Mental Health Resources for Families

What help is there for families in the UK who feel worried or stressed?

How can I get mental health help for my child?

If you think your child needs help with their feelings, you can get support. Here’s how:

• Talk to their doctor: Make an appointment with your child’s doctor. They can give advice and tell you where to find help.
• Speak to a teacher: Talk to your child’s teacher. They may know of ways the school can help.
• Contact support groups: There are groups that help children and families. They can listen and give support.
• Check online resources: There are websites that can guide you on what to do next.

It’s important to get help if your child struggles with their feelings. You are not alone, and there are people who understand and can help.

Can you get free help for mental health in the UK?

Yes, in the UK, there are places where you can get free help for mental health. This means you don’t have to pay money to talk to someone if you feel sad, worried, or need support.

If you want help, you can:

• Visit your doctor (GP) and ask for help.
• Go online and look for free mental health services like the NHS website.
• Talk to a teacher or a trusted adult who can help you find support.

It’s important to remember that getting help is okay, and there are people who care and want to help you feel better.

What to Do if Someone in Your Family Has a Mental Health Emergency

Here are steps to help:

1. **Stay calm**: Take deep breaths and try to stay calm.

2. **Talk to them**: Ask them if they are okay and listen to what they say.

3. **Get help**: Call a doctor or mental health professional. You can also call emergency services if they are in danger.

4. **Be there**: Stay with your family member until help arrives.

5. **Support tools**: Use calming techniques like deep breathing or playing soothing music.

How can I find a mental health support group for my family?

You want to find a group to help your family with mental health. Here’s how:

• Ask your doctor for advice. They can tell you where to find a group.
• Use the internet to search for support groups near you.
• Look for phone numbers or websites of local mental health centers.
• Ask friends or family if they know any good support groups.

It can help to write things down. Use a list to keep track of groups you find.

If reading is hard, you can ask someone to help read with you.

How can I help a family member who has a mental health problem?

What help can carers get for people with mental health problems?

If you look after someone with mental health issues, there are places to get help:

• Join a support group for carers.
• Talk to a doctor or nurse for advice.
• Find information on the internet.

These are good places to start. You can learn tips and get support from others.

Can my child get help for feelings at school?

Yes, schools can help your child if they feel upset or worried. You can talk to the teacher or school counselor. They can give support and help your child feel better.

Here are some things you can do:

• Ask the teacher how they can help your child.
• Find out if the school has a counselor who can talk to your child.
• Use books or videos to help your child understand their feelings.

It's okay to ask for help. School is a place where children can get the support they need.

Can people in the UK find help for mental health on the internet?

Yes, people in the UK can find help for mental health on the internet. Here are some places to look:

• Visit websites like Mind or Samaritans for support.
• You can call or chat with helpers if you're feeling worried or sad.
• Look for apps on your phone that can help you relax, like Calm or Headspace.

If reading is hard, you can:

• Ask someone to help you with the computer or phone.
• Use voice-to-text tools to write or read things out loud.

How can I talk to my child about feelings and health?

Talking to your child about feelings is important. Here are some tips:

• Use simple words they understand.
• Be calm and listen to them.
• Ask them how they feel.
• Let them know it’s okay to have feelings.
• Give examples of when you felt the same.
• Use stories or books to explain feelings.
• Help them find ways to feel better.

Tools that might help:

• Feeling faces charts to show emotions.
• Books about feelings and health.
• Drawing or playing to express feelings.

What are signs of mental health problems in kids and teens?

Here are some signs that a child or teen might have a mental health problem:

• They feel sad or upset a lot and it doesn't get better.
• They stop doing things they usually enjoy.
• They have problems at school, like not doing their work or getting bad grades.
• They have trouble sleeping or sleep too much.
• They eat a lot more or a lot less than usual.
• They are very worried or afraid of things.
• They get angry very easily or have big mood swings.
• They hurt themselves on purpose or talk about hurting themselves.
• They stay away from family and friends.

If you notice these signs, it can help to talk to someone who can help, like a doctor or counselor. It's important to listen and be kind.

Some tools that might help include:

• Talking to a trusted adult.
• Keeping a diary about how they feel.
• Using apps that help with calming and relaxation.

Can young people get help for their feelings?

Yes, young people can get help if they feel sad or upset. Here are some ways:

• Talk to a trusted adult: You can talk to a parent, teacher, or someone you trust.
• Call a help line: You can call a special number to talk to someone who can help.
• Visit a website: There are websites with information and support for young people.
• Write down feelings: Writing in a diary can help express how you feel.

It is okay to ask for help when you need it.

How can I help my family understand mental health better?

What will happen at my first visit to a mental health helper?

When you go to see someone who helps with feelings, it is okay to feel a bit nervous. They are there to help you. Here is what might happen:

• Meet and Greet: The helper will say hello and introduce themselves. You can tell them your name too.
• Talking Time: You will have a chat about how you have been feeling and what you want help with. It’s okay to share what you feel comfortable with.
• Ask Questions: You can ask any questions if you don’t understand something. It’s good to ask for help if you need it.
• Plan Together: The helper will talk about how you can work together to help you feel better.
• Safe and Private: Remember, what you talk about is private. It stays just between you and your helper.

If you feel anxious, it can help to bring a friend or family member with you. Sometimes, drawing or writing things down can help you share your feelings too. Everyone is there to help you, so you can always say if you are unsure or want to try something different.

How can I find a good mental health helper in the UK?

Finding the right person to talk to about feelings can help a lot. Here are some simple steps to find a good mental health helper in the UK:

1. Ask your doctor: You can start by asking your doctor for help. They can tell you where to find someone to talk to.
2. Use the internet: You can search online for mental health helpers. Look for websites like the NHS, Mind, or Samaritans.
3. Talk to trusted people: Ask family or friends if they know a good helper.
4. Check their qualifications: Make sure the helper is trained. You can ask them or look on their website.
5. See how you feel: It is important to feel comfortable with the person you talk to. If you do not, you can try talking to someone else.

Remember, it is okay to ask for help. Talking to someone can make you feel better. You can also use tools like pictures, charts, or apps to help express your feelings.