Mental Health Conditions

There are also lots of people who live successfully with a mental health condition. You probably know some.

But sometimes some people need extra support. 

Whether you are concerned about yourself or a friend the important thing is to be open and talk to someone who can help, like your School Health Nurse. 

Take action: If you are worried that you may have a mental health condition, you should visit your GP or talk to someone in your family or at your school. 

Mental health conditions

There are a wide range of mental health conditions. Oxfordshire Health have created informative films that help to explain mental health conditions which affect young people, explore treatment options, and understand the experience of living with a mental health condition.

Find out more: Watch the first four short films to find out more about Anxiety, Psychosis, Personal Disorder and Neurodiversity. 

Where can I go to get support?

If you are worried about your mental health talk to someone at your school or college like a teacher or School Health Nurse.

Many mental health concerns can be supported at home and at school.

Some people need more support. CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) is an NHS service which assess and treat young people with emotional, behavioral or mental health difficulties. 

Instant expert:  Oxfordshire CAMHS Mental Health Self Care Guides provide information around ADHD, Anxiety, Autism, Bereavement, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Eating Disorders, Emotional Wellbeing and Learning Disabilities,  Gender Identity, Sleep, Psychosis, Self Harm, Trauma and more.

How can I support my friend?

If you notice someone acting differently, ask them if they’re okay, not once, but twice!

If you are still worried about them, talk to an adult you trust. 

If all they need is support from a friend, you could:

• Invite them for a coffee
• Go for a walk
• Listen and be there for them

Instant Expert: Find apps to help with mental health with the App Guide from Oxfordshire CAMHS.

Support your own mental health

The most important to support your own mental health is you. 

If you feel stressed and anxious, you can help your own mental health.

• Eat regularly - not too much or too little and don't worry too much about food
• Exercise – this could be as simple as going for a walk 
• Talk – to friends and family 
• Sleep – get enough rest 

What is Neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity refers to the range of differences in individual brain functions and behaviours, there are many different types of Neurodiversity, these include:

• Autism
• ADHD
• ADD
• Dyslexia
• Dyscalculia
• Dyspraxia

The treatment for Neurodiversity is mainly medication, which is subscribed through your GP; although it is proven that mindfulness and meditation can also help – especially for those with ADHD.

Find out more: This short film from Oxfordshire Health offers some more in-depth information on Neurodiversity.

When should I seek help?

It can be difficult to know when to seek help with your mental health, its common to question whether or not you can handle it yourself, or if you should seek medical help.  Seeking advice may be a wise idea if you’re:

• Worrying more than usual.
• Finding it hard to enjoy your life.
• Having worrying thoughts which are hard to cope with.

By visiting your GP then can make a diagnosis, offer support and treatment, as well as referring you to a mental health specialist.