you or someone you love is being bullied in any way, please call the YouthLine at 1-877-968-8491 to talk to another teen who is willing and ready to listen to anything you want to talk about and work with you to figure out what steps should be taken to make the situation better. The volunteers at YouthLine truly care and want whoever is reading this to know that you are special and important and do not deserve to be bullied. If you do not feel comfortable calling, you can TEXT teen2teen to 66746.

]]> http://oregonyouthline.org/1551/are-you-or-someone-you-care-about-being-bullied/feed/ 0 10 Misconceptions! http://oregonyouthline.org/1542/1542/ http://oregonyouthline.org/1542/1542/#comments Thu, 05 Apr 2012 03:43:02 +0000 kaitlyn http://oregonyouthline.org/?p=1542 Pretty interesting! Hopefully we don’t actually swallow that many spiders….

]]> http://oregonyouthline.org/1542/1542/feed/ 0 A Big Dose of Adorable http://oregonyouthline.org/1526/a-big-dose-of-adorable/ http://oregonyouthline.org/1526/a-big-dose-of-adorable/#comments Sat, 24 Mar 2012 01:22:22 +0000 alex http://oregonyouthline.org/?p=1526

Have a great weekend!

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