Column: Let's talk about supporting the mental health of children and young people

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Children’s mental health and wellbeing is a big concern for many parents, grandparents, carers and friends, writes Dr Sarah Todd, GP at Wingerworth Surgery and Derbyshire clinical lead for children’s health.

No wonder – it has been estimated that 23 per cent of children and young people aged between eight and 25 had a ‘probable’ mental health condition in 2023.

That is a big increase from 2017 when the figure was 12.5 per cent.

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It’s particularly difficult for older teenage girls; children in care; neurodivergent children; young people who are experiencing issues around sexual orientation/gender identity; and those living in poverty; feeling isolated or being bullied.

Guest columnist Dr Sarah Todd is GP at Wingerworth Surgery and Derbyshire clinical lead for children's health.Guest columnist Dr Sarah Todd is GP at Wingerworth Surgery and Derbyshire clinical lead for children's health.
Guest columnist Dr Sarah Todd is GP at Wingerworth Surgery and Derbyshire clinical lead for children's health.

The impact of social media and the Covid-19 pandemic are often given as potential causes for worsening youth mental health.

There are many factors that may lie behind a mental health crisis, such as a traumatic event or mental illness in the home, bereavement, struggles in school, and relationship difficulties.

At the ThinkFest festival held in Chesterfield last summer, young people stressed the importance of having trusted adults they can connect with for help, such as parents, teachers or a youth group leader.

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Children’s Mental Health Week and Time to Talk Day take place during this month (February), so it’s a good time to talk about mental health, reach out and know what support is available.

"Our children and adult mental health urgent care teams offer rapid assessment for young people in crisis with serious and immediate risk mental health issues, and will work with you to plan the best kind of help for you and your child", says guest columnist Dr Sarah Todd."Our children and adult mental health urgent care teams offer rapid assessment for young people in crisis with serious and immediate risk mental health issues, and will work with you to plan the best kind of help for you and your child", says guest columnist Dr Sarah Todd.
"Our children and adult mental health urgent care teams offer rapid assessment for young people in crisis with serious and immediate risk mental health issues, and will work with you to plan the best kind of help for you and your child", says guest columnist Dr Sarah Todd.

The first thing to do is ask for advice.

The Derbyshire Emotional Health and Wellbeing website can help you find the right help at the right time. Another useful online tool is the Derbyshire Mental Health Map.

One place young people can turn to is Kooth. This is an anonymous online chat service where trained counsellors are available to talk through how you are feeling and what might help.

The Derbyshire Mental Health Support Line 0800 028 0077 (or call NHS 111 option 2) also provides 24/7 telephone support and signposting for all age groups.

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If you think your child is affected by autism, attention hyperactivity disorder or neurodiversity there are drop-in NeuroHubs across Derbyshire run by local charities for helpful advice and support.

The Local Offer website also details the services available for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities young people and their families.

If your child needs more help, your school mental health/wellbeing champion can give advice or your GP can make a referral for more specialist support to local mental health services.

Our children and adult mental health urgent care teams offer rapid assessment for young people in crisis with serious and immediate risk mental health issues, and will work with you to plan the best kind of help for you and your child.

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