5 things to try if you're worried
- talk to an adult you trust
- get support from our counsellors
- share your thoughts and feelings on our message boards
- focus on positive things around you
- use our mood journal to track your feelings.
Some things that happen in the world can make us scared, confused, and unsafe, or like we don’t have any control. However you feel, it can really help to share your feelings and get support.
The news can be a great way to find out more about what’s happening in the world. But some of things you see, hear or read can be upsetting, or even make you feel angry.
Some stuff can be hard to make sense of, like politics, wars, climate change, natural disasters or other world events like terrorist attacks.
But there are things you can do if you're worried, confused or scared.
5 things to try if you're worried
It’s natural to feel troubled after you hear something scary or upsetting in the news or online. Even though it’s unlikely that anything bad will happen, it can leave you feeling scared, anxious or like you don’t want to go out. But no matter how you’re feeling there are ways to get support.
Hearing about terrorist attacks or bombings can make you anxious or scared. You might feel unsafe or feel like an attack could happen at any time. But it's important to remember that these attacks are still rare.
Knowing more about terrorism and how to stay safe can help you to feel more confident in the future.
After a terrorist attack, some people might blame or attack people based on their faith, religion or how they look. This is always wrong. It's never okay for someone to discriminate or bully you.
Being bullied or treated badly can:
However you're feeling, there are ways to cope. You don't need to change who you are to fit in.
If you see someone being bullied or singled out because of their race or religion there are ways to support them.
What if you were someone else?
Imagine what it would feel like to be someone who might not fit in, or who seems different.
It can feel confusing if you don’t understand someone's religion, culture or beliefs. You might be told things by other people or see stuff online. But it’s important to remember that these are other people’s opinions. Try finding out for yourself so you can have a better understanding.
This can help you decide what feels right and wrong and see what it’s like for that person.
If you think someone might be planning an attack or be involved in something dangerous, call us free on 0800 1111 or get in touch online. If you think someone is in serious danger, you can call 999 for urgent help.
You might feel silly or unsure about reporting something if you don’t know for certain. But it’s always OK to tell us, even it turns out to be nothing serious.
Find out more about our confidentiality promise.