Your biggest enemy will ALWAYS be yourself. You’re the one who has to live with yourself all the time, every minute of everyday. Listening to every self-critique, self-devalutions, and everything that just ANNOYS THE HECK OUT OF YOURSELF. Depression, Anxiety, it’s surprising how many people will experience it (1 in 4 girls, 1 in 6 males between the ages of 16-24), yet most are afraid to speak out about their problems, their concerns, their issues because they fear social persecution and concomitant stigmatism. There is absolutely nothing, NOTHING wrong with these feelings. Talk it out with someone, a trusted friend, a school counsellor, a youth worker. Don’t let yourself down by internalising everything, the first step is always the hardest, but it will pass in the end.

Focus on tidying a small section of your room, be it a drawer full of clothes, your toiletries bag or decluttering your school stuff. It helps me feel more in control of my life and doesn’t feel too daunting, just go at your own pace but don’t stop until the job is done. It’s always nice to come home to a tidy room, not necessarily spotless, but more organised (so you can see the floor).

…My favourite! Go to your local park where there is a no-leash area for dogs. It’s so much fun watching dogs play with each other or giving a dog a good belly-rub or hug. Owners usually love that their dog is getting attention so won’t think you’re too weird..Dogs cheer me up so much! Some of them are so friendly and just want to play all the time. It’s nice being around something so innocent and playful.

Cook/bake. Cooking is fun and (sometimes) delicious. It’s an important skill to have under your belt for when you leave home or for trying to impress your friends. =p I like to think it’s great at letting me take my mind off the world for a while, but I think what I love most about it is creating something delicious and knowing that you made it from scratch.

Long warm baths. Scented candles, calm music (Adele, Enya, Sia..) and bubbles. Treat yourself to a foot-scrub or nice body moisturiser. Pampering is so good!

Find your best friend and have a good whinge. Don’t overload them or bore them too much, but let them know what’s bothering you (even if it’s them) and talk it out. They might not be able to change anything, but having someone support you and care for you can be so important. Don’t have someone you trust with the nitty-gritty? School counsellers CAN be helpful, (they can also be pretty average, but it’s worth checking yours out). Also try your local GP, they can be great to offload onto if they’ve got the time and they also prescribe anti-depressants. If you’re not comfortable with them, they can always refer you to someone like a psychologist, psychiatrist, counsellor or youth worker.

Do something that interests you, outside of school/work. Always loved gardening? Check out the community gardens in your area or spruce up your own backyard. Enjoy helping people? Volunteer with charities that feed the less-priviliged and houseless. There are plenty of volunteer jobs available! Check out your local council website for more info. There’s no better feeling than doing something selfless and knowing you’ve improved someone’s day/life.

Fav movies include:
But I’m a Cheerleader
Bound
V for Vendetta
Pan’s Labyrinth
Speed
Dog Lady
Hitch-hikers Guide to the Galaxy
and Galaxy Quest
Spider Baby
(however this probs won’t help you)

Books I enjoy:
Harry Potter
I Am Rembrandt’s Daughter
Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist
Story of O

TV Shows: 
Big Bang Theory
True Blood
Underbelly
The Young Ones
Invader Zim
Spirited
House
Bones
Buffy
Angel
Who’s line is it Anyway?
Comedy Central Presents

I also enjoy long walks on the beach, pina caladas in the rain and am looking for someone who just… gets me. =P
(ok hoping you get that last part is a joke)

If you’re interested in getting involved with GL@M, don’t hesitate to give us a call and find out when to visit!

(02) 9976 1486