Feeling anxious or stressed? Struggling to sleep? As you grow up, you experience physical changes and various pressures, such as exams and bullying, that might have an impact on your mental health.
In recent months, you might have found the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic particularly challenging – a recent survey revealed that at least a third of children and young people reported an increase in stress, loneliness, worry and other issues due to COVID-19.
The Good Thinking service can help you to manage your mental health. You’ll find expert advice and a series of podcast interviews with representatives of the NHS, charities, businesses and other organisations. You can also read blogs written by young people.
This new section of Good Thinking is a work in progress and we will add more content for children and young people as soon as it is available. We welcome your feedback, of course.
Over the next few months, we'll be developing a series of short guides to help you manage your mental health. We've kicked off by looking at issues such as bullying, eating disorders and sex and relationships. Watch this space for advice on other topics that matter to you and other people your age.
Six things to remember if you’re being bullied
How to stay mentally healthy at university
To help families manage their mental health during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Good Thinking team has developed a range of ‘how to’ guides and advice as well as podcasts and blogs. We recommend the following content for children and young people:
Advice for young people who receive counselling and other support
Advice to help young people handle uncertainty
Advice to help young people deal with anger
Advice for children in care and young care leavers
Advice for young people on how to manage their eating disorders
Advice for children and young people who are being bullied
Advice for the children of essential workers and volunteers
Advice for children and young people with ADHD
Advice to help young people deal with the stress of exam results
Visit our COVID-19 advice hub for more articles and podcasts, including advice about ADHD, bullying and eating disorders.
Blogs
It’s okay to not be okay! by Paige Keen, aged 15
Self-isolation: Callum's story (age 12)
Self-isolation: Harry's story (age 21)
GCSEs 2020: A student's perspective
Adjusting to a new way of living: Alis Rowe, autistic creator and entrepreneur
Reflecting on ways to live better: Taiwo's story
Facing COVID-19 with Asperger’s: Chris’ story
Podcasts
Want to stop bullying behaviour? It starts with the dictionary… Alex Holmes and Will Poulter
Mental health from a male perspective: Antonio Ferreira
Supporting students through coronavirus: Mhairi Underwood, Head of Community at The Student Room