Image caption: The butterfly represents transformation, hope & the Butterfly Project a movement where individuals draw butterflies on their arms to resist self-harm.
Every year on March 1st, Self-Injury Awareness Day (SIAD) serves as a global movement to shed light on the realities of self-harm, break the stigma surrounding it, and encourage open, compassionate conversations about mental health. Self-injury, also known as non-suicidal self-harm (NSSH) affects millions of people worldwide, yet it often remains misunderstood and shrouded in silence.
Understanding Self-Injury
Self-injury involves deliberately inflicting harm on oneself as a way to cope with emotional distress. Common methods include cutting, burning, scratching, or bruising. Contrary to common misconceptions, self-harm is not necessarily a suicide attempt; rather, it is often a way to express emotions, relieve tension, or regain a sense of control. However, those who self-harm may be at increased risk of suicidal thoughts and require emotional support and professional intervention.
Why Awareness Matters
Stigma and misunderstanding often prevent individuals from seeking the help they need. Self-Injury Awareness Day aims to:
Encourage open conversations about self-harm and mental health.
Educate people on the signs, causes, and support options.
Provide resources to those struggling and their loved ones.
Foster empathy rather than judgment, so individuals feel safe reaching out.
How to Raise Awareness and Show Support
There are several ways to contribute to Self-Injury Awareness Day and support those affected:
Wear an Orange Ribbon: The colour orange symbolises self-harm awareness. Wearing it can spark conversations and show solidarity.
Share Information: Utilise social media to spread facts, stories, and resources about self-injury.
Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about self-harm, its triggers, and recovery options to provide better support.
Engage in Supportive Conversations: If someone opens up to you, listen without judgment and encourage them to seek professional help.
Recognising the Signs of Self-Harm
If you’re worried about someone, look out for these signs:
Unexplained cuts, burns, bruises, or scars, especially on the arms, thighs, or torso.
Wearing long sleeves or pants even in warm weather.
Avoiding activities that expose skin.
Mood swings, withdrawal from friends and family, or increased secrecy.
Tips for Parents, Carers, and Educators
Supporting a child or young person struggling with self-harm can be challenging, but early intervention can make a significant difference. Here are some essential tips:
✅ Stay Calm & Open – Reacting with shock or anger can push the child away. Instead, create a safe, judgment-free space for them to talk.
✅ Listen Without Judgment – Encourage them to express their feelings without rushing to “fix” the problem.
✅ Use Positive Language – Avoid phrases like “Why are you doing this?” Instead, say “I’m here for you, and I want to help.”
✅ Encourage Professional Help – Suggest speaking to a school counsellor, GP, or mental health professional.
✅ Teach Healthy Coping Strategies – Help them explore alternative ways to express emotions, such as journaling, art, mindfulness, or exercise.
✅ Work With the School – If you’re an educator, liaise with pastoral care or safeguarding teams to ensure the right support is in place.
A Message of Hope
“I understand how difficult this can be—I’ve been there myself, and I know others who have struggled with self-harm. But please know that healing is possible, and there is hope for a future where self-pain is no longer the answer.”
Self-Injury Awareness Day is not just about acknowledging the issue—it’s about breaking the silence, fostering understanding, and offering hope. If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that help is available, you are not alone, and healing is possible.
By raising awareness, supporting open conversations, and providing the right resources, we can work together to reduce stigma, promote mental wellbeing, and help those affected find healthier ways to cope.
UK Helplines and Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with self-harm, there are dedicated support services available:
YoungMinds Parents Helpline – 0808 802 5544 (Support for parents worried about a child)
Childline – 0800 1111 (Confidential support for children and young people)
The Mix – 0808 808 4994 (Support for under-25s)
Samaritans – 116 123 (Available 24/7 for anyone in distress)
LifeSIGNS – A leading self-harm support network providing guidance and peer support.
Harmless – Offers information, training, and direct support services for those affected by self-harm.
Every year, Time To Talk Day reminds us of the importance of open, honest conversations about mental health. The 6th of February is a day dedicated to breaking the stigma. It fosters understanding and empowers individuals to share their stories. People are also encouraged to listen to others.
What is Time To Talk Day?
Time To Talk Day was first launched in 2014. Mind and Rethink Mental Illness partnered with the Time to Change campaign. The goal was simple yet profound: to create a space where conversations about mental health are normalised and encouraged. By doing so, we can reduce the stigma and to ensure no one feels alone in their struggles.
