It isn't just adults who struggle with their wellbeing. It's believed that as many as one in six children aged between 5 and 16 are likely to have a mental health problem.
On top of that, almost 50% of all mental health problems start before we reach 14 years old.
If you're questioning your thoughts and feelings, it's important to know that help is here. We've brought together advice and information to help you make sense of things. We've also signposted you to specialist mental health support for young people in North East Lincolnshire, so you can get the support you need.
What does it feel like to have a mental health problem?
There are many different mental health conditions that can affect us all in lots of different ways. The most common symptoms that young people report are things like:
- Feeling something isn't 'right' or not feeling your normal self
- Struggling to enjoy things you used to like doing
- Feeling sad or angry
- Wanting to be alone
- Having strange thoughts
It can sometimes feel like there's no real reason for feeling the way you do. But other times, you may be aware of the situations that have triggered these feelings. For example, you may have family problems, issues with bullying, pressure from other people or confusion about your beliefs or sexuality.
What should I do if I'm struggling?
Sometimes we may feel worried or scared about how we may be feeling.
If you are, it's important that you open up to someone you trust. This could be an older family member, a close friend or a school teacher. They can also encourage you if you need further support. They can help you to access our Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) who offer mental health and wellbeing support to young people in North East Lincolnshire.
You can also speak to your GP who will be able to offer advice and signposting.
And don't forget to make time for yourself. Do something you enjoy - like calling a friend, gaming or doing some exercise.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services: We are the provider of mental health services for young people up to the age of 19 in North East Lincolnshire.
Text support: You can text ORANGE to 85258 to start a text message conversation with a trained volunteer from our partners, Shout. Please note this service is not run by the NAViGO crisis team.
Compass Go: A mental health support team who work with children and young people, along with their families and schools.
Inclusion: NAViGO's peer-to-peer group for young people who are members and allies of North East Lincolnshire’s LGBT+ community.
LiveWell NEL: A library of support, resources and signposting to services in North East Lincolnshire.
School Nursing Text Service: Open to children and young people age four and up. Parents can call (01472) 323660 or email SchoolNursingAdvice@nelincs.gov.uk and young people can text 07507331620.
Young Minds: The UK's leading charity for children and young people has a website which is crammed with lots of important information and advice.
Children's Mental Health Week: A yearly campaign looking to spread awareness of the value of maintaining good mental health in childhood.
Bow-Wowza: Key Stage 1 and 2 resources aimed at bringing emotional wellbeing tools into the classroom.
Charlie Waller: Resources for young people and parents aimed at staying well mentally.
Good Morning Ms Foster: Free mindfulness resources for teachers to use in the classroom.
Nip in the Bud: Useful short films and fact sheets about mental health for children of primary school age and their parents.
R;pple: R;pple is an interceptive tool designed to present a visual prompt when a person searches for harmful keywords or phrases relating to the topic of self-harm or suicide.
Lincs Inspire: Lincs Inspire libraries have a dedicated section of books for children, parents and professionals to assist with learning and development for children with Special Educational Needs.