Mental health

A crisis is any situation in which you feel you need urgent help. For example, you might feel in crisis if:

• You are having suicidal thoughts and feelings
• You are having thoughts about harming yourself or someone else
• You have seriously hurt yourself

See the table below for where to get help

What is CAMHS?

CAMHS stands for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. CAMHS are the NHS services that assess and treat young people with emotional, behavioural and/or mental health difficulties.

CAMHS offers assessment and support for a range of mental health disorders affecting young people.  This may be anxiety, depression, eating difficulties, self-harm, suicide, bipolar and psychosis as well as many more.

There are local NHS CAMHS services around the UK, with teams made up of nurses, therapists, psychologists, support workers and social workers, as well as other professionals.

Information on local CAMHS services are available on the KIDS website.

How do I get help from CAMHS?

If you are worried about a young person or you are a young person worried about your own mental health, you should speak to the GP about referral to CAMHS for assessment.

If you're being supported by social care, a youth offending team, or a service at your school, they might also be able to refer you.

It's important to tell the person referring you as much as you can so that you can get the help you need.

Most CAMHS have a website where you can look up how to get access to their service.

Does CAMHS help parents and carers too?

Most CAMHS teams work with the whole family to support a young person's recovery.

This might include coming along to assessment and treatment appointments, depending on the child's age and what level of involvement they want.

Some young people may prefer a confidential 1:1 space, which should be discussed with the team involved.

• Type “mindfulness”, “relaxation” or “grounding techniques” into Spotify, Youtube or Google and explore podcasts, videos and resources.
• Practice relaxation when you are not anxious to get better at it and this will help at times when you are anxious.
• Talk to people around you. Tell people how you are feeling.
• Write it down – whatever is bothering you, let this spill out on paper. This can be used to give to others if you struggle to talk or this can be something you do to release negative emotion and you might want to shut it away in a drawer or rip it up.
• Make time for yourself and engage in previously enjoyed activities which are helpful to you.

• Self-care is very important. We spend all day with ourselves. Take some time out to look after yourself. Make sure you are fed, watered and cared for.

   

The KIDS website has a range of different information to help you stay healthy and feel well, including apps to help manage stress, worry and anxiety

To talk to someone free of charge:

• Samaritans (open 24/7)
  call 116 123or
  email jo@samaritans.org
  
  
• Breathing Space
  call 0800 83 85 87
  
  
• SHOUT
  Text SHOUT to 85258
  https://www.giveusashout.org/
  
  
• Childline (24/7)
  call 0800 1111
  www.childline.org.uk

The KIDS website has a range of different information to help you stay healthy and feel well, including online resources to support your mental health.