Some links on this page have been colour coded to make it easier to find the information you need:
In an emergency if you or someone else has seriously injured themselves, taken an overdose or are on the point of doing so call 999 or go directly to A&E. Other support is provided under
From Bucks Mental Health Support Team (MHST)
“Bucks Mental Health Support Team (MHST) accept referrals directly from school staff. If you are a young person or a parent and you would like support from the MHST please contact your school’s senior mental health lead. We work with young people with mild to moderate mental health issues providing a range of practical, emotional and social support.” For more serious mental health illness you should contact CAMHs Bucks MHST Referrals | Oxford Health CAMHS Oxford Health CAMHS
From Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust (CAMHS)
0-18 years
As NHS England suggest about calling 111
“Patients experiencing a mental health crisis can now benefit from support through 111 with access to a 24/7 full package of mental health crisis support through one single phone line. People of all ages, including children, who are in crisis or concerned family and loved ones can now call 111, select the mental health option and speak to a trained mental health professional. NHS staff can guide callers with next steps such as organising face-to-face community support or facilitating access to alternatives services, such as crisis cafés or safe havens.”
“News.” NHS England website. Retrieved 30th August 2024.
Further information on this service is provided by NHS England and the BBC
The NHS provide a summary of some of the help available
Other local options are explained by Oxford Health CAMHS
Details of all the organisations who can support you in a crisis It’s a crisis | Oxford Health CAMHS
From Mind Buckinghamshire
Oxford Health CAMHS suggest some simple steps which can be taken in addition to contacting CAMHS. A number of these activities are supported by the family information service in Buckinghamshire.
From Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust (CAMHS)
Supporting your wellbeing Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service My wellbeing | Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service
The 5 ways to wellbeing are a good starting point
Five ways to wellbeing Five ways to wellbeing | Oxford Health CAMHSOxford Health CAMHS
From the Family Information Service
The 5 steps to wellbeing are a very helpful starting point to improving mental wellbeing. The 5 steps are explained further including available local support, under
Often there is no clear cause which can be identified for anxiety or depression, but on other occasions there is and understanding how a particular cause can be supported can make a real difference, in addition to any of the other treatments used in anxiety and depression.
Some habits can contribute to anxiety or depression and getting support for them directly can significantly help in reducing anxiety and/or depression. Direct support can be found here for:
Issues at school can lead to anxiety and depression. Further support can be found under
Some events in your life can also contribute to anxiety and depression including for example bullying and bereavement. Again getting direct support for these issues can help significantly reduce anxiety and/or depression.
Issues at home can be an important source of anxiety and depression. See under:
There is support for different patient groups see under
Support For All this includes for example
There are numerous excellent national helplines, some available 24 hours a day. You can access them by clicking below.
From Childline
“You can contact Childline about anything. Whatever your worry, it’s better out than in. We’re here to support you.” Get Support | Childline
From YoungMinds
From Samaritans
“You can get in touch about anything that’s troubling you, We’re here to listen, no judgement, no pressure, and help you work through what’s on your mind. We’ll never tell you what to do. We’re here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year”. Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen
If you’re worried about someone else If you’re worried about someone else | Samaritans
From Shout
“Shout 85258 is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.” Get help Get help – free, 24/7, confidential mental health text support service | Shout 85258
The MIX
Get Support : Essential support for under 25s Get Support – The Mix
From Kooth
Kooth Is a free online counselling and emotional wellbeing support service providing young people aged 11-25 years with a safe and secure means of accessing support from a professional team of qualified counsellors. Home – Kooth
From Stem4
Includes a number of Apps supporting teenage mental health stem4 – supporting teenage mental health
From Family Lives
A confidential and free helpline for families in England and Wales for emotional support, information, advice and guidance on any aspect of parenting and family life. Parentline family support and bullying helpline | Family Lives
From Samaritans
From the NHS
From the Royal College of Psychiatrists
Depression in children and young people: for young people Depression in children and young people – for young people| Royal College of Psychiatrists
From the NHS
From Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust (CAMHS)
From Mind
Information for young people aged 11-18 Information for young people on mental health and wellbeing – Mind
From Every Mind Matter
NHS website dedicated to mental health
From Young Minds
From Royal College of Psychiatrists
From NICE
Depression in children Depression in children | Health topics A to Z | CKS | NICE
From the NHS
Self-harm (includes articles on where to get help, ways to avoid and assessments and treatment Self-harm – NHS
From CAMHs Buckinghamshire
Self-Harm Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Self-harm | Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service
From the Royal College of Psychiatrists
From Patient info
Self-harm in Young People Self-harm in young people | Causes and Treatment | Patient
Treatment for anxiety or depression can involve a combination of lifestyle changes, talking therapies (such as cognitive behavioural therapy) and sometimes medication under the care of a specialist. Lifestyle changes and talking therapies have already been covered under the “local support – self referral” section but there is further information on all the treatment options below.
