About Real Stories
When you’re struggling with your feelings it can sometimes seem like you’re the only one who feels the way you do. But you’re not alone. Lots of other people deal with similar problems all the time – you just might not know it.
Real Stories are created by MindMate, to share stories from young people in Leeds who have had problems with their mental health. We’ll be adding more stories over the next few months so please check back again soon.
For more information about the issues raised, look out for the pop-ups throughout the films or see our ‘Common issues’ section on the MindMate website.
Send your story
Would you like to feature on MindMate’s ‘Real Stories’?
Have you experienced panic attacks in the past and would be comfortable talking about it on film?
If so, we’d love to hear from you!
Please contact us if you’re interested.*
Contact us*Unfortunately, we can't promise to include everyone who comes forward, but we will reply to every email we receive as soon as we can.
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What is anxiety?
Everyone feels anxious from time to time. Sometimes you might feel fearful or nervous about certain situations, or worried about things that might happen. You may be worried about taking an exam, having to speak in public, problems at home or even going on a date. All kinds of things, big and small, can make people feel anxious – it’s important to remember that we’re all different.
If you’re feeling anxious too often or for too long and it’s starting to affect how you feel, it’s a good idea to talk to someone you can trust. There are also places you can go to for help.
Things you might find useful…
Starting conversations
Talking about how you feel isn't always easy. Visit our page for help starting conversations.
Find out moreStop, listen, relax
We’ve put together some MindMate relaxation recordings which you can access on your phone through headphones to help you calm down and relax.
Find out moreHeadspace app
Download this fun and easy to use app for an intro into 10 minute meditation – offers a free ten day trial.
Find out moreThe Panic Monster
Watch this short film produced by The Mix, helping you understand your panic triggers.Watch this short film produced by The Mix, helping you understand your panic triggers.
Find out moreWhat's in Leeds for me?
Find out what support's available for young people in your area.
Find out more
What is panic? Is it the same as anxiety?
Panic is like you’ve taken all of the feelings that make up anxiety, but turned them up to 10. They have lots of the same feelings in common, but while anxiety can be mild, medium or severe, panic almost always involves very severe (and horrible) feelings. Some people find that if the panic gets out of control, they might have a panic attack.
When a panic attack happens, it can be scary and horrible. It might feel like:
– Your heart is thudding or skipping a beat
– Your head is pounding
– You’re dizzy, wobbly or might faint
– Changes in breathing – like you can’t breathe enough or catch your breath
– You need to escape or stop what you’re doing
– You’re hot and sweaty, or cold and even shivery.
More about panic on MindMate
Find out more about panic, panic attacks, and how to cope with them.
Find out moreBreathing techniques
Controlling your breathing can help generally but also when you’re panicking. Try this quick exercise, no headphones required.
Find out moreAvoiding your triggers
It can seem strange but avoiding the things that trigger panic can actually make things worse. This NHS leaflet explains more.
Find out moreThe Panic Monster
Watch this short film produced by The Mix, helping you understand your panic triggers.
Find out moreNo Panic youth helpline
This national service has a free helpline for those aged 13-20 who need help with anxiety, panic or related problems.
Find out more
Coping with exams
Exam season can be tough. Even the calmest people can feel the pressure, whether that’s from themselves, their family or their school, and it could be easy for things to feel like they’re too much. Knowing how to prepare and how to keep your cool are really important. But it’s also crucial to know how to spot when the pressure is getting out of hand and to find out what to do about it.
Stay sharp
Did you know that food can have an impact on how well you remember information? Learn about a healthy diet.
Find out moreHealthy body, healthy mind
You’ve heard it before, but exercise is good for more than just your fitness. Include some sweat into your exam prep and help your brain work better. Find easy ways to get started, no lycra required.
Find out moreRead Jack's exam stress experience
Jack shares his experiences of dealing with exam stress on the MindMate blog. All of the articles on the MindMate blog are written by young people living in Leeds.
Find out more
Understanding triggers
Anxiety and worry can be triggered by all sorts of different things, big and small. Some people might find exam season overwhelming, while others may worry about meeting new people, you might even find the news upsetting, or perhaps just change in general. We’re all different and react to situations in different ways.
