There are many reasons why young people start smoking, drinking or taking drugs, often out of curiosity, rebellion, or influence from peers. However feeling unhappy, stressed or trying to cope with problems in their lives can keep these habits alive. Educating young people about how the feelings of relief or enjoyment that drugs, alcohol and smoking can provide is only temporary is vital. Any underlying problems don’t disappear and may indeed worsen, and dependence on these substances itself creates new problems.

Drinking, smoking and taking illicit drugs are all risky behaviours that can lead to both physical and mental health problems. It’s good news that fewer children are taking these risks, but there’s still a huge job to do. We must continue to educate both parents and children about how substance misuse can negatively impact on their mental health.

These words are from Simon Lawton-Smith, Head of Policy at the Mental Health Foundation in response to the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC report), Smoking, Drinking and Drug Use among Young People in England – 2012

Mental Health Foundation conducted research into the effect alcohol and smoking can have on our mental health, which is outlined in our reports: Cheers! (http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/cheers-report/)

smoking and mental health  - is for anyone wanting to understand the links between smoking and mental health.

Nystagmus is characterised by an involuntary movement of the eyes, which often seriously reduces vision. In the UK many people with nystagmus can register as sight impaired; few can drive a car; most encounter some difficulties in everyday life - both practical and social - and some lose out on education and employment opportunities. Early Onset Nystagmus is far more than just poor distance vision. Nystagmus is a dynamic condition, so apart from poor visual acuity (distance vision), it also affects our vision in terms of… More here.

I was born Feburary 2007 in California. My first year was a dream. I ate and slept so well and learned to do lots of things on my own, including saying lots of words, phrases, and animal sounds. I fed myself and loved to read books. It took me a little longer to crawl, cruise and walk, but by 26 months I was running. Around the same time I started walking, my mom and dad noticed a few words disappearing. I was enrolled in an Early Start program and Teacher Jan suggested I get tested for Rett syndrome. So I did, and our lives were never the same.

Over the next few months, Rett syndrome took my words and hand use, but it didn't take my spirit. Mom says my smiles and giggles can still melt anyone and dad says my bright blue eyes twinkle on the darkest of days.

When I was first diagnosed, we were lucky enough to live close to Katie's Clinic in Oakland, CA where we received fantastic care and met some wonderful people. When I was four, dad decided to go back to school to get his MBA, so we moved across the country (I was in the car for SIX days!) to New Hampshire where he attends the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. On our way, we were able to meet even more wonderful Rett families. Next month, dad is going to graduate, so we are moving again. This time, we're just going halfway across the country where we'll settle in the Midwest (Quad Cities, IA/IL) and look forward to meeting even more friends!!

Read more here: https://www.rettsyndrome.org/news-and-media/irsf-features/featured-angel?srctid=1&erid=157853&trid=a97247d8-332e-4372-8632-1bb19f21d906