Some of the ways you might be feeling

It’s ok to be angry sometimes. Just try to let your anger out in a safe way. Punch a pillow, scream at the top of your voice, throw a ball against a wall as hard as you can- whatever works for you, so long as you don’t hurt yourself or anyone else. It can feel good to let it out!

If you are feeling down, let someone know. A big hug can make you feel better! Crying also helps to let go of some of those sad feelings. If no-one else is around teddy bears and pets can make good listeners and good huggers too!

All this information can be confusing. If you have any questions, just ask. Other people in your family might know the answer or if not they could help you find out. If you can’t find what you want on here, then email the HDA to see if they can help [info@hda.org.uk](mailto:info@hda.org.uk?subject=Feelings)

People with HD can behave differently. Other people may not understand why they do this. You could try and explain to a good friend what HD is or show them this website. It will help them to help you if they understand what you’re going through. If things are difficult at school ask your teacher to look at the website too.

Let someone know what’s on your mind. Worries feel bigger when they’re just sat in your head and you feel that you can’t talk to anyone else. Let them out with someone you trust. A worry shared is a worry halved!

None of this is your fault. If you feel bad about something find a special person you can share your feelings with.

You don’t have to be down all the time. It is OK to feel happy and enjoy yourself. Don’t feel guilty for this. It does everyone good including the person with HD to have fun and laugh.

It is quite natural to feel proud of the grown up job you are doing by living with HD. You might have to grow up quickly to deal with HD which makes you special. It might be that you have been fundraising for the HDA and feel proud of what you have done.

Sometime it can feel unfair that you have to cope with all this HD stuff when you just want to be like your friends. You might even feel jealous that your friends don’t have to worry about as many things as you. Just remember that this is all part of what makes you. There will be things about you that other people wish they could have too.

Because HD is rare, you might feel that no one understands what you are going through. If this is how you feel you might like to find message boards like [childline](http://www.childline.org.uk/)