From Every Mind Matters
NHS website dedicated to mental health
Mental wellbeing tips Mental wellbeing tips – Every Mind Matters – NHS
From Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust (CAMHS)
A range of simple ideas which can often make a significant difference
Supporting your wellbeing Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service My wellbeing | Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service
The 5 ways to wellbeing are a good starting point
Five ways to wellbeing Five ways to wellbeing | Oxford Health CAMHSOxford Health CAMHS
From Young Minds
From Royal College of Psychiatrists
The family information service in Buckinghamshire provides some ideas on various activities which could be part of the 5 ways to wellbeing.
From the Family Information Service
Talking therapies can be very helpful for all levels of anxiety and depression. They can be accessed directly without having to go through a GP practice see under local self-refer (to CAMHS). A particular type of talking therapy called cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is often considered.
From Royal College of Psychiatrists
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): for Parents and young people Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – for young people and parents| Royal College of Psychiatrists
From Stem4
From Young Minds
From Royal College of Psychiatrists
Who’s who in CAMHS: for young people, parents, teachers and carers Who is who in CAMHS – for parents, teachers, young people and carers | Royal College of Psychiatrists
The local CAMHS is easy to access, you can see how to do this under the section “Local support -Self Referral” above.
Medication From Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust (CAMHS)
Medication for children is normally only prescribed by a psychiatrist in CAMHS (rather than a GP) and normally only if talking therapy from CAMHS has not led to an improvement. There is some information on medication here:
From Young Minds
Thinking about trying medication Thinking About Trying Mental Health Medication? | YoungMinds
From Patient info (Clinical information)
Depression in Children and Adolescents Depression in Children and Adolescents | Doctor | Patient
From NICE
Depression in children Depression in children | Health topics A to Z | CKS | NICE
From Oxford Health NHS foundation Trust
Find out more about mental health conditions, treatments and medications, just search for anxiety and depression. Provides answers to common questions and also leaflets for common drugs Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust Home
From Child Line
Info and advice Info and advice | Childline
From YoungMinds
Coping with life Coping With Life | Mental Health Advice | YoungMinds | YoungMinds
From Family Lives
Advice Parenting advice and family support – Family Lives
From Stem4
Supporting teenage mental health stem4 – supporting teenage mental health
From Every Mind Matters
NHS website dedicated to mental health
Dealing with life’s challenges Dealing with life’s challenges – Every Mind Matters – NHS
Sometimes anxiety and depression can relate to other habits, circumstances such as school, other events including bereavement. Sometimes been supported with these other issues can be very helpful.
See the “local support self-referral section” section on this page, under “Support for specific issues or circumstances which can contribute to depression or anxiety” there are links to local and national support which can help.
From the Royal College of Psychiatrists
From Mentally Healthy Schools
Advice for parents and carers: talking mental health with young people at secondary school Advice for parents and carers: talking mental health with young people at secondary school : Mentally Healthy Schools
From Patient info
How to support someone through a panic attack What to do if someone is having a panic attack | Patient
From Every Mind Matters
NHS website dedicated to mental health
Supporting others Supporting others – Every Mind Matters – NHS
There is more detailed information in this area, including numerous national helplines, which can be found under
If you are 18 and over the adult services will support you, see under
On the videos and podcasts page there are links to some relevant videos and podcasts covering the topic of anxiety and depression.