Let’s talk about emotional health and where to go for help.
We know that many young people are struggling with their emotional and mental health. All of us can feel sad, worried, stressed or anxious at times, and that’s a normal part of life. We don’t have to feel happy all the time. Be kind to yourself – it’s OK not to feel quite like yourself.
There are lots of things we can do every day to help improve our mental health:
- Try doing something you enjoy, just for you, each day
- Get out and about for some exercise in the fresh air. We’re fortunate to have lots of outdoor spaces to enjoy!
- Talk to your family and friends. Keep in touch with other relatives with phone calls, WhatsApp or texts.
- Listen to music
- Do something creative – maybe try learning a new skill!
- Try not to watch too many negative YouTube videos or TV programmes. Watch something funny instead to make you laugh. It may help make you feel happier or distract you for a while
But if it all starts to feel too much, and it begins affecting your daily life and your school work, or you start to think about hurting yourself, then it’s time to get help. You’re not on your own, there’s plenty of advice and support out there. Here are some good places to start:
- Young Minds. The Children and Young People’s mental health charity.
- Childline 1-2-1 counselling. Chat with a counsellor online about whatever’s worrying you.
- Brighton & Hove Wellbeing Service. A free NHS service for anyone with a postcode beginning BN1, BN2, BN3 or BN41. You can self-refer using their online form or ask a parent, carer or member of school. Visit www.brightonandhovewellbeing.org
- Sussex Health and Care Partnership. Mental health and wellbeing resources for young people, parents and professionals, including top tips on how to look after your mental wellbeing and links to helpful resources and tools.
- Your school. Every school has staff members who are there to help you with your wellbeing. Talk to them and ask for help if needed.
- Text us. You can text your School Nurse Team for personalised help and advice. Ask any questions or just ask for help. We reply to every text we receive, and you don’t even have to give your name.
- If you live in Brighton and Hove text: 07480 635423
- If you live in West Sussex text: 07480 635424
There are also some good apps available that you can download onto your phone, which you may find helpful:
- SAM Self-help for Anxiety Management. An app to support young people to understand and cope with anxiety.
- A free app designed to help teens and young adults cope with anxiety. It can help you change how you think about anxiety. Rather than trying to avoid anxiety, you can make an important shift and face it.
- Calm Harm. An award-winning app that gives you tasks to help you resist or manage the urge to self-harm.
- You can find a whole host of other useful apps for wellbeing and mental health on the Mind
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