DID YOU KNOW?... More than 850,000 children and young people in the UK have been diagnosed with a mental health condition?
Please see your GP immediately if you feel suicidal or if your low mood or anxiety persists for more than a few days. In a mental health crisis, please go to A & E.
Bullying, peer pressure, abuse, domestic violence, family breakdown, unemployment, illness, social inclusion, poverty and biology can all be contributory factors to mental health conditions, but it’s important to realise that there is help available. You are not alone and having a mental health challenge is nothing to be ashamed of. Having a mental health challenge does not have to be a barrier to living a happy, fulfilling or successful life. Did you know some of the greatest composers, inventors, scientists, politicians, actors and authors in the world suffered from mental illness?
There is a Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Service (EWMHS) offering a 24 hour service for 13 to 18 year olds across Essex Tel: 0300 300 1600 | 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday For evening, weekend or Crisis Support Service, please call 0300 555 1201
Vincent Van Gogh, Isaac Newton, Charles Dickens, Ludwig van Beethoven, Winston Churchill, Russell Brand, Stephen Fry, David Beckham and Adele are just some of of the well known people who have or had depression, O.C.D and other anxiety disorders. The secret is to get the help and support you need in order to manage your condition. You would seek advice if you broke a bone so needing help to treat a mental health problem is no different from any other medical problem. “Celebra te your victori es in life... even the small o nes.”
ge ver jud arison Don’t e mp o c f in s yoursel Dr Sues s A . s r e h e t n o to no-o T here’s er than says, “ u o y s ho i alive w you.”
Often, the experiences of having a mental health condition can make someone into a stronger, more resilient, understanding and capable person.
Diet - it’s important to take care of your physical health. Try to eat a omega-3 fats to give your mood a boost. The best sources are fatty fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies and sardines. Minimize sugar and refined carbs. You may crave sugary snacks, crisps and other comfort foods but these “feel-good” foods quickly lead to a crash in mood and energy. Eat as much fruit or veg as possible. Fresh, canned or frozen is all good. Hobbies and Clubs - if it’s possible, try to do something you enjoy or an activity that gets you out of living in your own head too much. Whether it’s volunteering for a cause you care about, an art class, dancing, a youth club, playing sport, learning an instrument, joining a choir – it’s important to have things to look forward to doing from time to time which are fun.
Taking the next step... If you’re feeling low, anxious or depressed there are some ways you can help yourself. Exercise - physical activity triggers new cell growth in the brain, increases mood-enhancing endorphins, reduces stress, and relieves muscle tension. Although it may feel like the last thing you want to do, a 10 minute walk can lift your mood significantly. Try to make sure you get out every day for a walk, a run or you can even put on some music and dance around. And try to get enough sleep too.
The Masks We Wear by Lydia White I’ll hide behind a smile, I’ll pretend I’m fine, Look between the lines, Look behind the smile, Look behind my mask, look at me, You pass me by and assume I’m fine, But, who am I? is the me you see, really me?
Helpful Websites and Resources The Site – www.thesite.org TheSite.org is the online guide to life for 16-25 year olds in the UK. We provide non-judgmental support and information on everything from sex and exam stress to debt and drugs. Young Minds – www.youngminds.org.uk YoungMinds is the UK’s leading charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people. Childline – www.childline.org.uk Tel: 0800 1111 Get help and advice about a wide range of issues, talk to a counsellor online, via email or post on the message boards. Get Connected – www.getconnected.org.uk Tel: 0808 808 4994 Get Connected is the UK’s free, confidential helpline service for young people under 25 who need help, but don’t know where to turn. 7 Cups Of Tea – www.7cupsoftea.com Free, anonymous, and confidential chat with a trained volunteer listener. The Samaritans – www.samaritans.org Tel: 08457 90 90 90 The Samaritans offer 24 hour a day telephone support. If there’s something troubling you, then get in touch.
Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Service for 13 to 18 year olds (EWMHS) – www.nelft.nhs.uk/services-ewmhs Tel: 0300 300 1600 | 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday For our out of hours and weekend Crisis Support Service, please call 0300 555 1201. Accessible 24 hours per day, 365 days of the year for all young people across Southend, Essex and Thurrock. Family Lives – www.bullying.co.uk (part of Family Lives) Tel: 0808 800 2222 Family Lives offers a confidential helpline service with information, advice, guidance and support on any aspect of parenting and family life, including bullying. Southend YMCA – www.southendymca.org.uk Tel: 01702 301301 Southend YMCA offers support, advice, housing, free music lessons, sporting opportunities and educational courses for young people in the local area. Our new Glow project offers free mentoring and coaching for 11 to 19 year olds. Please contact us for more information. This leaflet has been brought to you by the young people on Southend YMCA Youth Exchange project. Contributors With thanks to the following contributers and researchers: Victoria McCormick, Kelly Malin, Lydia White, Emma Haskew, Claire Stringer, Shianne Witt, Reece Warner, Kelsey Hibberd, Ellie Brown
YOU ARE NOT ALONE