Bras and how they support By Cassie (Cassiopeia.) Did you know that women spend approximately sixteen billion US Dollars worldwide on bras each year? source] Those who wear bras own up to nine bras on average source]. A bra is a garment worn by people to support their breasts. Each bra is designed to meet the individual requirements of people of all shapes and sizes around the world. The average age that people begin to wear a bra is age eleven, but breast development normally starts...

How to make a calming jar by Cassie (Cassiopeia.) Calming jars are a do-it-yourself craft that is sparkly and fun for people of all ages. The colorful glittery solution can serve as a calming substitute for people struggling with the use of unhealthy coping mechanisms such as self-harm. With the help of a few materials, people can create a calming jar of their own in just a few minutes. Materials needed Old clothing (optional) A mason jar

Coping with triggers By Robin (PSY) In order to cope with triggers, it's important to understand what a "trigger" is. A "trigger" is a cue or signal for anything that 1) reminds a person of an upsetting event, and 2) leads a person to have a strong, negative, physical and/or emotional reaction in response to being reminded of that upsetting event. Everyone has different triggers, because everyone experiences different kinds of upsetting events. Triggers can come in the form of people,...

The basics of creative writing By Chess ( *~Skittles Martinski~* ) and Dez ( *~Skittlify~* ) Creative writing is an excellent way for you to express thoughts, ideas, and opinions in an interesting and imaginative way. There are many forms of creative writing that you can do depending on your interests, and inspiration can be found in a variety of areas. It is a good way to escape from the formal writing you do at work or in school and instead share your talent! Due to the number of...

Debunking the myths of eating disorders By Jenny (coolkid98) There are a variety of misconceptions about eating disorders which can make it difficult for those with eating disorders to reach out and get help. This article will debunk some of the common myths about eating disorders. In clarifying common misconceptions, it hopes to promote greater understanding of what eating disorders are, and categorically are not. Myth: Eating disorders aren't serious; they're a lifestyle choice. Fact:...

Being prepared for university By Dez ( *~Skittlify~* ) Going to university for the first time can be a scary experience. Many people fear that they will not be able to afford university, or that they won’t be well-prepared once they arrive. Those who live on campus may also worry that they will not get along with their roommate or other people within their residential area. However, university does not necessarily have to be a scary or difficult experience and there are many things that...

Understanding self esteem By Jenny (coolkid98) Self esteem can affect an individual in many ways. If one has a low self esteem, it can affect their home, school or work life, and their relationships with peers and family members. Many people struggle with a low self esteem in some way, and it is especially common among teenagers. There are many factors which can impact a person's self esteem; these can include the media, families, school and puberty. What is self esteem? Self esteem is...

A guide to adult tonsillectomies By Nicole (Pug Princess) Tonsillectomies used to be quite common among children to prevent complications down the road. Today, doctors typically don't suggest tonsillectomies unless the tonsils are degrading one's quality of life. Adult tonsillectomies are even less common; these are conducted on adults as the name implies, and they typically have a longer and more painful recovery time than a tonsillectomy performed on a child. Reasons to get the...

The Scottish independence referendum By Adam (Adam the Fish) On 18th September 2014, Scotland’s citizens voted decisively to reject a split from the three-hundred-year-old union it shared with England in the United Kingdom. With a record turnout and passionate campaigns prior to the referendum on independence from both the “Yes” and “No” (“Better Together”) sides of the argument, the decision was a historic one. Circumstances leading to the referendum Whilst independence is something...

Difficulties a trans person might face By Nicole (Pug Princess) The definitions of sex were created to be composed of two simple labels in order to categorize society, however for many people it is a very complicated process to figure out how to define oneself. Some people grow up thinking that they were born the “wrong way” because they don’t like the opposite gender which is what society deems is “correct.” In other cases, people feel that they were not born as the right gender, and that...

Living with a mental illness By Chess ( *~Skittles Martinski~* ) It’s quite common for people with a mental illness to say they are suffering from it: “She suffers from depression” or “He suffers from bipolar” are phrases which sound familiar, but they may not be entirely accurate or helpful. This approach is fairly typical, but it’s also problematic. For many people with mental illness, a diagnosis can result in a declining sense of stability within their lives. They may fear that their...

Depression and Suicide: Fact vs. Myth by Cassie (Cassiopeia.) Approximately every 13.3 minutes, someone commits suicide ]. Suicide is the act of killing oneself and it is strongly associated with depression, one of the most common mental illnesses, and is a persistent state of sadness that lasts for more than two weeks. Depression and suicide can affect anyone of any age, race, gender, or background. This year alone, it is estimated that 30,000 Americans will take their lives. On...

Remember, Remember, the 5th of November By Louise (LlamaLlamaDuck) In most parts of the world, November 5th is no different from any other day. In the UK, however, it is a night celebrated with parties, bonfires, and fireworks. It is much like the 4th of July in America but on a smaller scale. Known as Bonfire Night, Fireworks Night, or Guy Fawkes Night, it is commemorated across the UK every year. It all began courtesy to the man known as Guy Fawkes. Originally from York in England,...

Debunking the myths of bullying By Jenny (coolkid98) Most people will experience bullying at some point during their lives and will know someone who has previously been bullied or who is currently being bullied. There are many myths about bullying which can make it hard for those being bullied to reach out to get help to deal with it. According to research conducted by the NSPCC 46% of children and young people in the UK say they have been bullied at school at some point in their lives....

Grief: what to expect after someone has died By Robin (PSY) Although it can be difficult to find a reliable estimate, many organizations report that 5-20% of youth around the world will experience the death of a significant person before reaching adulthood. Regardless of what life stage a person is in, grief resulting from the death of a significant person can present many challenges. Merriam-Webster defines grief as "deep sadness caused especially by someone's death," but grief...