Increase in mental health issues

“I’ve struggled coping with my mental health issues over the past few years. I’ve been thinking of ways that I could take my own life and I was planning on doing it tonight. Deep down I know that I don’t want to die, I just don’t think anything will change and I’m not going to feel any better.” These are the words of a 17-year-old girl who recently contacted Childline. Feeling depressed, anxious and unhappy or having low self-esteem are some of the main reasons why children and young people contact us. In 2017-18, one in four counselling sessions were about mental or emotional health. And there has been a steady increase over the last six years in the number of young people contacting us about these issues. Some of the common signs of mental health problems in children include becoming withdrawn from friends and family, problems eating or sleeping and persistent low mood and unhappiness. The best thing that young people concerned about their mental health can do is to talk to a trusted adult about it. However, if this is too daunting or if that person is not around because it’s after school or in the middle of the night, then they can contact Childline, which is confidential. We’re there – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – to listen to young people and suggest options about what they can do to help their situations. The Childline website includes sections on managing anxiety and getting through a tough time. These reassure young people that they are not alone and suggest practical coping strategies which they can use straight away, such as writing down how they feel, doing breathing exercises and eating healthily. There is also a messaging board where young people can share their experiences and get advice from others. Watching this video could also be helpful. Children and young people with any worries can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or www.childline.org. uk, while adults concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC’s free and confidential helpline on 0808 800 5000.