Research consistently highlights the need for such initiatives. According to the Mental Health Foundation, 1 in 6 adults experiences a common mental health problem each week in England. YoungMinds reports that 1 in 6 children aged 5-16 has a probable mental health condition. These statistics underline the importance of creating environments where people feel safe to talk and seek support.
The Importance of Time To Talk
Mental health can affect every aspect of our lives. It influences our relationships and productivity. It also impacts our physical health and overall well-being. Time To Talk reminds us that mental health is just as important as physical health. Open conversations can:
Break Down Stigma: Talking openly about mental health helps challenge stereotypes and misconceptions.
Foster Connection: Sharing experiences can build trust and strengthen relationships.
Encourage Help-Seeking Behavior: People are more to seek help if they feel their struggles are understood and validated.
Practical Tips for Meaningful Conversations
Want to support someone’s mental health or start your own journey toward better mental well-being? Here are some strategies:
Create a Safe Space: Find a quiet, comfortable place where the person feels at ease to open up.
Practice Active Listening: Be present in the conversation, make eye contact, and avoid interrupting.
Ask Open-Ended Questions: Instead of “Are you okay?” try “How have you been feeling lately?”
Avoid Judgment: Show empathy and refrain from offering quick fixes unless asked.
Follow Up: Let the person know you’re there for them by checking in regularly.
Share Your Own Story: If appropriate, sharing your experience can help normalize their feelings.
Let’s Talk Better C.I.C.: Supporting the Mental Well-Being of Communities and Opening up Conversations for All
As part of my mission to make a difference, Let’s Talk Better C.I.C. (LTB) a community interest company dedicated to improving mental health and well-being for children, young people, and adults. Through initiatives like the Let’s Talk Better campaign, we address key issues including anxiety, body image, identity, self-worth and suicide. We also focus on LGBTQ+, Neurodiversity, bullying, relationships, and many more important topics.
By providing workshops, resources, and open forums, Let’s Talk Better aims to:
Equip individuals with tools to manage their mental wellbeing.
Educate communities on the importance of empathy and understanding.
Create spaces for authentic, stigma-free conversations.
We’re proud to collaborate with schools, parents, and mental health professionals to inspire a healthier, more supportive world.
Mental Health Statistics: Why This Matters
Mental health struggles are widespread and often underestimated. Here are some eye-opening statistics:
Children and Young People: YoungMinds reported that 87% of young people said the cost-of-living crisis worsened their mental health.
Adults: Mind reports that 25% of people will experience a mental health problem in their lifetime.
Loneliness: A 2022 report by Campaign to End Loneliness revealed important findings. It showed that 45% of adults in the UK feel lonely occasionally, sometimes, or often.
These figures highlight the urgency of collective action to support mental well-being.
Resources and Hotlines
If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that help is available. Here are some valuable resources:
Samaritans: Call 116 123 for 24/7 support.
YoungMinds: Text YM to 85258 for free, 24/7 support from trained volunteers.
Mind: Call 0300 123 3393 for information and support.
Shout: Text SHOUT to 85258 for confidential support via text.
Childline: Call 0800 1111 for free, confidential support for young people under 19.
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): Call 0800 58 58 58 for support for men in crisis.
Join the Conversation
Time To Talk Day is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the power of talking and listening. Let’s consciously check in with ourselves and our loved ones. We should start those important conversations. We need to create a culture where everyone feels seen and heard.
If you’re struggling, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Whether it’s to a friend, family member, professional, or organisations like Let’s Talk Better C.I.C. or The Clarity Coach – Zeenat Noorani, help is always within reach.
Let’s talk better, together. Let’s create a world where difficult conversations are prioritised. These conversations become easier. No one should feel alone in their journey.
Call to Action: If you want to collaborate, seek support, or learn more about Let’s Talk Better, please reach out. Feel free to contact me – The Clarity Coach. / Director and Co-founder of LTB.
A worrisome Reality with Eco-anxiety, a growing mental health challenge, that is increasingly affecting young people worldwide.
Did you know?
A 2024 study by Action for Conservation revealed that 64% of children aged 11-16 in the UK experience mental health symptoms linked to eco-anxiety, with 23% reporting feelings of fear, stress, or anger at least once a week. Globally, a 2021 survey found that 72% of 16-25-year-olds are very or extremely worried about climate change, with 45% reporting that eco-anxiety affects their daily lives.
