More help promised for people of all ages with mental health problems

You may have heard Theresa May, UK Prime Minister, speaking recently about raising the profile of mental health issues and promising funding to increase provision, particularly for children and adolescents. Young people are affected disproportionately with mental health problems. In the past year I have worked with an increased number of young people suffering from stress and anxiety which manifests itself indifferent ways, sometimes, and ultimately most seriously, in self harm and anorexia.

There is often a 6 month long wait to access CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) and the situation may well have deteriorated by the time a young person gets to see a mental health professional or receives ongoing support.

So, please look out for signs of stress or anxiety in your own or friends’ or colleagues’ children and encourage them to seek professional help sooner rather than later.