Mental health – help for young people
How can I recognise the signs of not being able to cope?
All of us go through times when we feel stressed, anxious or down. Usually, we begin to feel better after a few days. But if you have strong feelings that last for weeks it can affect your ability to get on with your life. Emotional and behavioural problems could include:
- feeling worthless
- severe panic or fear
- changes in sleep patterns
- changes in eating patterns
- withdrawing from other people
- taking drugs and alcohol
- hearing voices or seeing things
- wanting to harm yourself
- getting bullied or being abused
- bullying other children
How can I get help?
When you're in mental and emotional pain, you can be desperate to reach out. But it's not always easy. You might be afraid of being judged, made to feel weird or being laughed at.
If you are experiencing difficulties it helps to talk about it. Confide in someone who you really trust. Try to explain clearly what you’re feeling and be as honest as you can. Help is out there, in lots of different forms.
Who can I talk to?
- Childline – 0800 1111
- Samaritans – 0845 790 90 90 or email jo@samaritans.org
- your doctor or a school counsellor
- Children’s Services (see below)
What help is available through Children's Services?
Children's Services provide a range of services to children and young people, up to the age of 17, who have complex mental health problems. If you have a mental health problem, we will aim to help you and your family to live as independently as possible in your own home or in a supported environment through respite care.
Children's Services co-ordinate Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). We offer assessment and treatment for children and young people with mental health needs.
The service is made up of specialist mental health professionals who have qualifications and experience in helping children, young people and families. Our social workers work in partnership with health care workers from the NHS Trusts in East Sussex and other agencies such as Connexions.
Services may be offered for:
- the whole family (family therapy)
- the child/young person on their own
- parents or carers on their own (individual therapy).
CAMHS also provides a range of other therapies including art and play therapy.
There are separate specialists workers for young people who need help with drugs and alcohol, and for young people known to the Youth Offending service.
Contact the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
Visit the Sussex Partnership NHS Trust website for contact details for CAMHS.