This anxiety often manifests as fear, helplessness, or mistrust in government responses, leaving many young people questioning their future. However, eco-anxiety can be addressed and even transformed into empowerment through emotional support, action-oriented involvement, and resilience-building strategies.
Understanding Eco-Anxiety
What is Eco-Anxiety?
Eco-anxiety refers to feelings of worry, fear, and helplessness about climate change and environmental degradation. It’s especially prevalent among young people, who are exposed to constant media coverage of climate crises, including biodiversity loss, extreme weather, and systemic inaction. Many young people express feelings of mistrust toward governments and corporations, citing insufficient action as a key driver of their anxiety.
The Emotional Toll on Young People
Young people frequently report Symptoms including low mood, disrupted sleep, feelings of anger or panic, and even significant life decisions like whether to have children being influenced by fears about the planet’s future. Many question life decisions, such as having children, due to fears about the Earth’s sustainability.
Alarmingly, according to a 2024 study, 43% of children report spending less than 10 minutes outdoors daily, which exacerbates these symptoms by weakening their connection to nature—a key component in mitigating anxiety.
Why Are Young People Particularly Affected? Key Contributors to Eco-Anxiety
High Awareness and Constant Media Exposure: Today’s youth are inundated with information about environmental crises through digital media, education, and personal experiences, such as wildfires or floods. With social media and news platforms delivering daily updates on climate crises, young people face relentless reminders of the challenges ahead. This constant exposure amplifies their sense of urgency.
Example: Platforms like TikTok and Instagram often share unfiltered content showing the direct effects of environmental disasters, such as melting glaciers or deforestation. While this raises awareness, it also amplifies anxiety.
Fact: Over 71% of UK youth feel the government isn’t doing enough to combat climate change, deepening their sense of mistrust and despair.
Unique Pressure and Responsibility: Unlike older generations, young people face the dual burden of inheriting a damaged planet and being tasked with finding solutions. This responsibility, coupled with perceived inaction by leaders, creates frustration and helplessness. This generation is acutely aware that they will bear the brunt of climate impacts, creating a heavy emotional burden. Example: Many young people report delaying major life decisions—such as career choices or starting a family—due to fears about the planet’s future.
Mistrust in Leadership: A significant majority—71% of UK youth—believe the government isn’t doing enough to combat climate change, leading to feelings of frustration and helplessness.
Lack of Connection to Nature: Spending time outdoors is vital for mental well-being. However, urbanization, academic pressures, and screen time have reduced opportunities for young people to engage with nature. This disconnect not only heightens anxiety but also limits their ability to see the tangible beauty and resilience of the natural world.
Fact: A study found that spending as little as 20 minutes in green spaces can significantly lower stress hormone levels, but many young people are missing out on these benefits.
Climate Breakdown and Extreme Weather: Frequent exposure to news about hurricanes, droughts, and floods creates a sense of impending crisis.
Biodiversity Loss: The extinction of species and destruction of habitats amplifies a feeling of helplessness.
Connecting with Nature: A child walking hand-in-hand with a parent through a serene forest, bathed in sunlight, evoking mindfulness and a deep bond with the natural world.
How Parents Can Help Address Eco-Anxiety
Parents have a critical role in supporting their children, fostering resilience, and empowering them to act.
1. Create Open Conversations
Why It Matters: Children and young people often feel isolated in their worries about the environment. Validating their feelings and creating safe spaces for discussion can help them process their emotions.
How to help:
Encourage open-ended questions like, “What are your thoughts on the environment?”
Share your own concerns and thoughts about climate change in an age-appropriate way, modelling how to constructively manage anxiety.
Introduce regular family discussions or “climate cafés green dinner table talks,” where everyone can voice their feelings and share ideas. eco-related thoughts and positive actions.
Example: Weekly dinner topic on talks to discuss positive environmental changes they could make together, such as reducing waste or conserving water.
2. Encourage Small Meaningful Actions and Responsibilities
Why It Matters: Taking small, meaningful actions helps children feel a sense of control over environmental challenges.
How to help:
Involve children in sustainable practices at home, such as recycling or gardening.
Encourage participation in community projects like beach clean-ups or tree-planting drives.
Celebrate achievements to show their contributions matter.
Example: A family started a composting project, allowing children to track waste reduction and learn about the cycle of decomposition.
One family started a “low-waste week” challenge, reducing plastic use and documenting their efforts on a family blog to inspire others.
