Mental health

One in four people experience mental health problems at some point in their lives and it is nothing to be worried about or ashamed of. If you are worried about your health, making an appointment with your doctor can help. It’s important to remember that only a qualified doctor can diagnose a mental illness. Even if you feel like you’re always anxious, paranoid or depressed, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have a mental health problem.

As well as speaking to your doctor, you can also chat with one of our counsellors on 0800 1111, through 1-2-1 chat online or by sending an email? Calls are free and won’t show up on a phone bill. Lots of young people speak to us about mental health issues and our counsellors can help you with any worries you might have. You might also find it helpful to chat to other young people on the mental health message board.

Autism
Autism is not seen as a mental illness but a condition that affects how someone learns, communicates and builds relationships with others. Over 500,000 people in the UK are living with autism. If someone has autism, they will always have it and it affects how they live and relate to what goes on around them.
Find out what it’s like living with autism and get help and support  

Asperger’s
Asperger’s syndrome is a type of autism. A person with Asperger’s often has above average intelligence. They have fewer problems with speech than people with autism and may find it difficult to understand language.
Visit the young minds website for more information on Asperger’s syndrome

Living with a parent or brother or sister who has a mental illness can be really hard. It is difficult to see people you care about suffering. If it’s your mum or dad, you might feel upset, ashamed or even angry with them because they might not be able to look after you properly.

Problems can include:
- Being separated from your mum or dad if they need to go into hospital for treatment
- Looking after an ill parent, or are taking care of brothers and sisters
- Not being looked after properly (neglect)
- Being hit, arguments in the home or being made to feel small (this is more likely if your parent has a drug or alcohol problem)
- Being teased or bullied by others
- People saying nasty things about your parent
- Family relationship difficulties

As well as caring for your loved one, it’s important that you look after yourself too. If you ever feel overwhelmed or stressed, talk to someone you trust about it, like a friend or ChildLine on 0800 1111 or through 1-2-1 chat online. Taking time out for yourself can also help you cope and feel better about things.
Visit the young carers page on information and support with looking after a parent

If somebody you know has been diagnosed with a mental illness you might feel confused or even frightened about what might happen. It is okay to feel like this. Mental illness can be hard to accept sometimes – possibly because we know little about it when compared to other illnesses such as heart disease or diabetes.

Although the causes of mental illness are not fully understood, there are lots of effective treatments out there. Now that your parent, sibling or friend has been diagnosed with a mental illness, it is a positive step – this way, the doctors can make a start in helping them get better.