Understanding mental health
Mental health is as important as physical health so recognising the signs early can make a big difference.
This guidance can help if you're a professional working with young people, a parent supporting your child, or a young person navigating your own wellbeing.
Recognising symptoms
Understanding mental health symptoms can help you get support sooner.
These resources can help you understand early signs and symptoms:
- NHS Mental Health Symptoms Guidance for feelings, symptoms, and behaviours
- Young Minds Signs and Symptoms gives a comprehensive guide to mental health conditions
- Health for Teens has resources on low mood and emotional wellbeing
- Charlie Waller Trust for practical advice on managing difficult feelings
- Young Minds Children and Young People Mental Health A-Z gives a detailed guide for parents on mental health conditions
- NSPCC Recognising and Responding to Children and Young People's Mental Health for recognising and responding to child mental health issues
Facts and figures
Statistics and research on young people's mental health:
- Key facts and figures about young people’s mental health
- Mental Health of Children and Young People in England
- Insights on Children and Young People's Mental Health
- Children and Young People’s Mental Health Statistics
- Mental Health Statistics
National support
There are many national services that offer support depending on what you need.
Getting advice
These services provide helpful tips, someone to talk to about everyday worries and advice about mental health or where to go for more help.
- Barnardos - Support and advice to children, young people, and families with mental health, emotional wellbeing, family issues, and practical help.
- Young Minds - Information and advice to give young people the tools to look after their mental health.
- NHS Online - Find information and support for your mental health.
Getting help
Extra support from trained professionals for emotional or mental health needs.
- NHS 111 – If you need to talk to someone urgently about your mental health, you can call NHS 111 and select option 2.
- SHOUT - If you are a young person experiencing a mental health crisis, text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 for free 24/7 support. If you are a parent, you can call the free helpline on 0808 802 5544.
- Samaritans - Free 24/7 telephone support from Samaritans volunteers on 116 123.
- Papyrus - Confidential support and advice for young people struggling with thoughts of suicide on 0800 068 4141.
- CALM - CALM is a mental health app designed to support people to help mange their stress, sleep and live a happier and healthier life.
If you feel unable to cope or keep yourself safe, call:
- the Oxleas crisis line on 0800 330 8590 (24 hour service)
- Samaritans on 116 123 (24 hour service)
- 111
Local support in the borough
If you're based in Royal Greenwich, there are several local services available to support mental health and wellbeing.