Mental Health Support for Families: Resources and Strategies

What is mental health?

Mental health is about how you think and feel. It is also about how you handle stress, relate to other people, and make choices. Taking care of your mental health is important.

Here are some helpful tips:

• Talk to someone you trust if you feel upset.
• Do things you enjoy, like drawing or playing games.
• Take deep breaths when you are stressed.

How can I know if someone in my family is having trouble with their feelings?

It's important to check if someone in your family seems sad or worried a lot. Here are some signs to watch for:

• They seem sad all the time.
• They get angry easily.
• They don't want to do things they used to like.
• They have trouble sleeping.
• They eat much more or much less than before.
• They say they feel scared or worried often.

If you notice these signs, talk to them gently. Let them know you care and want to help. You can also suggest they talk to someone who knows about feelings, like a doctor or counselor.

Using pictures or stories can help explain things better. Remember, being kind and patient is very important.

What help can families find in the UK for mental health problems?

If your family has mental health worries, there are places you can find help:

• Talk to your doctor. They can give advice and tell you where to go for help.
• Look for groups. Some charities like Mind or YoungMinds offer support.
• Find a counselor. They are people you can talk to about your feelings.
• Call a helpline. There are phone numbers where you can call for help, like Samaritans.

You can also try these tips:

• Talk to someone you trust about how you feel.
• Write down your feelings in a notebook.
• Try to get lots of sleep and eat healthy foods.
• Do some exercise or take a walk outside.

Remember, you are not alone and there is help out there for you and your family.

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

Here are some ways you can help:

• Listen to them. Let them talk about their feelings.
• Show you care. Tell them you are there to help.
• Ask them what they need. They might want someone to talk to or help with tasks.
• Learn more about their mental health condition. This helps you understand them better.
• Encourage them to see a doctor or therapist. They can get professional help.
• Be patient. Getting better takes time.
• Suggest they join a support group. Meeting others can help them feel less alone.

Remember to also take care of yourself. Helping someone else is important, but your well-being is too. Talk to a friend or therapist if you need support.

What to Do in a Mental Health Crisis

Are you feeling very upset or confused? This is a mental health crisis. Here is what you can do:

• Tell someone you trust how you feel. It could be a friend, family member, or neighbor.
• If you need help right now, call emergency services. They can help you feel safe.
• You can also call a mental health helpline. The people there are friendly and ready to listen.
• Try talking to a doctor or a counselor. They know how to help you feel better.
• If you want to stay calm, try deep breathing. Breathe in slowly and then breathe out slowly.

Here are some tools that might help:

• Download apps for relaxation and calmness.
• Listen to soothing music or sounds.
• Write or draw about your feelings in a journal.

Remember, it is okay to ask for help.

How can I look after my own feelings while helping a family member?

It is important to look after how you feel. Here are some simple steps:

• Take breaks: Make sure you rest and do fun things.
• Talk to someone: Share your feelings with a friend or helper.
• Stay healthy: Eat well, sleep, and exercise to feel good.
• Use tools: Try writing a diary or drawing pictures to share how you feel.
• Ask for help: It is okay to ask others for support when you need it.

Remember, it is important to care for yourself while you help others.

Can kids and teenagers have mental health problems?

Yes, kids and teenagers can have mental health problems. These are like feeling very sad, worried, or angry. It's okay to talk about these feelings.

There are people who can help, like doctors and counselors. Here are some things that might help:

• Talking to a trusted adult, like a parent or teacher.
• Writing down feelings in a diary.
• Doing activities you enjoy, like drawing or playing outside.

Remember, it's important to ask for help if you need it.

Are there special mental health services for kids and young people in the UK?

Yes, there are special services to help kids and young people with mental health in the UK.

If you or someone you know needs help, you can talk to a doctor. They can tell you where to go for help.

You can also call a helpline to get support. Someone friendly will listen and help you find what you need.

Using apps or websites for support is also a good idea. They can help you learn and feel better.

Remember, it’s okay to ask for help, and people are there for you.

How can schools help with a child's feelings and emotions?

Schools can do a lot to help children feel good and happy.

• Teachers can listen to children and help them when they are sad or worried.
• There can be safe places in school where children can go if they need a break or feel upset.
• Schools can teach children how to talk about their feelings and be kind to each other.

Using pictures, stories, or games can help children understand their feelings better.

Can I find help for my feelings online?

What money help can families get if someone has mental health problems?

It can be hard if someone in your family has mental health problems. But there is help you can get. Here are some ways families can get money help:

• Disability Benefits: You might get extra money if someone has mental health problems. This is called a disability benefit.
• Housing Support: You can get help to pay for your home if money is hard. This is housing support.
• Carer’s Allowance: If you look after someone with mental health problems, there might be money for you. This is called carer's allowance.
• Food Vouchers: Some groups give food vouchers if you need extra help to buy food.
• Health Support: You can talk to doctors or helpers who know about mental health. They can give advice and support.

If you need help, you can:

• Talk to someone at a charity.
• Ask a social worker for advice.
• Visit a website that helps families with money problems.

How can I find help for my feelings in the UK?

Do you need to talk to someone about your feelings? Getting help from a therapist or counselor can make you feel better.

Here are some simple ways to find help:

• Ask your doctor. They can help you find a therapist.
• You can also visit websites like NHS for support.
• Talk to a teacher or school counselor. They can support you and tell you where to go for help.
• Tell a trusted adult how you feel. They might know ways to get help too.

Remember, it is okay to ask for help.

How can you look after your mental health on your own?

Here are some simple ways to take care of your mind:

• Talk: Share your feelings with friends or family.
• Exercise: Go for a walk or play outside every day.
• Eat Well: Eat fruits, vegetables, and drink water.
• Sleep: Get a good night's sleep each night.
• Relax: Try deep breathing or listen to calming music.

Helpful tools:

• Journal: Write down your thoughts and feelings.
• Timer: Use a timer to remind you to take breaks.

Remember, it's okay to ask for help if you need it.

Can medicine help with mental health problems?

What can I do if someone in my family won't get help for their mental health?

If a family member won't get help for their mental health, you can:

• Talk to them. Tell them you care and want to help.
• Listen to their feelings. Let them know you understand.
• Ask if there is anything they need.
• Suggest they talk to a doctor or counselor.
• Offer to help find a support group or therapist.
• Give them information about mental health.
• Be patient. It might take time for them to agree.

You can also talk to a doctor or counselor for advice on how to help. They can give you ideas on what to do.