Not being able to go out to a favourite restaurant for your birthday is an inconvenience. 

Not having any food to eat because the restaurant you used to work for closed down, that's a problem. 

That doesn't mean not celebrating a birthday the way we want isn't important, of course, it is. It's simply when life is challenging, sometimes deciding is this a problem, or an inconvenience helps you decide how you are going to handle it. 

An inconvenience can be uncomfortable, it can put us out of sorts with what we think we need to get through the day. 

A problem on the other hand not only may be uncomfortable or put us out of sorts around what we think we need to get through the day. It can also possibly cause us harm. An inconvenience is something we may need to find a way to workaround. A problem is something which needs to be solved, or if it can't be solved, to find ways to mitigate its impact.

Sometimes the problems we face can feel so insurmountable we may think of suicide. If you are thinking of suicide please speak to someone, as you do matter. 

The Samaritans are there 24/7 365 Tel 116 123, also check out the whit's happening info magazines on the site, which list many services and supports. 

Sometimes the problems we face, we cannot face alone, and we do need someone to offer support, ask for help if you need it as we all need help sometimes, and you do matter.

The tips on this sheet do not replace professional advice. They simply offer some ideas to think about if you are faced with problems just now which is impacting on your wellbeing. The wee postcard offers you the opportunity to make a promise to yourself of an action you plan to take if this has value for you. 

The tips offer ideas on steps to help solve problems, remember if you need help ask. Sometimes sharing the problem, we face helps us think more clearly. There is also a piece on the site around clearer thinking which you may also find helpful to read.

When we are beginning to face up to the problems, we need to deal with that can make us feel anxious, spending some time doing some relaxation even if only for a few minutes can help us feel calmer. There are various relaxation exercises online including on this website.

We all at times face problems, some we can solve, some we need to find ways to mitigate their impact, some we may need time to solve. Taking steps each day towards the solution which best suits your needs in your circumstances helps you use your energy where it is likely to produce a result which you seek. 

When we have problems, its only natural to worry, however, worrying in itself with no action towards a solution drains the energy we need to face the problem in front of us.

Remember also, there are some problems beyond our control. When deciding which problems to address identify those you can do something about and if you need help, remember there are people who care and are willing to offer it, you don't need to do this alone. 

"If it can be solved, there's no need to worry, and if it can't be solved, worry is of no use." 

Dalai Lama.