A new book written by Rachel Munns has been helping teenagers to identify and combat the common causes of everyday mental health problems. Stress is the number one cause of teenage illness in the UK, suicide rates in this age group are at an all-time high, and the Mental Health Service is under enormous pressure. With this book teenagers can get practical help and guidance before stress begins to cause major health and social problems.
Rachel explains..."Inspired by my own family experiences as a mother, daughter and wife, five years ago I set out to create the materials and techniques that could genuinely help teenagers to combat the everyday stress caused by relationships, social media, bullying and pressures at school. My previous experience as a TV presenter, reporter and trainer gave me the research and writing skills to produce a book that I believe can genuinely make a difference to this vulnerable group of society."
Published in March 2019, 'The Circus of Life' is largely based on a highly-successful course that Rachel developed and has successfully presented at schools and businesses throughout the country.
In the opening chapter, the book introduces Rachel as 'The Ringmaster' and gives her reasons behind writing the book. She then describes the many similarities between performing well at the circus and performing well in life, for example, juggling priorities and balancing different demands. The book then carefully explains the causes and symptoms of stress and anxiety, in a language that teenagers will understand and presented in a way that they will not feel intimidated, patronised or frightened by.
Subsequent chapters then invite the reader to complete a 'Big Top' model, that helps them to identify their own strengths and weaknesses, and guide them into self-administered positive changes that will give them increased resilience to stress-related issues, and greater success in relationships and personal performance.
Finally, there is an appendix that gives further explanation on specific issues such as eating disorders and depression, with a comprehensive list of tailored support services and charities that are available online and/or by phone.
The Circus of Life is receiving excellent reviews from teenagers, teachers and mental health professionals alike:
" I think parents and teens will love this. It would be a great read in the wait between assessment and intervention, at a time when parents can feel so helpless" Victoria Bonnett, Clinical Psychologist, CAMHS
"As a teenager I will admit that life is tough - reading this book will make many teens believe in themselves and know that it's OK to ask for help. Amazing content and helpful methods; love this!" Shreya Ghimire, 13
"Thank you for putting me in a good mood. I suffer from clinical depression and this book enabled me to focus on the positive things" Year 11 boy, Kirkby College
"I highly recommend this book to EVERYONE! You don't have to be a teenager or a parent of one to see for yourself how this book can change the way you view stress, and how easy it is to build resilience" Prashansha Sharma, Parent