mood matters for young peopledepression – and getting help

Talk to someone

So what can you do?

Talk to someone

Talking to someone that you trust when you are depressed is very important. Your problems might seem difficult to talk about, but if you mind is unwell it will be very difficult to get better all by yourself. Sometimes our problems are just too big that we need that bit of extra help.

T	Tell someone
A	Ask for help
L	Learn the facts
K	Keep safe

Who can you talk to?

Doctor – Your GP will be able to listen and put you in contact with someone who could help. Any ‘talking treatment’ can help you deal with any underlying problems and negative thoughts. Your doctor might prescribe medication (anti-depressants) which could help your mood improve, but these are not necessarily the first course of action for under 18s. Antidepressants are not addictive.

A counsellor - many schools and colleges have counsellors who you can talk to about anything that is on your mind. Do you know how to make contact with them?

Teacher – a teacher could be a good source of help and support.

A helpline – A number of organisations have a telephone line where you can talk to someone in confidence. Here are a few examples:

Your family – parents, carers, brothers or sisters, for example,

Friends – who are helpful and supportive, not those who make you feel worse.

You might be thinking ‘What’s the point in talking to someone? It won’t change anything!’ But talking to someone you trust could mark the beginning of your mood improving:

• It might help you understand how you are really feeling
• You might be able to get some things out of your system
• It’s good to know someone who cares about you knows about what is going on
• You can get good advice and help to do the things you feel are too difficult to do by yourself.