ABUSE_MAGAZINE_ID_ Illinois issue | Page 27

ABUSE Magazine Photo source: dynamiccounselor.blogspot.com • Hold your head up - always. Be proud of who you are, even when you are not proud of something you did… or something others think you did. If you are feeling lonely – • Put yourself in safe positions where you can meet people. Volunteer with a social service agency. Take a class. Join a gym. Join a club. • Keep busy doing constructive activities. • Get a pet. Believe it or not, it can make you feel better and less alone. • Recognize that there are many others out there who are as lonely as you, though it does not seem so. So you really are not alone. If you are feeling like you might hurt yourself – • Promise yourself that you will not act on these feelings without first talking to someone. • Consider the fact that the impact of hurting yourself can be very long-term – even permanent. Ask, is this issue really worth causing irreversible harm to me – even death? • Remember, though it seems things will never get better, they most always do, if given time. If you are feeling embarrassed – Even if you did something that was noticed by many people, and you are fully humiliated. • Focus on the future. Not on what happened, but on what will you do now. While others may want to keep you focused on the past by blasting you over and over about something embarrassing that you did, you can reduce their power by continually focusing on the future. • Remember, many, in fact most, people (including very famous and successful people) have done embarrassing things. Those who overcame them are those who kept their heads high and got right back up and moved forward. If you are feeling that you are of little value or that you are a failure – • Remember that you have value because you are you. You have as much right here on Earth as anyone else. • Make a list of the things you have done right or done well; even the little things. Celebrate those things. • Select one thing good and useful (to you or to others) to do each week. If you can’t think of anything – there are human services agencies that would love to have you help them - and their work is important and valued. Know the facts about teen suicide & know that there is help 2610 N. Prospect Ave. Champaign, IL 217-352-070