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Hi Sam, This seems so stupid to actually say but. my dog had to get put down in July 2024. Since then, the house is empty, my heart is empty and its like something is missing. I feel alone struggiling to cope with the grief of losing her. this will be the first Christmas without her from being little. How am I meant to be happy when she can't be with me for Christmas this year. on top of this I have just started college and struggiling with the new environment and my confidence in talking to new people so I spend most my frees alone and upset. It is also a big step up from high school and I hate it stress of exams already yet it feels like it was not that long ago when I had to sit my GSCES. any advice?
Sam
Hi there,
Pets are an important part of many people’s lives. When you lose a pet, it’s natural to grieve and for it to take time for you to come to terms with what’s happened. Christmas in particular can feel hard because of all the reminders about them not being there, or you feeling pressure to be happy.
You’re not alone in your feelings. It might be that other people at home are feeling the same way or that they don’t realise how hard you’re finding things. Talking about your feelings can really help, and they could even help you plan ways to remember your pet or cope over Christmas. We’ve got lots of ways to help you speak to a trusted adult, and you can always talk to Childline.
Going a new environment at college can be a big change as well. It can leave you feeling less confident about making new friends, and lots of people will be feeling the same way. Meeting people can take time, but every friendship has to begin with a first conversation. You could try planning different openings, like asking a question, giving a compliment or making a comment about where you are. The more you try starting conversations the easier it can become.
Exams can be stressful, especially when there’s a lot of pressure to do well. While it’s important to focus on your exams, having too much stress isn’t always helpful and it can help to think about ways to manage that. We’ve got lots of ideas to help you manage exam stress and pressure. Over times like Christmas, it can also help to plan times when you’re away from college work and you’re just focusing on yourself.
Take care,
Sam
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