First steps
If you have questions or worries about the way you’re feeling or thinking, often a good first step is to talk things over with someone you trust. That might be a friend, a relative, a teacher, your doctor, or anyone you feel will listen to you properly and who will be sensible. Sometimes just talking things over makes things better, or gives you ideas about steps you can take to improve things.
Next step
If you think you might want help from someone like a psychiatrist or a psychologist, the first step is to talk to your doctor, who can if needed refer you for more specialist help.
More information
You could also check out some of the links below, which take you to various websites with lots of useful information about things you can do to improve the way you feel, about where you can get help and support, and about mental health. Some of them also have details and contact numbers for telephone helplines, and several of these are open 24/7.
- YOUNG MINDS: (a leading charity focussed on improving mental health)
- KOOTH: (a free online support service for young people)
- YOUNG SANE: (a virtual mental health community for young people
- LIVING LIFE TO THE FULL (a free online course showing you easy ways to feel better)
- NGYmyplace (a support centre for all Nottingham’s young people)
- MIND: (a major mental health charity and information hub)
- RETHINK: (a leading charity and source of further information)
- FRANK: (friendly and confidential advice about drugs)
- SAMARITANS: (confidential advice for people with suicidal thoughts)
- you & co: – (support for victims of crime)
- THE MIX: (essential support for under 25s)
Social media
It’s important to be careful when using social media sites which can sometimes create feelings of anxiety, inadequacy, and be a source of bullying.
Crisis support
The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Team is a service for young people experiencing a mental health crisis who are in need of urgent help.
Parents and carers
Parents and carers who are concerned for the mental health of young people should contact us directly. They may also find further useful information at the following locations:
- FAMILY LIVES: and 0808 800 2222 (a confidential advice service for families)
- CARERS FEDERATION (confidential advice for carers and families)
