Understanding mental health can be hard. Everyone feels down or a bit low sometimes or stressed or anxious but if negative feelings don’t go away or are too much for you to cope with then it may help to talk to someone.
Nobody chooses to have mental health issues but with the right support you can get better.
There are lots of different organisations that can help you with the way you feel.
[1]Read Sioned’s story [2]
Sioned had a chaotic home life and looked after her mother who had depression. Growing up she struggled with her mental health and tried to commit suicide. Childline helped her to feel someone cared.
Dorset Healthcare Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services provide specialist help for you and your family if you are experiencing emotional and mental health difficulties. Visit their website and find out more. [3]
[4]Kooth [5] is an online counselling and emotional well-being platform for children and young people, accessible through mobile, tablet and desktop and free at the point of use. You can chat to one of their counsellors, read articles written by young people, write in a daily journal and get support from the Kooth community. Support is available:
Monday – Friday 12pm – 10pm
Saturday – Sunday 6pm – 10pm
Other websites and resources you may find helpful:
- Childline [6]– information about mental health and a free helpline 0800 1111
- NHS Moodzone [7]– lots of practical advice, interactive tools, videos and audio guides to help you feel mentally and emotionally better.
- MIND A-Z Mental Health [8]– a list of mental health topics to help you understand.
- Young Minds [9]– the UK’s leading charity fighting for children and young people’s mental health.
- The Mix [10]– support for under 25s on mental health and other life topics.
- BBC – My Mind and Me [11]– lots of information, advice and videos around stress, anxiety and mental health.
- Papyrus [12]– the national charity for the prevention of young suicide.
- NSPCC [13]– advice and support around mental health.
- Samaritans [14]– offer support and advice to anyone experiencing feelings of distress, despair or considering suicide and their free helpline is available 24 hours a day. Call 116 123 from any phone.
- Counselling Directory [15] provide a useful hub for young people struggling with their emotional wellbeing to be able to find a fully qualified and insured counsellor.