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What are basic needs?

Everyone has basic needs. If you, or a friend, are coping with lack of food, clothing, housing, employment or trouble at school this is the place to talk to someone who can help.

Share your feelings about basic needs in the Nineline Forum.

We all have basic needs that need to be met so we can live a healthy, productive life. Basic needs include adequate food and clothing, a safe home, a good education and, as you grow older, a job. If one or more of your basic needs are not met you may find yourself struggling to just get through the day.

If your basic needs are not being met don’t be embarrassed to find help. There are people and agencies that can help - whether you need food, clothing or a foster home, group home or shelter. There are even agencies that will help make sure you finish school and find a good job. Also, don’t be embarrassed to assist others in finding the help they need.

A lack of food affects your health, growth and ability to learn. Not eating well can lead to health problems like anemia, obesity, eating disorders and dental problems. And missing meals can make it hard for you to focus and concentrate in school. Breakfast is especially important. When you aren’t eating well you are more likely to get sick, miss school and fall behind.

If you or your siblings are missing meals, talk to your school counselor or another adult you trust. Good nutrition is important. So important that some schools offer the School Breakfast Program, the School Lunch Program, the Summer Food Service Program and the Child and Adult Care Food Program all of which provide families in need with meals. There are also community-based food programs like food stamps, local food pantries, and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

A lack of clothing can leave you feeling embarrassed – not to mention hot and cold! If you find you don’t have appropriate clothes for the changing seasons, school or work, there is someone who can help. Talk with your school counselor or an adult you trust about your specific needs. Or call the Nineline.

A lack of housing is also a serious problem. Whether your family is homeless or lives in housing that is unsafe or lacks heat or water there is someone who can help. Talk with your school counselor or call the Nineline.

Trouble at school can lead to bigger problems in the future so it’s best to recognize and solve your problem now. Do you have a hard time getting to school? Do you have trouble concentrating? Are you getting bad grades?

Going to school every day is the best way to keep up with your classes and get good grades so you can graduate and find a good job. If you are having trouble just getting to school, identify the problem. Are you having trouble waking up on time? Finding reliable transportation to school? Feeling safe at school? Staying interested once you get there? Once you’ve identified the problem or problems, get help from someone you feel comfortable talking to. Try your parents, relatives, a teacher, a coach, a counselor or a friend's parent.

If you’re having trouble concentrating in school consider the physical causes. Are you sleeping enough? Eating good breakfasts? A balanced diet? If not, take care of the situation. It's hard to pay attention in class if you are tired or not getting the proper nutrition. Is something bothering you? If so, get help from someone you feel comfortable talking to.

Are you getting bad grades? Try to figure out the problem. Is the class too advanced? Are you neglecting your homework? Ask your teacher for help and keep asking. It is their job to teach you and to help you when you’re struggling. If you do poorly on a test – ask the teacher if there is anything you can do to bring your grade up like an extra credit project. Study with a friend who is good in that class.

Remember, struggling with school doesn't mean you are bad or stupid. Talk to your parents or teacher to come up with a solution. Stay in school. Your education is your future -- it deserves everyone's best effort -- so keep looking for help if you're having a problem.

A good job can be difficult to find – especially as a teenager. And, once you find a job you may want to know how many hours teenagers are allowed to work or what to do if you are injured or laid off. Talk to a family member, friend, priest, minister, rabbi, counselor or therapist. Call Nineline and one of our crisis counselors can help you access what you need in your community. If you know of others who may need help, again, don’t be embarrassed or afraid to reach out and help them get the services they need.