Around 1 in 7 children experience some form on mental health issues growing up according to NHS Digital. This leads to various impacts on their day to day life from social aspect, physical and mental emotions.
Some signs of mental health problems in young adults/children
- Behaviour changes
- Change in sleeping patterns – may become more tired than often or struggle to sleep
- Avoiding social situations
- Lack of interest in normal routine and hobbies
- Self harming
- Personal hygiene neglect – no motivation to wash for example
Just like in adults there are different types of help available for young adults and children. These can be through self referral, referred to by a health professional, concerned family members or School and social clubs.
Children and young adults are able to feel the same problems as adults and like adults are triggered by different factors through their life or day to day activity. It is important that all adults involved in your child’s life is aware of any concerns that you may have so that they can help assist them or know what to potentially expect. This also helps to develop any sort of log that may be required to monitor their moods and social situations that could help diagnose or help to implement some sort of care plan when in contact with health professionals.
Who can help you?
- Friends and family
- Your GP
- Mental Health Practitioners
- Health Visitors (age dependant)
- School teachers – SENCO
- Childrens Centre (age dependant)
All of the above are able to not only help the child or young adult but also help you to. This may be by pointing you in the redirection for help, reassuring you, building a record with or for you.
Please see a below links for help that is available for both you and any child or young adult you feel would benefit
Mental health and emotional wellbeing | Barnardo’s (barnardos.org.uk)
