Children and young people
We all know what to do when we have a cold or break a bone, but just like our physical health, our mental health can become unwell too, and it’s often hard to know where to turn.
Mental health problems are very common. In fact, by the time they’re 16, three children 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, but sometimes professional help is needed. Making an appointment with your GP is a good place to start. We've got some useful guidance on attending that first appointment.
The following resources might help you with how you're feeling. If you are a parent or guardian seeking more information on supporting a young person with their mental health, please see our parents and carer's page.
‘Am I OK?’
A SAMH guide for young people.
‘How to help a friend’
A SAMH guide for young people.
Testing Times
A guide to dealing with exam stress.
Five ways to better wellbeing - for young people
We all have mental health
A guide to understanding mental health and wellbeing for 10 to 14-year-olds.
We all have mental health
A guide to understanding mental health and wellbeing for 10 to 14-year-olds, now also available in an audio format, narrated by two young people from a local high school.
This guide provides practical advice about mental health for young people. There are five sections:
- We all have mental health
- What to do if you’re worried about your mental health
- Getting help with mental health
- Self care: 10 top tips
- Looking for support (information about helplines/websites)
Thank you to Co-op for supporting the development of this resource.
National organisations that offer support
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
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
Moodjuice
Offers information and advice to those experiencing troublesome thoughts, feelings and actions.
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
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
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
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/
