Dealing with negative thoughts
Are you anxious, angry, worried sometimes? Do you suffer from stress and insecurity? We often think that we are the only ones, but everyone suffers from negative thoughts once in a while. During this time it is important to look for support from friends and family and talk about what is bothering you. Talking isn't always easy and sometimes you don't know where to start ... Luckily there are a lot of platforms to help you on your way.
WAT WAT
WAT WAT looks for answers to the 1001 questions that young people could be asking themselves. With the project "Dark thoughts" WAT WAT wants to break the taboo around mental wellbeing and show young people that they are not alone with their dark thoughts. Eight young people are taking the lead and are sharing their difficult moments wholeheartedly in four Youtube episodes. To start the conversation they use the card game "Dark thoughts": 38 questions that let you take the first step to an open conversation about how you are feeling. Take a look maybe the questions help you on your way:
When are you feeling most like yourself?
Where or with who can you be the most vulnerable?
Did you do something out of your comfortzone recently? How did it feel?
What suits you best: I can keep learning and growing or I am who I am and that is isn't going to change?
What suits you best: I am negative or I am positive? How do you notice?
Which part of yourself have you not completely accepted yet?
Supose that this is you last day on earth? What would you like to say to someone? Why haven't you said it yet?
About what do you worry sometimes?
How do you help a friend when they feel bad about something?
Have you ever been to a psychologist or have you wanted to? What for?
What makes you unique?
Are you scared of failing sometimes? If so when?
Who do you trust the most?
What do you do when you feel bad? Does it help?
How do you find peace?
Do you feel lonely sometimes?
How are you feeling right now? Give a number on a scale of 1 tot 10 and explain.
What causes you to feel stressed? How does it feel? How do you deal with that feeling?
Apps for you mental health
It might sound weird, but there are also countless apps for you mental wellbeing. It offcourse doesn't replace a conversation, but it can be a starting point or a valuable addition. There are apps that focuse on dealing with negative thoughts, that help you understand yourself better or that make it possible for you to talk to someone. You can find a complete overview here.
AWEL
Via “Awel ik wil een babbel…” you can have a free and anonimous conversation with someone.
Via “Awel ik zoek info…” you can read everything about topics that young people are engaged by.
other
Fit in je hoofd: information, concrete exercises and tips about how to feel good about yourself
Moodspace: reliable information, tips and self-help tools to tackle emotional problems or to help you study confidently
Teleblok: a website with tons of information and tips about study problems
Tele-onthaal: a free and anonymous conversation with someone
Zelfmoordlijn1813: suicide prevention
Druglijn: for all your questions about alcohol, drugs, pills, gaming and gambling
lumi: for all your questions about gender and sexual preference
1712: professional hotline for questions about violence, abuse and child abuse
Tejo: Therapists for Young People, for an anonymous, free and personal call with a therapist