If you are worried about stuff like suicide, substance abuse (drugs and alcohol), or sexual abuse, there IS help out there.   Check out this section for some great information.

 I was very bitter, very angry -and very mean.  Nobody loved me, and I wanted to keep it that way.
If nobody could get close to me, I wouldn't get hurt.
I caused a lot of pain for others but I didn't care.
I hurt a lot people that way, some very badly!
I had a vision of going insane, 
of people coming to take me away.       
When I began thinking of ways to kill myself...I had no hope to get away.
Drugs and alcohol were unable to help me forget.  I was blind, but now I can see...
Drugs and alcohol isn't the way to be 

E.C. age 16, 
 (from "The Youth Report", BC Children's Commission)

 


Artwork by Hope Curley, 17 (Rankin Inlet)

"We are trying to tell adults 
about suicide, it is killing us.  
But they don't listen to us. 
Please listen to us."  Chris 

"Sometimes I scare myself.  
I wish I had someone to talk to"  Lisa

 

  

Growing up can be a very confusing thing.   You are tired or cranky sometimes, depressed and lonely some days, and you want to take risks and be wild the next day.  But did you know that research tells us this is totally normal?  A teenager's brain works differently than an adult's brain.  This is because you have different levels of hormones and chemicals, and also because your brain is still developing.  If you feel depressed and lonely, like you can't always control your emotions or your need to take risks, there are some real biological reasons.   Doctors who studied all types of teens' brains tell us this: the part of your brain that takes calm decisions and organizes all your experiences (it's called the "prefrontal cortex  ") is basically asleep at the wheel during adolescence.  It is not working properly yet, so it may seem that at times you can't think straight.  Also, the part of your brain that is in charge of emotions and "gut reactions" like fear and rage, (called the "limbic system"), is in total overdrive.  So you are basically getting over flooded with emotions and gut reactions, but your brain is not always able to make sense of it all.  



"I learned how to ask for help, that was the 
hardest part, to learn to trust someone.  
After that, it got easier" Johnny

   "I am proud to know how to live off the land.  
Youth who do not know how to survive off the 
land, they have something missing, 
they look sad"  William

"Sometimes I feel like I just want to get away 
from everything.  When I feel that way, 
I do something nice for somebody else, 
and it makes me feel better" Lisa

 

All this information may sound discouraging, but really it just means that it's OK if you can't handle everything that is thrown at you.  Still, you have the ability to do and be many great things if you are a teen.  Remember that you are not alone.  Check out these web sites for some great ideas on how you can "help yourself" and let others help you, too. 

  PERSONAL ISSUES...

  • National Youth In Care Network  http://www.youthincare.ca  (this site has awesome information on every topic under the sun, including youth custody, abuse, foster care, employment, suicide, AIDS/HIV, depression, and much more!  They even have a game room!)

  • D.E.A.L http://www.deal.org (a great site made by youth with lots of activities, discussions, contests and info on drugs and alcohol)

  • Kids Help Phone Line 1-800-668-6868 (do you just want to talk?  This line is totally anonymous: they won't ask you your name or phone number, and you can hang up anytime you want.  Or, you can visit them at http://kidshelp.sympatico.ca)

  • In Baffin, call 1 800 265-3333 and 979-333 from Iqaluit

 

   
     EMPLOYMENT...

    RACISM...


"I want to have a good future 
with a job that I am proud of 
because I want to be 
proud of who I am going 
to be" Jason


Questions or comments?  Difficulty accessing one of our links?  We'd love to hear from you.  Let us know what you think, or if you need more information, we'd be happy to provide it for you.  Contact us:  pauktuut@comnet.ca