It is essential that you are able to talk to someone and get support when you need it as well. It is easy to put your own feelings to one side as you prioritise a young person experiencing distress. There’s a number of resources below that will be able to offer support during this time.
This offers free, confidential online and telephone support, including information and advice, to any adult worried about the emotional problems, behaviour or mental health of a child or young person up to the age of 25. The YoungMinds Parents Helpline is open from 9.30 to 4.00pm, Mon- Fri, 0808 802 5544 (free for mobiles and landlines)Alternatively, you can chat online between 9:30 and 4pm or send them an e-mail message at other times.
This resource for parents and carers is provided by the MindEd Consortium of professionals, funded by the Department of Education, in partnership with Health Education England. It is accredited by the NHS Information Standard.
A fantastic resource, it:
- provides information, advice and guidance about children’s mental health and wellbeing to parents and carers in England.
- improves parents and carers’ knowledge and awareness of children and young people’s emotional health and wellbeing.
- improves parents and carers’ ability to intervene early in mental health issues, working closely with teachers and other professionals to support their child.
- helps reduce stigma around mental health and demystify mental health and psychology.
- supports and enhance national mental health awareness and resilience.
Developed by The Anna Freud Centre and focusing on a range of mental health and wellbeing themes. For further details click here.The ‘Anxiety’ podcast is available via iTunes or SoundCloud.
Approximately 1 in 12 young people will manage difficult emotions using self-harm at some point. It is a signal of distress for the young person, but can be equally distressing for you as a parent or carer for whom self-harm might be a previously unknown coping strategy.
Based in Manchester 42nd Street is recognised as a leader in the field of supporting young people who self-harm. Young people at 42nd Street have created a film, ‘Who’s Helping Alex?’ back in 2012 which explains the “dos and don’ts” of how best to support someone struggling with self-harm. Please watch the film here
