Lynn Frank , a volunteer member of the publicity group at KJT, (Kanner Jungend Telefon), which is a children’s and young person’s helpline, joined Sam on the Breakfast Show to discuss the service and the sharp increase in demand, especially for the online, English language service over the past year.
“We’re seeing more people contacting the service with issues surrounding feeling pressured, feeling as though their lives are being held back in some way, anxiety, depression and, very sadly, a lot more people talking about suicide.”, Lynn explained.
While young people, and indeed their parents, carers and teachers can contact KJT by telephone to avail of the service in Luxembourgish, French and German, those wishing to get in touch with a counsellor through English can do so online through the website kjt.lu.
“You create a pseudonym or nickname, the service is entirely anonymous and confidential,”, Lynn said, “and then you can make contact through a safe server”. Users are then connected to a trained counsellor who is also anonymous.
Lynn described some of the signs to look out for in people who may be struggling, “Angry or emotional outbursts or “meltdowns”, when people start talking about overly stressed or feelings of being hopeless or helpless in some way. We need to look signs of kids withdrawing, spending long periods in isolation in their rooms or not having contact with friends or people in their social group. There may may also be signs of problems with sleeping or eating or signs of self harm.”
While professional help from KJT is available Lynn also noted some things that can be done at home to help improve young people’s mental health. “It’s important to create a space, if possible, to just listen. Try not to give solutions, just listen. Because we believe that we all have the answers and we just need to be given a little bit of space, maybe away from devices, to just be listened to.”
“The other thing I would say is that even though teens may not be in to this, just ask if they need an extra hug, an extra cuddle, maybe a little massage because they are not getting the normal touch time, and we’re all suffering from this touch deprivation, so just remember that while they might want to hide away they might just need an extra cuddle”
Hear the full interview below:
Contact KJT and find out more through their website www.kjy.lu