3. Foster Connection with Nature
Why It Matters: Time outdoors reduces stress, improves mental well-being, and builds a deeper appreciation for the environment.
What Adults Can Do:
Plan regular outdoor activities like hiking, bird-watching, or urban park visits.
Create a home garden where children can grow plants or vegetables.
Limit screen time and replace it with outdoor exploration.
Fact: Research by YouGov shows that 86% of people report improved mental well-being after spending time outdoors.
4. Balance the Narrative with Positive Stories
Why It Matters: Exposure to alarming climate news can amplify anxiety, but a balance of positive stories inspires hope and resilience. Progress helps children see that solutions exist and that they can contribute meaningfully.
What Adults Can Do:
Highlight successful environmental initiatives, such as renewable energy advancements or reforestation projects.
Share stories about young environmental leaders making a difference globally.
Watch inspiring documentaries together, such as The Biggest Little Farm or David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet.
Example: A parent shared stories of community-led river clean-ups that revived local ecosystems, showing tangible results of collective action.
5. Teach Coping Mechanisms
Why It Matters: Equipping children with tools to manage their anxiety builds resilience and improves overall mental health.
How to Help:
Introduce mindfulness exercises like deep breathing or grounding techniques.
Encourage journaling as a way to process emotions.
Set boundaries on “doomscrolling” by encouraging a balanced approach to media consumption.
Example: A parent taught their child the “5-4-3-2-1” grounding exercise, helping them stay present during moments of overwhelming fear.
6. Model Sustainable Behaviours at Home
Why It Matters: Children learn by example, and seeing their parents take sustainable actions reinforces the importance of personal responsibility and community impact which reinforces environment-positive habits.
How to help:
Reduce household waste, adopt reusable products, and conserve energy.
Involve children in eco-friendly decisions, such as selecting green products or planning sustainable vacations.
Show commitment to sustainability by participating in local climate initiatives as a family.
Example: A family reduced their plastic use by switching to refillable containers, involving their children in the process to understand its benefits.
7. Advocate for Systemic Change Together
Why It Matters: Empowering children to engage in activism shows them they can influence broader systems, reducing feelings of powerlessness.
How to Help:
Write letters together to policymakers or participate in local environmental campaigns.
Attend climate rallies or events as a family to demonstrate collective action.
Support organizations or schools that promote sustainability and mental health awareness.
Example: A family partnered with a local environmental group to organize a tree-planting event, teaching their children the importance of community involvement.
Balancing Urban Life and Sustainability: A young person sitting on a city rooftop, gazing at a landscape that integrates renewable energy sources like wind turbines and solar panels, reflecting optimism and innovation.
Turning Eco-Anxiety into Empowerment
Eco-anxiety doesn’t have to be debilitating. With the right support, it can become a motivating force for action and resilience.
What Else Can Help?
Educational Opportunities: Teach children about renewable energy, conservation, and sustainable living to show them solutions are within reach.
Community Engagement: Encourage participation in environmental activism, school eco-councils, or youth-led climate initiatives.
Professional Support: Schools, parents, and communities should prioritize mental health support, such as counselling or peer discussion groups.
Building Resilience and Empowerment
Eco-anxiety isn’t just a challenge; it’s an opportunity to teach young people resilience, adaptability, and optimism. Parents can play a pivotal role by:
Validating Feelings: Show empathy and understanding for their concerns.
Providing Support: Offer resources, counselling, or peer networks if needed.
Fostering Optimism: Focus on solutions rather than solely on problems.
In Conclusion: A Collaborative Approach
Parents, educators, professional experts and mental health professionals can help turn eco-anxiety into empowerment by fostering open conversations, encouraging actionable steps, and teaching coping strategies. Supporting young people through eco-anxiety is not just about addressing their fears – it’s about equipping them with the confidence and skills to build a more sustainable and hopeful future.
My Final Thought
Creating a supportive environment, empowering young people with actionable tools, and modelling sustainable behaviour, can turn eco-anxiety into a source of strength.
Eco-anxiety is a natural response to global environmental crises. With, the right support, it can be transformed into motivation, activism, and a lasting commitment to a sustainable future. Today’s young people can transform their anxiety into action, compassion, and optimism, becoming the resilient leaders the world needs.
Together, we can help the next generation develop the confidence and resilience needed to face climate challenges with hope and determination.