Recognising the things that bring about those feelings of panic can help you cope and deal with any negative feelings in the right way, before they take over.
Are you upset by the news?
It’s important to know that you are not the only one and it’s OK to have those feelings. BBC Newsround gives some advice.
Find out moreGet help from your school
If you’re struggling you can get support from your school, you can speak to a teacher or anyone working in your school about anything that’s bothering you.
Find out moreThe little book of 'feel better'
Download this book filled with health tips and information for students in Leeds.
Find out moreYoung Minds
This UK charity is dedicated to improving the mental health of children and young people.
Find out more
Taking control of anxiety
When it comes to reducing feelings of anxiety, there’s loads of different coping mechanisms out there. It’s all about finding the one that works best for you.
Some people, like Olivia, find that mindfulness helps to clear their head and reduces the feeling of panic inside. Where others swear by exercise and long walks. There’s plenty of different things you can do to help.
Here’s some things to try…
Top tips for becoming more mindful
Need some quick and easy ways to include mindfulness in your life. We promise it wont be boring or embarrassing!
Find out moreKeeping active
Exercise is great for your body and your mind, from playing footie to trying to walk to school everyday.
Find out moreVisit the MindMate blog
Read about why exercising is so important to Rachael and keeping her mind healthy.
Find out moreLeeds Let’s Get Active
Find FREE sports sessions in your local area, including gym and swim sessions. You can register and find out more about cycle and dance sessions too.
Find out moreCycle North
Cycle North has bike training courses for everyone, so you can learn how to ride safely in your local area.
Find out moreStop, listen and relax
We’ve put together some MindMate relaxation recordings which you can access on your phone through headphones to help you calm down and relax.
Find out more
Finding help in Leeds
Talking about how you feel can be hard. It’s not always easy to know what to say first or how to describe how you feel, but it can be a big help to share your feelings with someone who cares.
Who to talk to?
Talk to someone in Leeds
There are lots of places to go for help in Leeds, find the right one.
Find out moreThe Market Place
The Market Place is based in Leeds city centre, it offers a range of free and confidential services for 11-25 year olds.
Find out moreHelp from your school
Lots of students get support from their school when they’re struggling or everything feels too much.
Find out moreHelp your friends to help you
This article has some tips to help people understand how to help you, when you need someone to be there for you.
Find out moreNo Panic youth helpline
This national service has a free helpline for those aged 13-20 who need help with anxiety, panic or related problems.
Find out more
Starting conversations
Talking about how you feel can really help if you’re struggling with feelings of anxiety. But it isn’t always easy to get that conversation started, or to know what to say first or describe how you feel.
Different people can help in different ways depending on what you need, from someone to just listen, to someone who can offer you professional advice or treatment.
Things you might find useful…
Want to find someone to talk to in Leeds?
Our page on MindMate has information to help you find the right support for you.
Find out moreKooth
Kooth is a free online counselling and emotional well-being platform for children and young people. 11-18 year olds can chat 1-2-1 with counsellors, access self-help articles 24/7 and connect with peers through live moderated forums.
Find out moreFind your MindMates
Our fun tool can help you to work out who’s in your life and who could support you.
Find out moreDoc Ready
This handy site helps you to get ready to talk to your doctor or other professional.
Find out moreTips on starting conversations
Head over to our page on MindMate for tips on starting conversations.
Find out more
A final note from Olivia
Find any way of communicating that works for you, because the sooner you address it, the faster you can get the help.Play again
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Learn more about...
It isn't always easy talking about how you feel, but it's an important step to getting the help that's right for you. MindMate has some tips to help you start that first conversation.
Find out moreIf you're looking for help taking control of your mind and feelings, mindfulness could be your new best friend. Don't worry if you're new to the world of mindfulness, MindMate has a helpful introduction. Why not try the quick relaxation recordings to get you started?
Find out moreWhether it's through school, a local service or perhaps online, there's a variety of support services available to young people in Leeds. Visit MindMate's 'What's in Leeds for Me' page for help finding the one that's right for you.
Find out moreAlthough it is completely normal for moods and feelings to change, sometimes you might decide that you need some help managing what’s going on in your head. From feelings about food, to hurting yourself, there is help and advice available.
Find out more
Watch Exam time's Story