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Mental Health Support

Take Care of Your Mind

Understanding Mental Health

Mental health refers to emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences how we think, feel, behave, handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions. Mental health is as crucial as physical health and varies throughout life. Challenges in mental health can arise from various factors, including life experiences, biological influences, and family history. Seeking help early can make a significant difference in managing and improving mental health.

For young people, managing mental health can be particularly challenging due to academic pressures, social dynamics, and developmental changes. Fortunately, many organisations provide resources and support:

Tips for Mental Health for Young People

Taking care of your mental health is essential, especially during the transitions and pressures of youth. Here are practical tips to help you stay mentally healthy:

1. Stay Active
  • Regular physical activity can boost your mood and reduce anxiety.
  • Activities like walking, dancing, or playing a sport can help release tension and improve focus.
2. Maintain a Healthy Routine
  • Keep a consistent sleep schedule, aiming for 8-10 hours of sleep each night.
  • Eat balanced meals and stay hydrated.
3. Limit Screen Time
  • Take breaks from social media and avoid excessive scrolling.
  • Use apps or settings to manage screen time if needed.
4. Talk About Your Feelings
  • Share your thoughts with someone you trust, like a friend, family member, or teacher.
  • Writing in a journal can also help organise and process emotions.
5. Learn to Manage Stress
  • Try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or yoga.
  • Break large tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
6. Set Realistic Goals
  • Prioritise your tasks and celebrate small achievements.
  • Avoid comparing yourself to others; focus on your own progress.
7. Seek Help Early
  • Speak to a counsellor, GP, or trusted adult if you're feeling overwhelmed.
  • Use resources like Kooth or Childline for confidential advice and support.

Mental health is a lifelong priority. Building these habits early can improve resilience and help you cope with challenges more effectively.

Support Organisations

YoungMinds

A leading UK charity offering resources, helplines, and guidance for young people and their caregivers to improve mental health awareness and access support (YoungMinds).

Mental Health Foundation

Offers practical advice, tools, and insights for managing mental health issues, focusing on prevention and intervention (Mental Health Foundation).

Beyond

Works to improve access to mental health support for young people, hosting events and creating opportunities for early interventions (Beyond).

Resources for Young People

Hub of Hope - A national mental health database helping individuals find local support and services (Hub of Hope).

Kooth - Provides free, anonymous online counselling and self-help resources for young people (https://www.kooth.com/

Childline - Offers a safe space to talk confidentially with a counsellor or explore helpful resources (Childline).


Remember, mental health challenges are manageable with the right support, so do not hesitate to reach out if you or someone you know needs help.