Just as your body can become unwell, your mind can become unwell too. And just like with physical illnesses, treatment and support is available.
National Studies suggest that in the UK, about 1 in 10 of all young people may experience a mental health problem or disorder. These studies also emphasise that it is important to get help early, conditions are treatable and getting the help early can prevent problems getting more serious.
There are many types of mental health issues, you can find out more about each of these, how to cope with your feelings and where to get support at Young Minds.
How do you know you have a healthy relationship? Ask yourself, ‘how does this person make me feel?’ Happy, excited, supported, loved, appreciated or sad, alone, jealous, worried, hurt or even fearful? This video co-produced by Essex Youth Service and SETDAB aims to support young people in maintaining positive relationships along with identifying and leaving unhealthy ones. The animation highlights five key messages, to develop healthy relationships:
Be honest
Be open
Be respectful
Be brave
Believe in yourself.
View the animation and further information.
Essex Sexual Health Service Outreach and Education Team offer a wide variety of training to anyone that supports young people around their relationships or sexual health.
For more information or to book onto upcoming training please visit the ESHS website.
For more information about the service or to request in-house training please contact provide.eshsoutreachteam@nhs.net
The Essex Sexual Health Service has developed some videos for parents about healthy relationships and the importance of Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) and how to have conversations at home. There are six videos which can be found on the Essex Sexual Health Service website (scroll to the bottom).
Kooth - Kooth is a free online counselling service for young people in Essex.
Young Minds - Young Minds charity championing the wellbeing and mental health of children and young people. Helpline 0808 802 5544.
MiLife - MiLife is an online help service designed by young people from Essex with useful information and links to other organisations that work with young people.
Papyrus - Papyrus HOPELineUk is a confidential support and advice service for young people under the age of 35 who may be having thoughts of suicide/ anyone concerned a young person may be having thoughts of suicide.
To find more support services available both in Essex and nationally please visit the Help and Support page.