Service tells young people to be brave and talk about issues
Mental health issues can affect anyone, at any time, regardless of age. Tuesday 19 September marks Youth Mental Health Awareness Day, a day to encourage understanding and discussion of mental health in the young. The NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Talking Therapies Service is using the event to remind young people experiencing mental health issues that there is help available to them.
"We know that young people face many challenges. They go through uncertainty and change. Deciding which education or career path to take can lead to stress and worry. Some young people lack confidence or motivation to try new things or do things they used to do. Others feel anxious about socialising. They compare their life to friends on social media and can feel anxious or low. Talking about these issues can really help get a handle on them." Vanessa Milner, young people's champion
The NHS Talking Therapies' service provides a range of therapies including 1 to 1 counselling, text, video, and group therapies. The team has appointed 2 young people's champions to help drive younger people to the service.
"The theme of this year's campaign is #BeBrave. We know that taking that first step of asking for help, or even admitting that you have a mental health issue takes courage.
"We hope that we can support young people in Cornwall to be brave, to take those first steps and talk to someone who can help. In this way, we might be able to stop their problems escalating or give them tools to deal with future anxieties." Emily Jowett, Champion
The Talking Therapies service is available across the county to anyone aged over 16 who is registered with a GP. For more information, visit our Talking Therapies webpage or call 01208 871 905.