Current Challenges in Youth Mental Health Services

What are the common mental health challenges for young people in the UK?

Many young people in the UK have mental health challenges. This means they have problems with how they feel or think.

Here are some common challenges:

• Anxiety - This means feeling worried or scared a lot.
• Depression - This means feeling very sad and not enjoying things.
• Stress - This means feeling lots of pressure from school or home.

If you feel this way, you are not alone. It is important to talk to someone you trust, like a parent or teacher. They can help you feel better.

You can also try these ideas to help yourself:

• Write it down - Keep a diary about how you feel.
• Do something fun - Play a game or do something you like.
• Breathe deeply - Take slow, deep breaths to feel calm.

How has COVID-19 changed help for young people's mental health?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many changes happened. This includes changes to how young people get help for their feelings and thoughts.

Services like talking to a counselor or therapist might have been on the phone or online, instead of in person. For some, this was new and took getting used to.

Some young people felt lonely or sad because they couldn't see friends or go to school. This made them need more support for their mental health.

To help, young people can use tools like calm breathing or talking to a trusted adult. There are some apps that can help, too. It's important to ask for help when you need it.

How can you tell if a young person is having a hard time with their feelings?

Here are some signs to watch for:

• They seem sad or upset a lot.
• They don't want to play or do things they used to enjoy.
• They get angry easily or have big mood changes.
• They have trouble sleeping or sleep too much.
• They have less energy or feel tired all the time.
• They find it hard to concentrate or do schoolwork.
• They avoid friends or don't want to talk to people.

If you notice these signs, it might help to talk to them kindly. You can also tell a trusted adult.

What help can young people get for mental health in the UK?

Young people in the UK can get help for their feelings and thoughts. Here are some places and ways to get support:

• Talk to a doctor. They can listen and help.
• Call helplines. You can talk to someone who cares.
• Go to online support pages. They have tips and advice.
• Visit a counselor. They help you feel better.

It is okay to ask for help. You are not alone.

How can parents help their children with feelings?

Parents can help their kids when they feel sad, worried, or angry. Here are some easy ways to help:

• Talk and Listen: Spend time talking with your child. Listen to how they feel. Let them know it’s okay to have big feelings.
• Hug and Comfort: Give hugs and tell them they are loved. This helps children feel safe and cared for.
• Keep a Routine: Try to have a daily routine. This means doing the same things at the same times each day. Routines help children feel safe.
• Play and Have Fun: Spend time playing together. Play helps children relax and feel happy.
• Use Simple Tools: Use things like picture books or drawing to help your child talk about their feelings.
• Ask for Help: If you’re worried, talk to a teacher, doctor, or counselor. They can give more ideas to help your child.

It is important to let your child know it is okay to talk about feelings and to ask for help when needed.

How do schools help young people feel better in their minds?

How can young people get help for their feelings in private?

It is important for young people to talk about their feelings and get help if they need it. Here are some ways they can do this without others knowing:

• Talk to a Doctor: You can ask your doctor for help. They keep your talks private.
• Call a Helpline: There are phone numbers you can call to talk about how you feel. These are private and you don't have to tell your name.
• Use a Chat Service: Some websites let you chat with someone who can help you. This is private too.
• Online Resources: Look for websites that have tools and games to help you feel better.

If you need help, reach out to someone you trust, like a teacher or a friend.

What is CAMHS and how does it help?

CAMHS is a place that helps kids and young people with thoughts and feelings.

They can help if you feel worried, sad, or very angry.

People there listen and talk to you. They help you feel better.

You can use pictures or stories to tell how you feel.

It's important to talk to someone you trust about your feelings.

CAMHS can also talk to your family to help them understand.

What problems do young people have when getting help for their mental health?

Young people sometimes find it hard to get help for their feelings and thoughts. Here are some reasons why:

• Understanding: It's hard to know when they need help.
• Talking: It's scary to talk about feelings.
• Knowing where to go: Not sure where to find help.
• Money: Help can cost a lot of money.
• Waiting: Sometimes they have to wait a long time.
• Feeling different: Worry about what others will think.

Here are some ways to make it easier:

• Talk to a teacher or someone you trust.
• Use apps and websites that help with feelings.
• Join a group where people help each other.

How can we help young people stay mentally healthy?

There are things we can do to help young people have a healthy mind. Here are some tips:

• Talk and Listen: Talk to someone you trust about how you feel. Listen to friends and family when they need to talk.
• Stay Active: Play outside, go for a walk, or do a sport you enjoy. Moving your body helps your mind, too!
• Eat Well: Eat fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods. They give your brain the fuel it needs.
• Sleep Enough: Make sure you get enough sleep each night. Aim for about 8-10 hours.
• Take Breaks: Take time to relax and do something fun. It’s important to rest and recharge.
• Ask for Help: If you feel sad or worried, talk to a grown-up you trust, like a parent or teacher. You can also talk to a counselor.

Using these tips can help keep your mind healthy and strong. Remember, it's okay to ask for help if you need it!

Can kids and teens get help with their feelings online?

Yes, there are websites that can help kids and teens with their feelings and mental health. Here are some tips and tools that might help:

• Calm Apps: Use apps to help you relax and feel calm.
• Help Websites: Visit websites that give tips and advice on feeling better.
• Talk to Someone: Some websites let you chat with a person who can help.

Remember, it's okay to ask for help. You are not alone.

How can friends help young people with mental health problems?

Young people sometimes feel sad, worried, or upset. Friends can help them feel better. When friends talk and listen, it is called peer support. This can make big problems feel smaller.

Here are ways friends can help:

• Listen: Sometimes just listening can help. Make sure your friend knows you care.
• Talk: Share your own stories. It helps to know someone else has felt the same way.
• Encourage: Tell your friend about places and people who can help, like a teacher or a doctor.

If you want to help more:

• Use pictures or drawings to show how you feel.
• Write down feelings in a journal or a notebook.
• Do calming things together like drawing, walking, or playing a game.

Remember, friends can make a big difference!

What do family doctors do to help young people with mental health?

How does social media affect how young people feel?

Many young people use social media like Instagram, TikTok, or Snapchat. It can be fun, but it can also change how they feel.

Here are some effects:

• Good things: Young people can talk to friends, learn new things, and find support.
• Not-so-good things: They might compare themselves to others and feel sad or worried. Sometimes, people might be mean online.

To feel better:

• Take breaks from social media.
• Talk to a trusted adult if something online makes you upset.
• Use apps that help limit screen time.

What is the UK government doing to help young people with mental health?

The UK government is working to make young people feel better. Here are some ways they are helping:

• The government is giving money to schools so they can teach students about mental health.
• They are hiring more mental health workers in schools to help children who might be sad or worried.
• There are special programs to talk about feelings and emotions.

If you or someone you know is feeling sad or worried, talking to a trusted adult can help. There are also phone lines and websites where you can get support.