WARRINGTON Borough Council supported World Mental Health Day by encouraging young people to start a conversation about mental health.
World Mental Health Day takes place on October 10 every year. This year the theme was ‘young people and mental health in a changing world’, which aims to bring attention to the issues that young people are facing in the world today and begin a conversation to improve metal wellbeing.
To grow up as a young person in our world today is both exciting and challenging. Young people are taking advantage of the technology available to them, such as spending more and more of their day on the internet. However, there are some unwanted pressures to which young people are exposed, including social media and the increasing issue of cyber bullying.
Cllr Pat Wright, executive board member for statutory health and adult social care, said:“We want to help young people recognise mental health problems in themselves and others, break down stigma in relation to these issues and encourage them to seek support if they need it for themselves or someone they know.
“Mental health problems can affect anyone, at any time. Young people can make a real difference to their family and friends by being in their corner if they are finding it hard to cope. We want our young people to understand what they need to do in order to be healthy, happy and resilient.”
You can find information about the support services available for people of all ages in Warrington at www.happyoksad.org.uk. The website includes specific resources for young people and details of how to look after your own mental wellbeing, including tips on how to feel good and where to get support.
If you are finding it hard to cope, are feeling desperate or are having thoughts of suicide, you can talk to your GP, or call the Warrington Assessment Team on 01925 666 647. The assessment team is for people with moderate to severe symptoms of mental health problems.
The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) supports children and young people in Warrington up to the age of 18 and can be contacted through the CAMHSAssessment and Response Team (CART) on 01925 579 405.
You can also call the Samaritans on 116 123; PAPYRUS HOPELineUK for young people on 0800 068 41 41; or CALM (for men) on 0800 58 58 58 (5pm to midnight). These three charities support people who are in distress, are feeling suicidal or who are worried about a friend or family member.
For more information about World Mental Health Day 2018 visit The World Federation for Mental Health at wfmh.global/world-mental-health-day-2018.
