The material discussed below can be difficult for some. There will be discussion of things that might be uncomfortable or triggering, and that's ok. If you feel that you have been affected this material, please reach out to someone you trust, either at home or at school.
Below are links to online support that can also be of use to a young person with concerns regarding their (or others) mental health :
ChildLine is a counselling service for children and young people. You can contact ChildLine anytime and in these ways; You can phone, send an email, have a 1-2-1 chat, send a message to Ask Sam and you can post messages to the ChildLine message boards.
SAMH is Scotland’s national mental health charity. They offer a range of services, including community-based support, information, and advocacy, with key programs focusing on anti-stigma, respect, and suicide prevention.
YoungMinds is a UK wide charity fighting for children and young people's mental health. YoungMinds is committed to ensuring that all children and young people have the support they need to achieve good mental health.
The Mix is the UK’s leading digital charity for under 25s, reaching over 6 million young people each year. Whatever issue a young person is facing, Thier support is free, confidential and anonymous and can be accessed wherever young people are.
The World Health Organization defines mental health as a state of wellbeing in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to their community.
Mental health is part of your overall health.
It’s about:
How you feel, think and behave
How you cope with the ups and downs of everyday life
How you feel about yourself and your life
How you see yourself and your future
How stress affects you
How you deal with negative things happening in your life
1 in 10 young people in Scotland experience a mental health condition. Mental health conditions include depression, anxiety, eating disorders and self-harm, and are often a direct response to what is happening in children and young people’s lives.
The main barriers to mental health help seeking in young people have been identified as: stigma, confidentiality issues, lack of accessibility, self-reliance, low knowledge about mental health services, fear/stress about the act of help seeking and/or the source of help itself.
Unrecognised and/or untreated mental health conditions can lead to a variety of negative outcomes including poor educational/vocational achievement, problematic interpersonal and family function, and reduced life expectancy due to associated medical conditions and suicide.
The graph below shows the prevalence of mental health condictions in the UK :
Anxiety
Anxiety is a feeling of fear, dread, and uneasiness. It's a common human emotion that everyone experiences at times, but when it becomes excessive or persistent, it can interfere with daily life and relationships.
Common symptoms of anxiety include excessive worry, racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, irritability, restlessness, and physical symptoms like increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, and difficulty sleeping.
There are lots of ways to try and reduce the effects of anxiety. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation can be helpful, as can regular exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Building strong social connections and seeking guidance from a doctor or other healthcare professional can also provide valuable support in managing anxiety.
Depression
Depression is a mental health condition that affects your mood, making you feel flat, numb, irritable or sad. It lasts longer than normal shifts in your mood, and it can make it tough to do everyday things like spending time with your friends, working, going to school, or taking care of yourself.
Depression manifests differently in everyone, but common signs include persistent sadness, irritability, loss of interest, social withdrawal, sleep and appetite disturbances, difficulty concentrating, low self-esteem, hopelessness, fatigue, guilt, and in some cases, self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
Like anxiety, depression can be treated by a combination of methods. These include therapy like CBT, medication, and lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, sufficient sleep, and maintaining social connections. Seeking professional help from a doctor or other healthcare professional is crucial for effective management of depression.