Mental Health & Well-being

 Please also see the related guidance pages.

We all need a bit of help sometimes. But it can be difficult to know how, or who, to ask.

Why do you need help?
Sometimes things can seem overwhelming, and you may feel you can’t cope. You may simply just be having a bad day, or you may have an ongoing mental health problem that needs support.

The important thing is not to try to cope on your own.

It’s not good to spend too much time alone, especially if you are feeling low and vulnerable. It’s at times like these that you need to be able to talk to someone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Who can you ask for help?

-  Your tutor, a teacher, your Head of Year or Pastoral Manager, Ant (School Chaplain) or indeed any member of staff
-  Your family – parents or carers, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles or cousins
-  Trusted friends – your own friends, or friends of the family, neighbours
-  Professionals – your GP, a doctor or nurse, a social worker
-  A community support group
-  There are also lots of useful resources on the internet:

Young Minds – UK leading charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing of children and young people. -  0808 8025544 (https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/your-guide-to-support/guide-to-camhs/ )

The Source – information for young people in Suffolk. (http://www.thesource.me.uk/health/ )

Childline-  0800 1111 ( www.childline.org.uk/info-advice )

Suffolk Wellbeing Service -  0300 1231781 ( www.wellbeingnands.co.uk )

4YP Service for 12 – 25 year olds ? 01473 252607 ( www.4yp.org.uk )

Beat – eating disorders - 0808 8010711 ( www.b-eat.co.uk )

Samaritans - 116123 (www.samaritans.org )

Papyrus – prevention of young suicides. - 08000 068 41 41 ( www.papyrus-uk.org )

How to ask for help
Decide who is the best person to talk to. Who would you feel most comfortable talking to? Many of us prefer talking to family or friends, but you may prefer to talk to professionals, support groups, helplines or online discussion forums.
Pick your time and place. Choose a good time and somewhere you feel comfortable, so you can talk uninterrupted in a relaxed environment.
What outcome do you want? Do you simply want to be listened to? Would you like more practical or emotional support? Be clear what you want to achieve.
Make notes. Write down the things you want to say so you remember to include them in your conversation.

Explain how you feel and what support you would like. The other person will then know how to help you.
It may be difficult to talk about your feelings. But “a problem shared is a problem halved” and you’ll probably feel better simply talking to someone. When you’re feeling down, it’s important that you are not struggling on your own. Just ask for some help.

How to support 11-18 year olds with their mental health - Mind

Information for Young People on mental health and wellbeing - Mind