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Help for your mental health

As you grow up, you’ll experience loads of different thoughts and emotions, and sometimes they can feel confusing, heavy or just hard to understand.

You’re not the only one who feels this way. Lots of young people go through tough moments, and it’s completely okay to ask for help. Some things might feel manageable on your own, or with support from friends, family, a teacher, or a youth worker.

Other times, you might need a bit more help, and that’s totally normal too.

Need help right now?

A mental health emergency is just as serious as a physical one. If you’re scared, feel unsafe, or don’t know what to do next, you can get support straight away:

  • Call 111 if you or someone else is in a mental health crisis. Select the option for mental health, to speak to a specially-trained mental health practitioner.
  • Text “SHOUT” to 85258 for free, confidential support 24/7
  • Call 0800 107 0160 to talk to a trained listener anytime

Or visit the Kent and Medway Health and Wellbeing Hub

Self-harm or suicidal thoughts

If you’re hurting yourself, thinking about it, or stuck with thoughts you can’t shake, support is available right away.

Emerge can arrange for a youth worker to meet you in A&E at:

  • Medway
  • Maidstone
  • Darent Valley

They’re there to help you stay safe and find the right support.

You can also check the NHS website for more help and information.

Who you can talk to

Talking to someone is one of the best things you can do when life feels overwhelming. You don’t need to have the “right words”, just saying “I’m struggling” is enough. Talk to them about your worries, stress, anger, self‑esteem or relationships.

Talk to:

  • someone at home
  • a friend you trust
  • a teacher or staff member at school or college
  • a youth worker
  • your doctor

Whoever you choose, you deserve to feel supported.

If you have special educational needs and your mental health is being affected, there is specialist support available. You don’t need to feel like you have to manage everything by yourself, support is there for you and the adults around you. See how they can help you.

Online text or support

If you’d rather talk to someone who isn’t part of your everyday life, that’s absolutely okay. There are services that understand what young people are going through and won’t judge.

Visit:

  • Kooth - a free, safe, and anonymous online wellbeing service. You can find support courses, counselling, discussion boards, self help content and resources.
  • Young Minds - how to take the first step to talk to someone, and a guide to CAMHS
  • The Mix - learn about depression, anxiety and self harm, to eating disorders, body image, stress and supporting others

Ways to look after yourself

Little things you do every day can make a big difference:

  • Get outside for a walk or fresh air
  • Talk to a friend or spend time with someone who makes you feel safe
  • Take breaks from social media
  • Try journaling, music, art or gaming to unwind
  • Rest - your brain needs downtime too
  • Notice what helps you feel calmer, even a tiny bit

You don’t have to “fix” everything at once. Just one small step at a time. Visit our becoming an adult webpage to learn about becoming an adult and learning to grow with your emotions, body image, and identity.

Get more ideas for self-care on the Moodspark website. It’s created by young people. For young people. Learn tips for coping with emotions and where to get support.

Worried about a friend or a family member?

Sometimes it’s easier to notice when someone else is struggling. If you’re worried about a friend:

  • Ask if they’re okay
  • Listen without trying to “solve” it
  • Share this page or another support service
  • Tell a trusted adult if you’re worried about their safety

You don’t have to carry someone else’s struggles alone. Get tips in our Mental Health Handbook created by13 to 16 year olds in Kent Youth County Council.

Or visit Young Mind's website to see how you can support your friend.

The i-Thrive approach also helps you to know where to look to find the right help when you need it and to thrive. Find out more how i-Thrive is helping young people in Kent.