Help Feeling different?
As we grow up we often want to be like the people we admire. But it’s good to be different – if we were all the same it would be boring!
It is easy to think everyone else feels like they fit in but often the most talented or interesting people have felt different at some point in their lives. If you chat to friends and family, you often find most people feel they are different in some way or worry about it when they are growing up.
People can feel different for many reasons, for example their skin colour, religion, being gay or transgender, or just feeling like they don’t fit in. Feeling different from people around you, it can be lonely or make you worry. You may find it helpful to talk to someone about this – whether this is with a grown up you trust or maybe even a professional.
Did you know?
Some things that might make you feel different, like being gay, transgender or having a disability, are called protected characteristics, and The Equality Act 2010 means the law protects people with protected characteristics from discrimination (being treated unfairly for being different).
Specific support on MindMate
Has someone made you feel bad for being different? Go to our ‘worried about bullying’ page
Do you feel like your appearance makes you different? Go to self image page
Things you might find useful
Dealing with racism
Explores the ways people may experience racism and has advice for dealing with it.
Childline page
MindMate Neurodiversity Hub
A one-stop shop for all neurodivergence (including autism & ADHD) information and support for all children, young people and families in Leeds
iPlayer
Living with a disability
Get the lowdown on living with a physical or learning disability, including relationships, sport and what to do if someone treats you unfairly. Includes British Sign Language videos on different topics.
Living with a disability
LGBTQIA+
MindMate have a number of pages providing help with your mental health if you need it, as well as support and guidance to help you live your best life with your own sexual and gender identity.
Go to LGBTQIA+ pagesAre you a parent or carer?
If you’re looking for more information to support a young person you care for with their mental health, visit our parent and carers page.
