Headstrong (Ireland) / Vimeo

IS IT A new book? A walk in the crisp, fresh air? A run around the park? Five-a-side with friends?

What is it you do to cheer yourself up if you feel a little down?

Youth mental health support group Headstrong asked a number of teenagers how they cope with dark spells.

As well as a number of practical approaches, they also focus on the ‘One Good Adult’ that they can talk to if things aren’t going how they want.

Headstrong says they have evidence that the presence of one such person in can have a positive influence on mental health.

“Be it a parent, teacher, football coach or school bus driver, we all have a role in supporting the young people around us,” they say.

What about you? What is the one thing you do to cheer yourself up? 

Helplines:

• Console 1800 201 890 – (suicide prevention, self-harm, bereavement)

• Aware 1890 303 302 (depression, anxiety)

• Pieta House 01 601 0000 or email mary@pieta.ie - (suicide, self-harm, bereavement)

• Teen-Line Ireland 1800 833 634 (for ages 13 to 19)

• Childline 1800 66 66 66 (for under 18s)

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Suicides among young people decreased significantly last year