Mental health is much more than the absence of illness. It is about physical and emotional health and wellbeing, about having the strength and capacity to live a full and creative life, and also the flexibility to deal with its unpredictability.
'Mental' is a very loaded word. For some it seems to conjure up images of madness, and all that goes with it - people who are seriously ill, out of control and dangerous. But actually, mental health is simply what it says it is - health of the mind.
This means the way we feel, think, perceive and make sense of the world. Everyone has their ups and downs and go through a range of thoughts and feelings as they grow up. As we know, growing up can be stressful, but with backup from those around them, most of us cope well enough.
However, some can't cope, and become overwhelmed by their misery, anger or fear, and this is when all kinds of problems can arise. It is this group which probably needs some specialist help. Without this help the risk of developing more serious problems exists.
If you are 16-18 years old, Young Minds aims to help you understand more about what you are going through as you leave childhood and make your way to becoming an adult. It is designed to help you understand what you might be feeling and thinking about yourself and people around you.. Click here for the latest information.
Youth2Youth (Y2Y) is a unique helpline service. The reason it is unique is that the helpline is run by young people for young people. Many young people find it difficult to talk to adults; some do not trust them and often young people feel older people just do not understand. Considering the difficulties some young people face when talking to adults there are very few opportunities to contact alternative services. Y2Y provide that alternative. Our helpline staff are all young people themselves who have been specially trained to help. The helpline is for any young person under the age of 19 years who feel they need emotional support. Young people who are worried, confused or just need to talk can contact our trained volunteers by telephone, email or on-line chat. Whichever way they choose to contact Y2Y they can be assured that their call will be treated confidentially and a young person will be there to give them the support and help they need. Click here further information.