Not feeling OK? It's OK...

Feeling stressed, unhappy or unable to cope? You're not alone. According to Young Minds, an estimated 20% of children and young people suffer mental health problems every year. These can include:

• Stress, anxiety, fear
• Unhappiness, withdrawal and depression
• Frustration, anger and aggression
• Problems with concentration and paying attention

These are emotions we all feel at times, and it is normal to feel them strongly. Being tired, ill or unhappy about other things can make them worse. Sometimes there will be a clear cause (e.g.your family splitting up, or a friends moving away) but other times the emotions may seem to come from nowhere.

For most people, taking three simple, but very important steps will make things much better:

• Talk to someone about how you feel
• Take time out for yourself
• Improve your general health and wellbeing

But for some people, this will not be enough. They may need to consider counselling, taking medication or making major lifestyle changes (e.g. giving up drinking or ending a relationship). You may need to consider this if:

• The emotions feel like they are harming you
• You feel like that way all the time
• It's getting in the way of your life
• It seems to be getting worse, not better

Some people decide for themselves that they need more help, or you may have it suggested by a teacher, Doctor or Youth Worker. Sometimes people are "referred" for treatment. It doesn't mean you're a loony, or hopeless. It means you're doing the smart thing, and taking steps to solve problems in your life.

In a state but think you can still help yourself? Here's some quick fixes and links to find more:

Stress, anxiety and fear

Symptoms of anxiety include stiff, aching muscles, shaking and sweating, and sleeplessness. Sounds like flu? Stress is often mistaken for a physical illness. Feeling this way when you're panicking about exams or walking home at night is normal. If you're feeling this way all the time, it's time to take action:

• Breathe deeply and calmly, some people find it helps to count breaths
• Tense up all the muscles in your body, and then relax them completely
• Instead of worrying about things going badly, think about them going well

Key Link: Stress on The Site

Unhappiness, withdrawal and depression

Early symptoms of depression include feeling unhappy, hopeless, unmotivated, and not wanting to do anything much. You feel tired, but restless. You feel worthless and miserable, but can't do anything about it. Sounds familiar? Most people feel this way sometimes. But if you carry on feeling like this all the time, you must take action.

Being depressed is very dangerous for young people. It's linked to dangerous behaviour, alcohol and drug abuse, eating disorders, self-harming and suicide. If you're feeling down, cheer yourself up:

• Go for a walk, or do some gentle exercise
• Talk to someone, phone the Samaritans if you can't face talking to a friend
• Stop doing the things you should be doing and do something fun instead

Key Link: The Samaritans

Frustration, anger and aggression

 

Know someone in trouble? Here's how to help them, not hurt them:

If someone you know has a mental or emotional health problem there are things you can do to help:

• Don't pretend that everything is alright. Accept what's real.
• Be prepared to listen but not all the time.
• Avoid unhelpful comments like 'pull yourself together'.
• Instead of giving advice, encourage your friend to seek help.
• Remember, it's not your responsibility to solve the problem.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help for yourself or your friend.
• If you believe that your friend or someone else may get hurt, get help right away. The Samaritans can advise you about what to do.