The past month has been a whirlwind of ups and downs—illness, losing clients, finding new ones, and then, as if that wasn’t enough, a robbery. Never had I imagined this to happen to me, living in a flat on the 3rd floor. Just as things seemed to settle, another challenge emerged. One thing after another, these events have left me feeling vulnerable and mentally, physically and emotionally exhausted.
I know that there have been many close friends of mine who are struggling with the day-to-day challenges and what life has thrown us this year in 2024, with so many changes… However, experiencing a burglary has taken me to breaking point, shaking my confidence in my own space and affecting my mental health in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Even as a Coach who supports people with the stresses and challenges of life, this can impact us too. However, the beauty is that I do have tools and strategies at hand, and if I didn’t, I fear to think what the outcome could have been.
For a single woman living alone, the emotional toll of being burgled can be especially profound. The feelings of fear, anger, and vulnerability linger long after the event, impacting day-to-day life, whether you’re indoors worrying about safety or outside, feeling unsettled about what awaits you at home.
Experiencing a burglary can shake the very foundation of one’s sense of security, leaving a lasting impact on mental health and confidence. For me, in particular, being burgled feels like a personal violation, with emotional aftershocks rippling into everyday life and changing how I feel about my home, my community, and my own resilience.
Yes, there is a financial implication, but more so for me, it was the sentimental value of everything that was stolen from the day I came into this world. To look on the brighter side there are the memories I hold, unless I lose my mind… who knows?
From Fear to Vulnerability
The initial flood of emotions after a burglary can be overwhelming. It begins with shock, disbelief, and anger but quickly morphs into a profound sense of vulnerability. Living alone, there is often no one else to process these emotions with or to offer immediate reassurance. Knowing that someone has violated your space, touched your belongings, and invaded your privacy brings a unique kind of distress. My home, once my sanctuary, suddenly felt foreign—no longer a place of comfort but a reminder of what I’d lost.
Living in Fear – My Anxiety at Home and Away
Burglary doesn’t just leave scars on your home; it imprints itself on your psyche. Being at home can feel like an exercise in tension, as every small noise prompts a startle, and every creak suggests danger. The fear doesn’t dissipate when you leave the house, either. Instead, it transforms into anxiety about leaving your space unguarded, creating a subconscious need to return, to make sure everything is as you left it.
This anxiety compounds when layered over other traumatic experiences. Last year, I found myself in the middle of a shooting in Orpington, a distressing experience that left me hyper-aware of potential dangers in public spaces. With the burglary added to this history, my fear of being unsafe at home and in public settings intensified. The weight of these combined experiences has left me feeling as though I am constantly on edge, waiting for the next threat to arise.
The Need to Rebuild Confidence and Security After Trauma
Taking control back is so important, and only I can do that! Despite these challenges, finding a way back to a sense of security and confidence is essential. I want to share with you some of the steps I’m taking to take control back and to feel empowered. I hope this may help anyone who’s experienced a similar trauma:
Reclaim Control of Your Space: Taking steps like changing locks, installing additional security, or even just rearranging a room can help you regain control over your environment. Reclaiming this physical space is often the first step toward emotional healing.
Reach Out for Support: Trauma can feel isolating, but sharing the experience with close friends, family, or a trusted therapist can help to process it. The reassurance from a support network can provide comfort during difficult moments and help with gaining perspective.
Your Self-Care is Essential: The emotional energy it takes to manage heightened fear and anxiety is truly exhausting. Practising mindfulness, journaling, going for a walk or talking with a mental health professional can help healthily process these feelings and rebuild peace of mind. Find and do what works for you, but please do something.
Celebrate Small Milestones: Each day you feel a bit more secure or worry a bit less is worth recognising. These small wins add up, serving as reminders of resilience and the strength to reclaim your peace.
Finding Empowerment in the Process
Going through a burglary or any distressing experience can be incredibly unsettling, yet it’s possible to emerge with a renewed sense of strength and awareness. Yes, at this moment and time, as it is still so fresh, I keep going back to the thought that comforts me and who many have told me, ‘Zee at least you were not there…’
Each challenge faced and overcome is a testament to our courage and resilience. While it may take time to feel completely secure again, each small step forward is a reminder that it is possible to rebuild both peace of mind and confidence, one day at a time.
Life’s challenges may sometimes feel relentless, but every difficult experience has a silver lining and also revealed to me an unexpected resilience, the will to protect my well-being, and the determination to make my space safe once again.
A huge hug of appreciation and thanks to those who have supported me through this, my family and friends.
Let's Talk Better C.I.C 