Mental health & well-being
As a young person there may be many challenges you are facing at the moment. Whether it's exams, family pressures, problems with friendships, or anything else you are dealing with, these challenges can have a big impact on your mental health. There may be times when things are happening around you and you feel like you have no control over them but there are steps you can take that can make them more manageable. The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone. You are not the only young person going through this, even though at times it may feel like you are. Reach out to friends or talk to your teachers, or anyone you feel safe with.
Top Tips for Good Mental Health!
- Acknowledge what you are feeling: For example, if you are going through exams think along the lines of ‘I am feeling anxious about what’s going on at the moment, but I’m also excited about what the future could bring.
- Keeping yourself physically healthy will help you to deal with any emotional difficulties you may have. This could include cycling, walking, and going to the park.
- Focus on what you can control, not just on what you can't. You can't control whether you take exams or not but you can control what you do to prepare for them.
- Be in the moment and take things as they come: Spending endless time thinking about what the future might hold if things don't go as you planned- you will lose touch of the good things that are happening now.
- Take time to get used to any new routines in your life. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to be ok with change straight away.
Support and Advice
You can get support from Hainault Youth Centre and Loxford Youth Centre. There you will find Youth Workers that can offer help and advice.
Please also remember you can always talk to a member of staff at school, such as your teacher, if you need help or support. You can also talk to an adult you know that you trust and feel comfortable talking to. Whoever you choose to talk to, please do it as soon as possible. The sooner you talk to someone the sooner you can get the help and support that you need.
You can get additional help and support from the services below. If you contact a service and are worried about confidentiality and how your information will be used please ask the person you are speaking with to explain their policy.
- Kooth – free online counselling service for young people in Redbridge
- 1-2-1 Counsellor chat - online help from a Childline Counsellor
- Redbridge Youth Service - Redbridge Youth Service are here for you; not only can you talk to us about any difficulties or problems you may have but we also offer a range of enjoyable opportunities around the Borough. For more information check out our WEBSITE and Instagram page – Redbridge youth
- Nelft - a website with lots of information about apps and web sites on issues ranging from stress to struggling with eating
- REWT@Redbridge.gov.uk - Redbridge Educational Wellbeing Team (REWT) are a team offering support for both children and parents, through school and through groups (currently online). Email them, link above, and follow them on Instagram at #RedbridgeEducationalWellbeing
- Young People Friendly Sexual Health and Relationship Services - Sexual health, contraception and relationship services for young people in Redbridge
