Mental Health

At any time one in four of us will be experiencing some sort of mental health problem – and it could be any of us. Lots of us will have a problem with our mental health that we need to seek help with. The most common mental health problems include:

depression
anxiety
addictions
eating disorders.

It can be hard too to know if you have a problem – especially when you are going through the change from childhood to adulthood. Teenagers tend to feel lots of normal mood changes, worries about body size and shape, stresses, lows and anxieties. Sometimes though, an issue seems just too big to handle or just won’t go away.

Use the links below to get more information and see what help is out there. When you’re not feeling very well emotionally it won’t feel easy to ask for help, but once you have you will be able to get the support you need to start to feel better.

It's important to do something about a mental health problem if you suspect you have one as they can get worse if you don’t seek help and/or treatment. For example, depression is a problem with serious side effects and in extreme cases, can lead to thoughts of self-harm or even suicide. Suicide is now the biggest killer among young men and claims more lives in England and Wales than car accidents.

If your problems are making you feel that it's not worth going on, or that everyone would be happier without you, then ask for help NOW - go to see your GP urgently or contact the Samaritans.

The website www.mentalhealth.org.uk has more info on all types of mental health issues, and a directory of local support organisations.

These websites and organisations are also good sources of info:

BBC Mental Health Site concentrates on mental and emotional health. It discusses the issues and the available treatments, both professional and self-help based, in simple terms. The site also lists major British charitable and voluntary organisations.

Campaign Against Living Miserably CALM aims to raise awareness of depression amongst young men. CALM also has a free national helpline - 0800 585858.

Depression Alliance Support group for people experiencing depression.

Young Minds Information For 8-16 year olds about all mental health problems

Mind Mental health charity offering support and advice
Tel: 0845 766 0163
Textphone: 0845 766 0163 (if using BT Textdirect, please add the prefix 18001)
Dudley: 01384 442938
Sandwell: 0121 543 3930
e-mail:info@mind.org.uk