Mental health and young people

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, there's plenty of help out there to support you.

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Face to face support
Support online or over the phone
Looking after your wellbeing
Need help now?

Face to face support

Talk to your doctor

If you're worried about the way you're feeling or you're going through a difficult time, it might help to speak to your GP. If you don't have a GP, find a GP near you.

For advice on talking to your doctor and tips to get the most out of your appointment, take a look at Mind's guide for young people.

Search for local support services

Search our directory for local and national mental health support services.

Get support from a mental health service

If you're under 16, you can speak to your GP, School Health Nurse or teacher who can get in touch with CAMHS.

CAMHS helps young people overcome emotional difficulties in their lives and can support you with a variety of different needs. This might include:

anxiety
depression
eating disorders

Any other professional who works with you like a social worker, counsellor or youth worker can also contact CAMHS to find out how they can help you.

If you're aged 16 to 17, you can refer yourself to CAMHS.

CAMHS helps young people overcome emotional difficulties in their lives and can support you with a variety of different needs. This might include:

anxiety
depression
eating disorders

You can also call them from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday to speak to a trained member of the team who will ask you some questions and talk to you about how CAMHS can help.

If you would prefer, you can ask your School Nurse or teacher to get in touch with them directly.

Support online or over the phone

Kooth

Kooth is an online mental wellbeing community for young people aged between 11 to 18 years. You can access free, safe and anonymous support which includes helpful articles, discussion boards and live chat.

Young Minds

Young Minds offers information to young people about improving their mental health and emotional wellbeing. You can text their YoungMinds Crisis Messenger for free 24/7 support if you're experiencing a mental health crisis.

The Mix

The Mix provides free, confidential support for young people under 25 via online, social and mobile.

Buckinghamshire 24/7 Mental Health Helpline

Buckinghamshire Mental Health Helpline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week for people who need mental health care when their situation is not life-threatening. You can call their helpline specifically for young people.

Health for Teens

Health for Teens offers bite-sized information on a range of physical and emotional health topics, including healthy eating, body image, managing stress, advice on relationships, puberty, sexuality, and much more.

Nightline - offers university students a safe space to talk about their feelings without feeling judged. Nightline is open at night and run by students for students.
PAPYRUS - if you're having thoughts of suicide you can contact HOPELINEUK for confidential support and practical advice.
Beat - Beat have an eating disorder helpline run by support workers who are trained to offer you support and information around eating disorders.

Looking after your wellbeing

Every Mind Matters

Self-care tips for young people including videos on social media, dealing with change, sleep and more.

Anna Freud

Self-care strategies to help you manage your wellbeing including ideas for learning, distraction techniques and activities to help keep you calm.

Health For Teens

Health For Teens offer lots of information and advice across all areas of your health, your feelings, growing up, lifestyle, relationships and much more.

Need help now?

For urgent help:

If someone's at risk of harm, call 999 or visit your nearest Accident and Emergency department.
Text SHOUT to 85258 in the UK to text with a trained Crisis Volunteer

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