Youth Mental Health

Young people are creative, resilient and full of potential. But they are living in a world of increasing economic insecurity, discrimination and inequality and stresses at home, at school and in their friendships. Youth mental health day is an opportunity to talk about how young people are feeling and offer an opportunity for them to voice their own experiences. Worries about mental health are a growing concern for young people and their families with 20% of young people (aged 8-25) having a diagnosable mental health disorder. There is an increase in reported eating disorders among teenagers and depression, anxiety and self-harm can be common. It can be difficult to know where to go to find support and even if you do know where to go, accessing support can be difficult with long waiting lists and different services available depending on where you live.

Another particular challenge for young people experiencing difficulties with their mental health is feeling unable to talk about these difficulties, or even knowing who to talk to. People may be worried about someone else but scared to talk about it for fear of getting it wrong, saying the wrong thing or thinking they may make it worse. But what we know from lots and lots of research is that peer support can play a crucial role in supporting a young person’s mental health. Normalising conversations around mental health can be really important in offering the opportunity for someone to reach out and access support. Having space to talk with peers around what they have experienced and what they found helpful can help young people to engage with support.

There are also specialist support in schools, local mental health services and community groups to support young people with their mental health difficulties. This should be tailored to support their specific needs. The most important thing is knowing that they can ask for support and that there are services available to help you. It is really normal for people to experience mental health difficulties at some point in their lives.  Having a space to speak about your worries and things that are difficult for you can really help.

There are a range of practical support ideas that can help you to cope if you are finding things challenging;

Self-Care

• If things feel overwhelming, it is ok to take time for yourself and for your needs. This is different for everyone but find something that you enjoy and take time for yourself. This may be listening to music, reading, cooking or going for a walk.
• Take some time to reflect on what you are grateful for in life. You could make a note of this and can return to this when you feel you need a reminder.
• Routines can be really helpful. Going out and doing things (even if you don’t feel like) can help, this might be going out and seeing friends or friends, doing exercise or sports clubs.
• If you are on any medication it is important to continue taking it and speak with your GP before making any changes.
• Sometimes if we are struggling it can help to think what advice you might give a friend if they were in the same situation.

Relationships

• Speaking with family and friends can help maintain a feeling of connection.
• If you are struggling with relationships then finding ways to talk about how you are feeling can be a really useful way to address these difficulties. This might include speaking to someone you trust about how your are feeling and letting them know you are struggling.

Community

• There are often lots of different community groups that can offer support and guidance. Finding a group that interests you and can offer opportunities to meet other people with similar interests can help us feel less isolated or alone.
• Identifying what is important to you, what you value, can help direct you towards groups that share these values, this may be spiritual or religious groups who can provide support and community. It may also be sports teams or social groups. There is no right or wrong answer, it is about thinking about what is important to you.

Supporting others

If you are worried about someone else (either a friend or family member) then there are steps you can take to support them.

• Check in with them and let them know you are thinking of them. Small gestures can mean a lot.
• Be a listening ear, with patience and non-judgment. Acknowledging their difficulties can help normalise their experience and reassure them that they are not alone.
• Remember to look after yourself as well.

Further support

• Helplines:

  • NHS guidance – A professional such as a GP, teacher, school nurse or social worker can put you in touch with your local children and young people’s mental health services. You can also refer yourself to some services. Find out if you can do this in your area on your local children and young people’s mental health services website. Search online for “children and young people’s mental health services” and include the county or town you live in.
  • Childline – 0800 1111. Open 24 hours, 7 days a week. https://www.childline.org.uk/get-support/contacting-childline/
  • Samaritans – Call 116 123. Open 24 hours, 365 days a year. https://www.samaritans.org/
  • Talk to Frank – Call 0300 123 6600. Open 24 hours, 7 days a week. https://www.talktofrank.com/contact-frank
  • Shout – Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258. Open 24 hours, 7 days a week. https://giveusashout.org/get-help/
  • In an emergency call 999 or go to A&E.