Often the first step in getting help is being able to talk to someone about how we feel. This could be your parents/carers, someone else in your family, friends or your teachers. Check out the information below for some tips in how to begin these types of conversations.
The Newcastle Safeguarding Partnership has also provided some links below to useful sources of information on the internet as well as a range of local services who may be able to provide help and support.
Where can I find information or help?
Online
There re lots of great websites with useful information on mental health. Check out some of our favourite pages for more information.
Young Minds: Whether you want to understand more about how you’re feeling, get information about a mental health condition or find support, Young Minds guides can help. If you need help speaking to someone, start with their guide to reaching out for help. Your feelings are valid and things can get better.
The NHS: Find advice and support about mental health for children, teenagers and students. This includes information on how to get support, what support is available, where to access support and who can refer you. It also has specific information for students such as dealing with exam stress, and managing difficult life events such as bereavements.
MIND: If you’re going through a difficult time or are struggling with how you’re feeling, it can be really scary and upsetting. Whatever you’re feeling right now MIND has information and advice so you don’t have to go through it alone. This includes getting support for yourself, a friend or a partner.
Talk to Someone
- Find a method of communication that feels right for you. This might be a face-to-face conversation, or you might find it easier to talk on the phone or write down how you feel in a letter.
- Find a suitable time and place. There may not be a ‘good’ time, but it can help if you’re somewhere quiet and comfortable, and are unlikely to be disturbed for a while.
- Practice what you want to say. You could do this in your head or make some notes. Phrases such as “I’ve not been feeling like myself lately” or “I’m finding it hard to cope at the moment” might provide a starting point.
- Offer them relevant information and examples. If you’ve found a useful description in a book or online, or seen someone on television or in a film saying something that feels right to you, you could use this to help explain what you’re experiencing.
- Be honest and open. It can sometimes feel uncomfortable sharing something so personal, but explaining how your feelings are affecting your life may help others to understand.
- Suggest things they could do to help. This might just be listening and offering emotional support – or there may be practical help you need
- Don’t expect too much from one conversation. Understanding mental health problems can take time, and some people may be shocked or react badly at first. It’s important to give them some time to process what you’ve told them. But if possible, plan to come back to the conversation with them again, to give you more opportunities to explain what you’re going through.
RISE
RISE is part of the Newcastle Mental Health in Schools programme. They work in schools and colleges and support young people with moderate mental health needs. This could mean working directly with individual students, running group sessions, or helping teachers shape lesson plans or assemblies.
RISE Practitioners offer tailored sessions based on young person needs but themes may include:
- Anxiety
- Low mood
- Emotional literacy and regulation
- Low confidence/self-esteem
- Sleep
- Exam stress
Streetwise
Streetwise: Sometimes in life we can find things stressful or difficult to cope with but talking to someone is one way to help Young People explore, understand and overcome issues in their lives which may be causing them difficulty, distress and/or confusion. This includes support regarding:
- Anxiety
- Bereavement
- Bullying
- Depression
- Family Issues
- Gender Identity
- Self-image
- Relationships
- Sexuality
- Cultural Identity
- Sleep
- Stress
- Suicidal Thoughts and Feelings
- Traumatic Experiences
- Self-Harm
- Being the victim of a crime
Children and Young People's Service
The CYPS service provides specialist mental health support and treatment, including
- Assessment, diagnosis and intervention on a range of mental health issues.
- A comprehensive transition support package to those young people who are approaching their 18th birthday and may need continuing support as adults.
- Training, consultation, support and advice to front line staff working in targeted services for children.
Self referrals are accepted and any professional working with someone who might need support can make a referral for them . Referrals can also be made on the telephone and are also accepted in written form by letter.
Click here to go to Children’s and Young People’s Service (CYPS) website
School Health Drop-Ins
School Health drop-in sessions are sessions that are held in school usually during lunchtime or after school. There are no appointments, so you can just turn up and speak with a school nurse on the day. You may also bring along a friend, as we know meeting someone new for the first time can be a daunting experience. This is a confidential safe space within school for you to speak with one of the school health team to discuss any issues affecting your physical or emotional health.
For Information about School Health for 11-19 Year Olds Click Here
For Information About School Health for 5-11 Year Olds Click Here