Social media can have an impact on mental health, both positive and negative. There is a range of resources offering advice to young people on how to have a more positive time online.
The #LetsConnect campaign has been developed by the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership to encourage parents, carers, children and young people in West Yorkshire to feel comfortable in talking about mental health and emotional wellbeing with each other.
We want to promote mental health and wellbeing and emotional resilience in its widest sense, with a campaign that covers these themes:
#WeHearYou #SafeBase #YoureEnough
This campaign provides insight for parents and carers in how to respond to and support their child or young person as well as helping young people to provide peer-to-peer support using their own ideas and tips. Find out more by selecting one of the themes below:
As part of our #LetsConnect campaign supporting children and young people’s mental health and emotional wellbeing, we have recorded a podcast with expert contributors Consultant Psychiatrist Dr Nicola Dawson, West Yorkshire Mental Health Family Ambassador Tania Webb and Simon Oxford, Children and Young People Service Manager from NightOWLs.
Mental health affects how you think, feel and act. Looking after your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health.
This page has tips on things you can do to look after your mental health and wellbeing. It is not a replacement for seeking help when you need it.
If you are struggling to cope and need help now, visit our Help I'm in Crisis page.
Self care
There are things you can do to help you think more positively, improve your confidence and feel calmer.
Think about what makes you feel better? What do you enjoy? What do you need right now, physically and emotionally?
Some tips to improve your wellbeing:
Contact with people. Talk to friends, family, a teacher or anyone you trust. Spend time with people who appreciate and are nice to you
Healthy lifestyle. Be physically active, sleep well, eat well. Avoid drugs and alcohol
Be kind to yourself. Try not to compare yourself to others
Set boundaries. Learn that it's ok to say no if you don't want to do something. Limit the time you spend on social media
Ask for what you need. This could be encouragement, company, a hug or some space
Give to others. Random acts of kindness such as helping out at school or a neighbour can make you feel better
Be present. Pay attention to the here and now. Try breathing exercises, meditation or relaxation
Learn a new skill. Is there a new hobby you would like to try? It doesn't have to be something big.
Recognise what you are good at. If you can't think of anything ask friends and family as there will be lots of things
Kooth is a free, safe, and anonymous online wellbeing community for young people. You can sign up without being referred by anyone and you don’t need to download any apps.
Visit MindMate for self help and wellbeing tips. Relax with their 2 or 3 minute meditations.
Visit Young Minds for advice about self care and to read real life stories about the things young people have done for their mental health.
Anna Freud provides more suggestions for self care and coping strategies.
Text a ChatHealth Nurse about your mental health, wellbeing, bullying and general health. In Kirklees text on 07520 618866, Mon to Fri from 8am to 8pm. In Calderdale text on 07480 635297. In Leeds text 07520 619750 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Response time is within 24 hours.
Teen Sleep Hub is the one stop shop for all you need to know about sleep. If you’re looking for advice on how to sleep better, would like tips on tweaking your routine or help to understand the science behind your sleep patterns, you’ll find it all here.
The Reading Well booklist suggests books, ebooks and audiobooks to help you understand your feelings, manage your emotions, cope with difficult times and boost your confidence.
Borrow these from your local library for free.
Here are just a few book suggestions:
Anxiety Survival Guide for Teens: CBT Skills to Overcome Fear, Worry, and Panic by Jennifer Shannon.
Gives practical strategies for handling even the toughest situations that used to cause you anxiety or worry.
Blame My Brain: the Amazing Teenage Brain Revealed by Nicola Morgan
Explains the ups and downs of the teenage brain, dealing with powerful emotions, the need for more sleep, the urge to take risks, the difference between genders and the reasons behind addiction or depression.
Banish Your Self-Esteem Thief: A Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Workbook on Building Positive Self Esteem by Kate Collins-Donnelly
A CBT workbook to help young people stay positive and feel great.
Mindful Teen: Powerful Skills to Help You Handle Stress One Moment at a Time by Professor Dzung X.
A mindfulness program to help you deal with stress in healthy ways, improve communication and reduce conflicts with family and friends.