What is Mental Health?
We all have mental health, just like we all have physical health. Sometimes we feel well, and sometimes we don’t.
Mental health is complicated because it’s about how we think, feel and act, and this is always changing.
When our mental health is good, we enjoy being around other people and we feel able to take on challenges and new experiences. But when our mental health is not so good, we can find it much harder to cope.
Remember, if you or your child is struggling with how you think, feel or behave, you are not alone and things can get better. You deserve all the help and support you need to feel confident and comfortable being yourself so that you can enjoy life.
What causes mental health problems?
There are lots of reasons why we might start struggling with our mental health. These can include:
- difficult things going on in your life
- life experiences, such as trauma, violence or abuse
- physical health problems
- pressure at school, work, or about money
- difficult relationships with partners, family or friends
- family history of mental health problems
Often it isn’t just one of these things and sometimes there is no obvious cause. Whatever the reasons you might be struggling it’s important to remember that it isn’t your fault and that things can get better.
Life affects us all differently. No one is the same. That’s why the right mental health support will look different to different people. What works for one person might be not work the same for you, and that’s ok.
How do I know when to get help with my child’s mental health?
Most of us will struggle with our mental health at some point in our lives, just like we all get sick once in a while. If you notice a negative change in how you’re feeling, or you find yourself doing things that worry you, speak to someone you trust. Trust your instincts – you know if something is up. Don’t wait for things to get really bad before reaching out. The earlier you get help, the more likely it is that you can stop your problem getting worse.
Here are some signs to look out for:
- feeling hopeless – struggling to see the positives in life, or wishing you didn’t exist
- getting into lots of arguments or fights
- feeling sad all the time
- feeling angry all the time
- feeling anxious all the time
- numbness – not feeling any emotions at all
- extreme highs and lows, or mood swings
- feeling worthless
- changes to your eating patterns – starving yourself, over-eating, making yourself sick
- hearing voices or seeing things that aren’t there
- hurting yourself on purpose
- keeping away from friends and family
- relying heavily on alcohol, drugs or sex
- obsessive behaviour or thoughts – feeling there is something you have to do/think about all the time or something bad will happen
- experiencing nightmares, flashbacks or upsetting thoughts
- obsessing about how you look
- Constant unwanted thoughts
If you recognise any of these signs, or anything else that seems out of the ordinary, or not ‘normal’ for you, then it is important to reach out for help. This doesn’t mean that you necessarily have a mental health problem, but it’s likely that some support will help you on your journey to feeling your best.
Local Transformation Plan
We believe that all children and young people should have access to the right kind of services and support to help them develop as people and build positive relationships.
In Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes we’ve worked with children, young people and other organisations to develop a transformational plan for children’s and young people’s mental health services to improve the support that’s currently available.
The Dynamic Support Register and Care Education Treatment Review for families
BLMK Children and Young People’s Mental Health Local Transformation Plan 2021-22
Local Transformation Plan update children and young people October 2022
Bedford Borough
Local Offer Bedford Borough – Mental health & wellbeing
Central Bedfordshire
Local Offer Central Bedfordshire – Mental health & Wellbeing
Milton Keynes
Your mental health and wellbeing | Milton Keynes City Council (milton-keynes.gov.uk)
Luton
Luton Emotional Wellbeing Information Resource | Luton Directory
Pathways
How to get help in a mental health crisis (Milton Keynes)