Early help for mental health

Everyone has mental health, which we need to look after as we would our physical bodies. Certain mental health issues affect more under 25's than other age group and it's important to know where you can get support:

Depression 

If you think, or know someone who thinks they are suffering from depression take a look at Young Minds or the NHS website for lots of information and find out where you can get support.

Young Minds - depression 

NHS - depression

Anxiety

Mind, Young Minds, and the NHS offer further information about and where you can get support.  

Mind - anxiety,

Young Minds - anxiety

NHS - anxiety

Drugs and alcohol 

Studies show that abuse of drugs and alcohol and anxiety are inherently linked. The NHS can tell you where to get help and Talk to Frank can give you more information.

NHD - drug addiction help 

Talk to Frank

You can also get advice if your family member is a drug user. 

NHS - drug use

Eating disorders

BEAT and the NHS give advice about how to get support if you are suffering from an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia. 

BEAT

NHS - eating disorders

Autism and ADHD

These come under behavioural mental health. Those who have Autism and ADHD have different challenges to others and the NHS offers advice for people living with these conditions. 

Self harming

The NSPCC has advice on how to spot and what to do if someone you know is self harming. The NHS signposts to where you can get help.

NSPCC - self harm

NHS - self harm

Social media

Social media can be a fun way to keep in contact with friends and family, but it can also have a negative impact on your mental health. If you think this could be the case, try to limit the amount of time you spend on social media sites each day. You can talk to a counsellor at childline free of charge by calling 0800 1111.

CAMHS/Public Health 

CAMHS stand for children and adolescents mental health services. You can find out more information at CAMHS.

What's the difference between being a "moody teenager" and needing help?

As a young person, it's normal to feel a range of emotions as your bodies change and hormones kick in. But there are indicators that your bad mood may be a little bit more serious:

  • the bad mood or grumpiness persists, lasting longer than a few days
  • withdrawn socially
  • continual anger, irritability or depression
  • dramatic changes in appetite or sudden weight loss or gain

Improving your wellbeing

Mental health is as important as your physical health. How much we exercise, eat a healthy balanced diet and talk to other people about how we are feeling, can all make our mental and emotional wellbeing stronger. Check out the links below for more information:

Young Minds

Prince's Trust

NHS on mindfulness

Mind on how to improve your mental wellbeing 

NewMe healthy lifestyles