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Mental health problems in children and young people may show as anxiety, low mood, anger, physical symptoms, withdrawal or problems at school. Early support helps; thoughts of self-harm, suicide or being unsafe require professional assessment the same day.
- Feeling low, empty, anxious, tense, irritable or unusually angry for a long time.
- Less enjoyment, withdrawing from friends, stopping hobbies or frequently missing school.
- Tell one trustworthy adult honestly what is happening, even if you do not yet know exactly what you need.
- Keep bedtimes and waking times as regular as possible and put screens out of reach before sleep.
- Make an appointment if symptoms last several weeks, worsen or disrupt school, sleep, relationships or self-care.
- For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.
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