Mental Health
Anxiety and Depression (Children)
Some links on this page have been colour coded to make it easier to find the information you need:
EMERGENCIES AND URGENT SUPPORT
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
LOCAL SUPPORT - SELF REFERRAL
OXFORD HEALTH NHS FOUNDATION TRUST (CAMHS) SUPPORTING CHILDREN
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
- You can self-refer using an online form Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Make a referral | Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service
- Buckinghamshire CAMHs referral form CAMHS Referral Form – Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
- How to contact the Mental Health Helpline for Buckinghamshire Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Mental health helpline | Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service
- If you are 16 or 17 years old, you can call into our ‘single point of access’ telephone number. You can call us from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. You will speak to a specially trained member of the team who will ask you some questions and talk to you about how CAMHS can help. Single Point of Access: Single Point of Access | Oxford Health CAMHSOxford Health CAMHS
- Who to contact in a crisis Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service It’s a crisis | Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service
- How to contact CAMHs Buckinghamshire Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Contacts | Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service
ADVICE NOW
From Oxford Health NHS foundation trust
When you need to find out when and where to get help and to access support from mental health professionals for a range of conditions and symptoms you can contact the 24/7 Mental Health Helpline for Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire24/7 Mental Health Helpline for Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire – Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
Free counselling up to the age of 21
From Mind Buckinghamshire
- Children and Young People’s Services Children and Young People’s Services – Bucks Mind
- Counselling for Young People: “Our service offers compassionate and confidential support to young people (aged 13-21) facing emotional and mental health challenges. This service is free.” Counselling for Young People – Bucks Mind
SOME SIMPLE STEPS TO HELP
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
- Get help from the Family Support Service Get help from the Family Support Service | Family Information Service
- Buckinghamshire Family Information Service Family Information Service | Buckinghamshire Family Information Service
- Things to do Things to do | Family Information Service
- Family centres Family centres | Family Information Service
Further information on the 5 steps to wellbeing
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
LOCAL SUPPORT FOR OTHER ISSUES WHICH CAN IMPACT ON MENTAL HEALTH
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.
HABITS
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:
PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES
Issues at school can lead to anxiety and depression. Further support can be found under
EVENTS IN YOUR LIFE
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 INCLUDING RELATIONSHIPS
Issues at home can be an important source of anxiety and depression. See under:
PATIENT GROUPS
There is support for different patient groups see under
Support For All this includes for example
- Carers
- A Healthier Life – covers some local support to improve everyone’s health and reduce health inequalities
NATIONAL SUPPORT - SELF REFERRAL
NATIONAL HELPLINES AND APPS
There are numerous excellent national helplines, some available 24 hours a day. You can access them by clicking below.
ALL AGES
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
- YoungMinds Textline: YoungMinds Textline offers you free, 24/7 text messaging support wherever you are in the UK. If you need someone to talk to about how you’re feeling. YoungMinds Textline | Free 24/7 Mental Health Support Via Text | YoungMinds
- Parents Helpline and Webchat Parents Helpline | Mental Health Help for Your Child | 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
TEXT SERVICE
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
text SUPPORT FOR UNDER 25
The MIX
Get Support : Essential support for under 25s Get Support – The Mix
OVER 11
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
FOR PARENTS
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
- “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
FREQUENTY ASKED QUESTIONS - GENERAL INFORMATION
SYMPTOMS OF ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION
From the NHS
- Depression in children and young people Depression in children and young people – NHS
- Anxiety disorders in children Anxiety disorders in children – NHS
- Separation anxiety Separation anxiety – NHS
- Social anxiety (social phobia) Social anxiety (social phobia) – 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
GENERAL INFORMATION
From the NHS
- Depression in children and young people Depression in children and young people – NHS
- Anxiety disorders in children anxiety disorders in children – NHS
From Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust (CAMHS)
- Anxiety Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Anxiety | Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service
- Depression and mood disorders Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Depression and mood disorders | Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service
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
- Home: Every Mind Matters – NHS
- Managing anxiety Anxiety – Every Mind Matters – NHS
- Feeling low? Low mood – Every Mind Matters – NHS
From Young Minds
- Anxiety Anxiety
- Depression Depression
From 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
- Worries and anxieties – information for young people Worries and anxieties – for young people | Royal College of Psychiatrists (rcpsych.ac.uk)
From NICE
Depression in children Depression in children | Health topics A to Z | CKS | NICE
SELF-HARM
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
- Self-harm Self-harm | Royal College of Psychiatrists
- Self-harm in young people: for parents and carers Self-harm in young people – for parents and carers | Royal College of Psychiatrists
From Patient info
Self-harm in Young People Self-harm in young people | Causes and Treatment | Patient
FREQUENTY ASKED QUESTIONS - TREATMENT
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.
Wellbeing tips from the NHS
From Every Mind Matters
NHS website dedicated to mental health
Mental wellbeing tips Mental wellbeing tips – Every Mind Matters – NHS
SOME SIMPLE STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO FEEL BETTER
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
- My feelings Help With How I’m Feeling | Mental Health Advice | YoungMinds | YoungMinds
- Coping with life Coping With Life | Mental Health Advice | YoungMinds | YoungMinds
From Royal College of Psychiatrists
- Exercise and mental health: for young people Exercise and mental health – for young people | Royal College of Psychiatrists
- Coping with stress Coping with stress for young people| Royal College of Psychiatrists
- When bad things happen for children and young people When bad things happen | Royal College of Psychiatrists
THE FAMILY INFORMATION SERVICE IN BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
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
- Buckinghamshire Family Information Service Family Information Service | Buckinghamshire Family Information Service
- Things to do Things to do | Family Information Service
- Family centres Family centres | Family Information Service
TALKING THERAPY (COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY)
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
REFRAMING OUR THINKING
From Stem4
- Anxiety for teenagers Anxiety – for teenagers – stem4
- Depression for teenagers Depression – for teenagers – stem4
SUPPORT FROM THE CHILD AND ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE (CAMHS)
From Young Minds
- Guide to CAMHS Guide to CAMHS | YoungMinds
- Counselling and therapy Counselling & Therapy | How To Access Therapy | YoungMinds
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
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
Overview
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
FREQUENTY ASKED QUESTIONS - OTHER SUPPORT
VARIOUS ASPECTS OF LIFE WHICH MIGHT CONTRIBUTE TO ANXIETY OR DEPRESSION
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
FOR TEENAGERS
From Stem4
Supporting teenage mental health stem4 – supporting teenage mental health
Advice on life’s challengers from the NHS
From Every Mind Matters
NHS website dedicated to mental health
Dealing with life’s challenges Dealing with life’s challenges – Every Mind Matters – NHS
FINDING BROAD SUPPORT ON THIS WEBSITE FOR OTHER ISSUES
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.
PARENTS SUPPORTING CHILDREN
From the Royal College of Psychiatrists
- Depression in young people – helping children to cope: for parents and carers Depression in young people – helping children to cope – for parents and carers | Royal College of Psychiatrists
- Self-harm in young people: for parents and carers Self-harm in young people – for parents and carers | 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
Supporting others advice from the NHS
From Every Mind Matters
NHS website dedicated to mental health
Supporting others Supporting others – Every Mind Matters – NHS
Further information
There is more detailed information in this area, including numerous national helplines, which can be found under
18 and over
If you are 18 and over the adult services will support you, see under
Videos and podcasts
On the videos and podcasts page there are links to some relevant videos and podcasts covering the topic of anxiety and depression.
- Videos And Podcasts – see section “mental health.”
