Children and young people may not have the language or ability to communicate how they feel. There are lots of factors that might make it difficult for a child or young person to ask for help. Children may come to you directly with worries about their mental health and wellbeing. Studies show that there is a strong association between social isolation and anxiety and depression in children.16 Young carers are more likely to experience mental health problems than peers who don’t have caring responsibilities.13 Children in care may also have experienced abuse or neglect, which increases the likelihood of developing mental health issues.12
Teen brains may respond differently to stress.
This will help the GP get a better idea of the support you need. Speaking to a GP about your mental health can seem scary, but they are there to listen to you and help you. They may also be able to offer immediate advice and help. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Royal Mail and The Prince’s Trust to create toolkits to help young people get writing. Writing things down has a positive effect on wellbeing.
- These experiences can impair the emotional, physical and cognitive development of the children affected and under certain conditions, for example in the case of very young children or serious acts of violence, can also lead to traumatic harm.
- If you are feeling like ending your life or feel unable to keep yourself safe, please call 999 or go to A&E and ask for the contact of the nearest crisis resolution team.
- It may take time to find a provider that is a good fit for your child and their needs.
- While living with a pet can promote responsibility, empathy and emotional self-regulation, its real impact depends on factors such as the nature of the bond, age and style of upbringing.
It’s Children’s Mental Health Week 2026!
If your child had diabetes, you would make sure they had insulin shots and a glucose meter. If your child had asthma, you wouldn’t hesitate to get them an inhaler or albuterol treatments. Because you begin with one provider does not mean you need to stay with them. From there, they will work with you to create a treatment plan to meet your child’s needs. If you have private insurance, you may have to use its network providers. Call your local hospital, or, if necessary, take your child to the emergency department.
Scope has advice on managing stress when caring for a disabled child and Young Minds has lots of support for parents. A large number of children and young people will experience behavioural or emotional problems at some stage. Anna Freud Centre’s guide on ways to support children https://amshq.org/blog/uncategorized/2022-11-04-6-ways-to-support-early-childhood-mental-health/ and young people has more on this.
Mental health charities for children and young people
It also looks at how to evaluate whether the measures put in place meet the emotional and mental health needs of children and young people.22 It emphasises the importance of a whole-school approach to mental health and gives guidance on risk and protective factors, identifying children that might need support and working with other agencies.15 In Scotland, Getting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC) includes eight wellbeing indicators and lists resources professionals can use or adapt for conversations with children, young people and families.7
Midwives and health visitors play a key role in identifying and responding to parents and families affected by perinatal mental illness. These can range from antenatal and postnatal depression to anxiety and postpartum psychosis.1 Fathers can also experience mental health concerns, such as depression and anxiety.2 During the perinatal period, from pregnancy up to a year after birth, mothers can be affected by a number of mental health problems. If you identify a safeguarding or child protection issue, you must follow your organisation’s policies and procedures.