Health
Mental Health
According to a survey by the Mental Health Foundation, almost 80 per cent of people know at least two friends who have experienced a mental health problem, yet many don't want to admit to their own mental health problems for fear of what friends might think. Reassuringly, 85 per cent reported that when their friends did find out, they were concerned and offered support.
When you feel mentally well you can cope with the normal stresses of life, you feel good about yourself, enjoy life, learn confidently and overcome obstacles. When you don’t feel mentally well – when you have feelings of fear, misery or anger - you need to think about talking to someone you trust.
Many young people start to feel better once they have told somebody what’s going on and taken the first step to finding help. Support can also be found by asking a teacher, doctor, Connexions Personal Adviser or school counsellor or nurse for guidance, or you can get some help for yourself over the phone from agencies like the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 and ChildLine on 0800 11 11.
Several organisations like SANE, Depression Alliance have helplines that you can ring for free or email services where you can get help online.
Mind has some useful factsheets and booklets on all aspects of mental health.
Bereavement Support
If you have lost someone close to you, Winston Wish is a bereavement support website for young people may help you come to terms with their death. Or visit The Child Bereavement Trust website for advice.
Eating Disorders
B-Eat, the Eating Disorders Association website, have helplines that you can ring for free or email services where you can get help online.
Dove has an online quiz as part of their campaign for real beauty, which tackles the issue of low self-esteem because of how you might feel about your body.
Self-esteem and shyness
www.RU-Ok.com is a self-help site for teenagers with emotional issues.
Youth in Mind has an on-line questionnaire which will help you assess your own emotional state and information on books and websites on child mental health issues.
Shykids.com talks about shyness - what it is and what it feels like.
Counselling can help you make sense of your life, resolve specific problems, help you to make decisions, help you deal with phobias, stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, addictions, abuse, bereavement, divorce or separation, conflict with others, relationships, and many other issues affecting your emotional and mental well-being. Needing someone to talk to is perfectly normal and you shouldn't feel ashamed or that you're just being silly.
For more information and help on young people’s mental health please visit the websites opposite.
Page updated: Sunday, March 9, 2008 6:50 PM
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