Parents and carers
As a parent or carer it can be really worrying to see a child or young person going through a difficult time, but it’s important to address your concerns and help them to get help as soon as possible.
Growing up can present many pressures – exam stress, bereavement, bullying, body image, first relationships – and in some cases, young people just need someone to chat things through with and discuss their worries.
Having this conversation, no matter how small the problem might be, is essential to ensuring that young people grow up equipped to manage and understand their own mental health.
However it’s also important to recognise when 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 are designed to help you start your conversation and know where to turn if help is needed. If you would like to see information on mental health that speaks directly to your child or young person, please see our children and young people's page.
‘Five ways to better wellbeing for families’
Ideas and inspiration on how to make better mental health part of your families conversation.
Self-harm information for parents and carers
Finding out that the young person in your life is self-harming as a coping strategy can be alarming and hard to understand, so this short guide aims to tell you a little bit about what self-harm is, and how you can help.
Supporting my child’s mental health
Advice on how to support your child through life’s challenges and how to respond when you are worried that they are experiencing poor mental health.
National organisations that offer support
NSPCC Helpline
Provides 24/7 help and support from trained helpline counsellors to thousands of parents, professionals and families.
Available: 24/7
Phone: 0808 800 5000
Email: help@nspcc.org.uk
Visit: http://www.nspcc.org.uk
Place2Be
Providing emotional and therapeutic services in primary and secondary schools, building children’s resilience through talking, creative work and play.
Email: Scotland@place2be.org.uk
Visit: http://www.place2be.org.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
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
MindEd
Online advice and support for parents of children who may be experiencing poor mental health.
YoungMinds
Information and resources for young people and parents on mental health.
Available: Mon to Fri 9:30am - 4pm
Phone: 0808 802 5544
Visit: http://www.youngminds.org.uk
ParentLine Scotland
Free helpline, email and web-chat service, for anyone caring for or concerned about a child – open until 9pm Monday to Friday.
Phone: 0800 282233
Supporting my child’s mental health
Advice on how to support your child through life’s challenges and how to respond when you are worried that they are experiencing poor mental health.
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
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.
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
