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Dating can be challenging

It can be tiring, disheartening and affect your mental health. Take a look at our webpages below for tips and advice when it comes to dating.

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Sep 16

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Following on from our theme for #SHW24, here are some top tips for talking to your friend about their mental health:1. Make sure you have the headspaceYou don’t want to start a conversation that you don’t have the attention or focus for. Only start the conversation when you feel you can give your friend the time and attention they deserve. and if that’s not right now then it’s ok – you need to look after yourself, too.2. Go somewhere quietMake sure you’re somewhere quiet where you can talk easily without the worry of being overheard. Sometimes going for a walk can help make it easier to talk about things more freely – walking side by side doesn’t feel quite as intense as sitting face to face. Try to avoid busy places or anywhere where your time could be limited.3. Validate their feelingsLetting your friend know that their feelings make sense is really important. We all respond and think differently to situations – there is no right way. Just because your friend isn’t managing something in the same way you would, doesn’t mean it’s the wrong way. However anyone feels or thinks is valid. 4. Be patient and actively listenDon’t interrupt them and allow silences – it might take them time to talk things through or work out how to explain it to you. Don’t rush them – let them tell you in their own time. Make sure you’re giving them your full attention. Repeating their words back to them in a summary of what they’ve told you, maintaining eye contact, nodding can all show that you’re listening and help them feel understood. 5. Don’t offer solutions unless they ask for themSometimes people will come to you because they want your advice, especially if you’ve got experience of what they’re going through. Other times people just want someone to listen and to understand how they feel. If you’re not sure you can ask them how they want you to help. Find out more about supporting your friends' mental health at the link in our bio.

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Sep 15

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That’s a wrap on #SHW24! A huge thanks for joining us in celebrating our theme #AreYouFeelingIt? We loved seeing all your fantastic content and conversations. 💕 🚀 Let's carry the learning forward; supporting our mental health and our sexual health.

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Sep 15

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Self-esteem refers to how you feel about yourself and lots of things can affect it. Low self-esteem can affect many areas of life, including relationships, mental health and decision-making. There can be lots of reasons for not feeling confident, including worries about your appearance and body image, bad experiences in relationships, having had a hard time in childhood, unrealistic expectations from social media, and discrimination. If you struggle with low self-esteem, it might feel as if making changes will be difficult. But there are some things you can try ➡️ For more information about self-esteem and looking after your mental health head to the link in our bio.

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Sep 15

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"Sometimes, there are still days I wish I could fit cis-het standards and I end up pushing my own boundaries; going on dates with people that don't interest me or going on useless pursuits to ‘prove’ my sexuality. Taking a step back from everything and even the fact that my sexuality works differently from most public narratives can be really difficult and mentally draining. I’m still figuring out the depths of my sexuality and I will be for the rest of my life. But no matter where on the spectrum I identify, I know there's a community behind me and people I can talk to, who are dealing with similar situations."At the link in our bio, Vin shares how realising they are on the asexual-aromantic spectrum has impacted their mental health.

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Sep 15

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It can be hard to know what to say to a friend who is struggling with their mental health, especially if it’s not something you normally talk about with them, but it’s always nice to know that someone cares and has got your back, even if they don’t want to tell you or don’t want your help. It might be that they don’t feel comfortable bringing it up themselves but would be grateful for you asking them. This #SHW24, we've come up with some texts you can use to reach out to your friend who is struggling with their mental health 💕

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Sep 15

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Racism can have an impact on both mental and sexual health. For #SHW24 Brook’s Participation Advisory Group member, Nikki, 17, uses her own experiences to discuss how internalised racism intersects with sexual health and mental health for people of colour. “In my academic journey as a Black woman in STEM, I often feel like I’m navigating a complex maze of biases. As a second-generation immigrant, I face the dual challenge of being underestimated both as a woman and as a person of colour. This intersection of identities means that I often find myself having to work harder and prove myself more than my peers. This constant need to overcompensate isn’t just about keeping up; it’s about exceeding expectations to counteract the societal biases that are deeply embedded in our educational and professional environments. These experiences sometimes have a profound impact on my mental health, creating a sense of persistent pressure and self-doubt.”Read the full blog at the link in our bio.

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Sep 14

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For #SHW24 we're exploring the links between mental and sexual health. We often talk about the changes that puberty has on our bodies, but we need to extend that conversation to menopause as well. The physical symptoms of menopause are often discussed, but the mental and emotional challenges are just as significant for many people.Menopause can be a tough transition, but it’s important to remember you’re not alone and seeking support can make a big difference.Head to link in our bio to find out more about menopause and mental health.

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Sep 14

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Bi erasure is the tendency to ignore or question the validity of bisexuality. This can come from both outside of and within LGBT+ communities and can have a huge impact on mental health and wellbeing.Hear from our Education and Wellbeing Specialist, Alice, about how bi-erasure can impact mental health and how we can combat it. If you’re LGBT+ and struggling with your mental health you don’t have to deal with it alone. Speak to a trusted adult or reach out to the following LGBT+ support organisations:✨LGBT Foundation @lgbtfdn – helpline, peer support, therapy✨Switchboard @switchboardlgbt – LGBT+ helpline

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Professionals

Help & Advice topics

Abuse

Contraception

Gender

Menopause

Mental Health & Wellbeing

My Body

Penises & testicles

Periods

Pregnancy

Relationships

Sex

Sexuality

STIs

Vaginas & Vulvas

Dating can be challenging

Top Tips for Dating Apps

Red flags in dating and situationships

Online dating and staying safe

After the Date

Dating apps with a disability: Emily’s Story

Dating apps: Chloe’s story

Dating Apps: Nicole’s Story

Online Dating: Emmie’s Story

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