Depending on where you live, support might look different. You could get help from:

• Support teams in your school or college

• Charities and local organisations

• NHS mental health services – often called CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services)

Most services are for under 18s, but some go up to age 25.

Support is there for you if you’re:

• Feeling low, anxious, or stressed

• Coping with bullying, family problems, or losing someone close

• Struggling with eating, self-harm, or other behaviours

• Seeing or hearing things that others don’t

The help you get depends on what you need. It could be:

• Self-help tools like apps, guides, and online resources

• Talking therapies such as counselling or CBT (in person, online, or on the phone)

• Medication (sometimes offered alongside therapy)

• Specialist support for things like eating disorders

• Support in hospital if you need it

What you tell services is private, unless they’re worried about your safety or someone else’s.

You can be referred by:

• A teacher, GP, school nurse, youth worker, or social worker

• A parent or carer

• Or you can sometimes refer yourself (this is called self-referral)

Once you’re referred, you’ll usually have a chat with someone about what’s going on. They’ll ask questions so they can understand what you need, and then you’ll agree on the next steps together.

You can visit the NHS website for information about having difficulty getting referred.

Sometimes there’s a wait before support starts. That can feel frustrating, but there are things you can do to help yourself:

• Talk to friends, family, or someone you trust

• Try mental health apps

• Do something you enjoy, like music, TV, gaming, or a walk outside

• Be kind to yourself – your feelings are valid

• Check out self-care tips from Mind, Every Mind Matters, or the Anna Freud Centre

You can also read about the 5 steps to mental wellbeing.

It is really important to let someone know if your circumstances change. If you find your situation gets worse, call or email the service you were referred to, to let them know what has changed. Or get urgent help for your mental health if you need it.

When your sessions begin, you might get:

• One-to-one therapy

• Family or creative therapy

• Medication (if it’s right for you)

• Specialist help for specific needs

Support might happen at school, in a clinic, at your GP, in the community, or even at home. Different professionals may help you, like counsellors, therapists, nurses, or doctors.

When you get older (usually around 18, but it can be anywhere from 16–25), your care may move to adult mental health services. You’ll be told at least six months before this happens so you have time to get ready.

You’ll get a care coordinator (someone you already know, like your GP) to guide you through the move. You’ll also get a plan that explains:

• What support you’ll get

• Who’s helping you

• What to do if you’re in crisis

• Whether your parents or carers will be involved

Adult services offer similar support, but they may work a bit differently.