I am a young person

If you’re feeling like you need support, you are not alone.

We all know how to seek help when we have a cold or break a bone but it’s often hard to know where to turn when we need support with our mental health.

Mental health problems are very common. In fact, by the time we’re 16, three of us in every classroom will have experienced a mental health problem. 
If you’re at all concerned about your mental health, or the mental health of a friend or family member, it’s really important to seek help. Sometimes this can be as simple as discussing it with a friend or trusted adult. Talking about what’s on our minds can be the first step to feeling better. But there may also be times when we need professional help. If that’s the case, making an appointment with your GP is a good place to start. We've got some useful guidance on attending that first appointment.

We’ve developed a range of resources, tools and services just for young people. These can help you to learn more about mental health and how to look after it.

Resources for young people

Resources, information & advice for young people.

Find out more

Youth Activists

Sign up as a Youth Activist!

Time For You

A wellbeing service for anyone experiencing mild to moderate emotional or mental health difficulties

Online resource for young people

Our Digital Self-Care Plan for 16 to 24-year-olds

Got a question about mental health?

We can help.

Whether you’re seeking support, looking for more information for you or someone you love, or just want to have chat about mental health, we’re here.

Talk to the SAMH Information Team

National organisations that offer support

Aye Feel, by Young Scot

Information about how to look after your emotional wellbeing, support from organisations around Scotland and tips on how to promote a positive mindset.

Email: Infoline@young.scot

Visit: https://young.scot/campaigns/national/aye-feel

B-eat

Support and services for those dealing with an eating disorder, including a YouthLine open 4pm – 10pm, every day.

Available: 4pm -10pm every day

Phone: 0808 801 0711

Visit: http://www.b-eat.co.uk

Breathing Space

A confidential out of office hours telephone line for people over 16 experiencing low mood, anxiety or depression.

Phone: 0800 83 85 87

Visit: breathingspace.scot

Childline

A free, private and confidential service for anyone under 19 in the UK.

Available: 24 hours, 7 days a week

Phone: 0800 1111

Visit: http://www.childline.org.uk

Moodjuice

Offers information and advice to those experiencing troublesome thoughts, feelings and actions.

Visit: http://www.moodjuice.scot.nhs.uk/

NHS24

If you're feeling distressed, in a state of despair, suicidal or in need of emotional support you can phone NHS 24 on 111.

Phone: 111

Visit: www.nhs24.scot

Samaritans

24-hour helpline offering emotional support for anyone feeling down, distressed or struggling to cope.

Phone: 116 123

Email: jo@samaritans.org

Visit: www.samaritans.org

Shout

Shout 85258 is the UK's first free, confidential, 24/7 text support service. It's a place to go if you're struggling to cope and need mental health support.

Phone: Text 85258

Visit: https://giveusashout.org/

The Mix

Free, confidential support for young people under 25 via online, social and mobile.

Phone: 0808 808 4994

Visit: http://www.themix.org.uk