Emotional and Mental Health
We all feel stressed, unhappy, anxious, angry or unable to cope sometimes.
But if these feelings don't go away you may have an emotional or mental health problem.
You're not alone.
At least 1 in 10 young people are affected every year.
Problems are different for everyone, but may include:
- Stress, anxiety, fear
- Being sad, unhappiness, depression
- 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 reason for the way you feel, for example if someone has died. Sometimes the emotions seem to come from nowhere.
The good news is that most people can help themselves to feel better. Find out what things calm you down and cheer you up. These are three things that most people find helpful:
- Talk to someone about how you feel
- Take time out for yourself
- Improve your general health and wellbeing
Not helping? Get better help
Many people blame themselves for emotional or mental health problems.There are some things which make you more likely to develop mental or emotional health problems, like taking drugs, drinking too much alcohol, or staying in abusive relationships. But this is never the whole cause.
Experts believe that at least half of a mental health problem has a physical basis. This means that with the right support and treatment, most people can get better and get on with their lives.
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.
Key links: Young Minds, Rethink
Stress, anxiety and fear
Symptoms of anxiety include butterflies in the tummy, trembling, heart palpitatuions or difficulty sleeping. We all feel this way sometimes, like during exams. Having these symptomps regularly could be a warning that something is wrong in your life. You may need help dealing with the underlying problem. meanwhile these simple techniques can help fight anxiety:
- Talk back to yourself, answer every negative thought with a positive one
- Stop worrying about a problem. Find a solution and take action.
- Say to yoruself, "I'll be OK."
- Breathe and destress
Instant de-stress: Breathe in slowly to the count of four, pushing your stomach out. Hold your breath for a moment. Breath out slowly, letting your stomach relax. Repeat until you feel calmer.
Key Link: Stress on The Site
Unhappiness and depression
Everyone feels unhappy from time to time. But if you feel sad all the time, then you may be depressed.
Find out more about depression.
Anger, frustration, aggression
Being a young person is difficult. You're learning to become an adult, have relationships and cope with study and work. Things go wrong, and relationships change. It's normal to get angry and frustrated sometimes. But if you find that you're angry all the time, or if you are being violent to other people, doing dangerous things or hurting yourself because you are angry, you must take action.
Being angry is dangerous. It makes you less aware of your personal safety and is often associated with crime, abuse, bullying and domestic violence. It can also cause people to hurt themselves through things like drug abuse, suicide, eating problems and self harm.
Being angry makes it hard to think, so it's difficult to control anger. But everyone can learn how:
- Avoid fights and other situations that make you mad
- Recognise angry feelings before they explode
- Take deep breaths, yawn or stretch, concentrate on staying calm
- Talk calmly or walk away, don't shout
Key link: Sort out Stress
Worried about a friend or relative
When a friend or a relative has a mental health problem, it can be hard for the people who are their friends, relatives or care for them. You might feel stressed for all sorts of reasons:
- Afraid of them, or what they might do
- Worried about them and their future
- Scared you might get ill, too
- Angry with them for taking up so much time and effort
- Embarrassed about what other people will think
You might feel helpless, and worried about doing the wrong thing. But 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. Set boundaries.
- Get support for yourself, especially if you are a young carer.
- Encourage the person to seek the help they need and to work with health professionals to solve the problem.
- If you believe that your friend or relative or someone else may get hurt, get help right away.
Crucial: If you want to talk about it, you can call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90: they'll listen to whatever you have to say.
Links
These websites will help you find health advice and services:
- Young Minds
Improving the mental health of all children and young people - RE-think
Help for people affected by mental illness - Mind
Information, factsheets and much more from the mental health charity - Samaritans
Emotional health and help in a crisis from The Samaritans
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