Reach out and get the support you need

THIS month with World Mental Health Day, Childline is encouraging young people to speak out.

Mental health is just as important as physical health, and can affect any child at any age regardless of their background, gender or race.

It affects your thinking, mood, and behaviour, how you interact with other people and how you cope with what life throws at you.

In 2017/18 Childline delivered 106,037 counselling sessions to young people experiencing problems with their mental and emotional health and wellbeing - a 5% increase on the previous year.

Signs that someone is having issues with their mental health include becoming withdrawn from friends and family, and experiencing worries that stop them from carrying out day to day tasks.

Those with mental health issues often feel alone, ashamed, or worried people won’t understand.

Talking about mental health can be difficult but it is only by breaking the silence that children and young people can get the help and support they need to get better.

Childline’s specially trained counsellors are there to listen and offer support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It’s free and confidential. Childline has these tips for if you’re struggling:

Talk to someone – an adult you trust, your doctor, or a Childline counsellor.

Help someone else – it can help put you in a better mood. Exercise. Eat good food - eating well can help you feel well.

Try something new - doing something you didn’t think you could do can make you feel good about yourself.

Childline ring 0800 1111, or alternatively counsellors are also available to chat to online via childline.org.uk Wendy Robinson Childline London