Hi there
Thank you for taking the time to write to me and for being so clear about how things have been for you since you started sixth form college. At ChildLine, we know that a lot of young people aren’t sure if they should tell us how they’re feeling, because it might seem like whining and we might be thinking “oh, get a grip”. In fact, we take what young people tell us quite seriously and we’re so glad when young people take the step of contacting us for support.
You say that though sixth form college seemed okay at the start, now it is making you feel stressed, confused and unlike your usual self. And this is affecting your confidence and bringing out more negative thoughts than you used to have. It also sounds like you find the teachers, and particularly your tutor, unsupportive. That’s quite a combination of things to deal with – for any one of any age.
The transition to sixth form college is quite a big one. Some young people can feel a lot of pressure relating to coursework, being more independent and getting used to a new setting. Some sixth form colleges have advice and/or counselling services. If yours does, one thought is to talk to someone there – possibly asking about the possibility of getting assigned to another tutor and getting some extra help with coursework if there are subjects that are proving difficult.
Also, you might find it really useful to have a conversation with a ChildLine counsellor. ChildLine talks to a lot of older teens about issues relating to school, stress, and other things happening in their lives. You can contact us either by phoning on 0800 1111 or going online for chat, which is like MSN messaging. It’s a chance to get a lot more support and to have a back and forth conversation about options for improving things.
Take care
Sam