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It's important to know that support is available for anyone who self-harms or thinks about self-harm, as well as their friends and family.
It's best to speak to a GP about self-harm, but you may also find it helpful to speak to a free listening service or support organisation.

Urgent help

If you need help now for a mental health crisis or emergency, read about where to get urgent help for mental health.

Free listening services

These services offer confidential advice from trained volunteers. You can talk about anything that's troubling you, no matter how difficult:

If you're under 19, you can also call 0800 1111 to talk to Childline. The number will not appear on your phone bill.

If you prefer a webchat, these services are available at certain times:

Speak to a GP if:

you're harming yourself

you're having thoughts about harming yourself

you're worried about minor injuries, such as small cuts or burns - without treatment there is a risk of infection

Some people who self-harm are at a higher risk of suicide.

It's important to get support or treatment as soon as possible to help with the underlying cause and prevent suicidal thoughts developing.

A GP will listen and discuss the best options for you, which could include self-help or support groups. They can also give you advice and treatment for minor injuries.

They may ask you detailed questions to help them understand the cause of your self-harm. It's important to be honest with them, even if you do not know why you self-harm.

If needed, a GP may discuss referring you for an assessment with a local community mental health team (CMHT). An assessment will help your care team work out a treatment plan with you, such as a talking therapy, to help you manage your self-harm.

Read more about assessment and treatments for self-harm.

These organisations offer information and support for anyone who self-harms or thinks about self-harm, or their friends and family:

If you struggle with suicidal thoughts or are supporting someone else, the Staying Safe website provides information on how to make a safety plan. It includes video tutorials and online templates to guide you through the process.

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It's important to know that support is available for anyone who self-harms or thinks about self-harm, as well as their friends and family. It's best to speak to a GP about self-harm, but you may also find it helpful to speak to a free listening service or support organisation.

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Most people go through periods of feeling down, but when you're depressed you feel persistently sad for weeks or months, rather than just a few days.

Some people think depression is trivial and not a genuine health condition. They're wrong - it is a real illness with real symptoms. Depression is not a sign of weakness or something you can "snap out of" by "pulling yourself together".

The good news is that with the right treatment and support, most people with depression can make a full recovery.

Depression affects people in different ways and can cause a wide variety of symptoms.

They range from lasting feelings of unhappiness and hopelessness, to losing interest in the things you used to enjoy and feeling very tearful. Many people with depression also have symptoms of anxiety.

There can be physical symptoms too, such as feeling constantly tired, sleeping badly, having no appetite or sex drive, and various aches and pains.

The symptoms of depression range from mild to severe. At its mildest, you may simply feel persistently low in spirit, while severe depression can make you feel suicidal, that life is no longer worth living.

Most people experience feelings of stress, anxiety or low mood during difficult times. A low mood may improve after a short period of time, rather than being a sign of depression.

It's important to seek help from a GP if you think you may be depressed.

Many people wait a long time before seeking help for depression, but it's best not to delay. The sooner you see a doctor, the sooner you can be on the way to recovery.

Sometimes there's a trigger for depression. Life-changing events, such as bereavement, losing your job or giving birth, can bring it on.

People with a family history of depression are more likely to experience it themselves. But you can also become depressed for no obvious reason.
Read more about the causes of depression
Treatment for depression can involve a combination of lifestyle changes, talking therapies and medicine. Your recommended treatment will be based on whether you have mild, moderate or severe depression.

If you have mild depression, your doctor may suggest waiting to see whether it improves on its own, while monitoring your progress. This is known as "watchful waiting". They may also suggest lifestyle measures such as exercise and self-help groups.

Talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), are often used for mild depression that is not improving, or moderate depression. Antidepressants are also sometimes prescribed.

For moderate to severe depression, a combination of talking therapy and antidepressants is often recommended. If you have severe depression, you may be referred to a specialist mental health team for intensive specialist talking treatments and prescribed medicine.

Many people with depression benefit by making lifestyle changes, such as getting more exercise, cutting down on alcohol, giving up smoking and eating healthily.

Reading a self-help book or joining a support group are also worthwhile. They can help you gain a better understanding about what causes you to feel depressed. Sharing your experiences with others in a similar situation can also be very supportive.

Social care and support guide

If you:

need help with day-to-day living because of illness or disability

care for someone regularly because they're ill, elderly or disabled - including family members

Our guide to care and support explains your options and where you can get support.

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Most people go through periods of feeling down, but when you're depressed you feel persistently sad for weeks or months, rather than just a few days. Some people think depression is trivial and not a genuine health condition.

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Hi, this is a community board that is full of links to resources to support young people and adults regarding depression and low mood.

Please feel free to contribute to this project by adding links of your own to the board and sharing it with other Scouters.

any feedback please direct it to inclusion@kentscouts.org.uk

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What is self-harm?

Self-harm is when someone hurts themselves as a way of dealing with or expressing difficult thoughts and feelings. There are lots of things that could be described as self-harm. Here are some of the most common forms:

cutting or scratching the skin

biting, punching or banging

burning or scalding

pulling or excessively plucking hair

poisoning

taking overdoses

Self-harm doesn’t always leave marks on the body, and people may put lots of effort into hiding any injuries.

Many people use self-harm as a coping mechanism, when they are struggling with difficult emotions. Between one in 12 and one in 15 children and young people deliberately self-harm according to a report from the Mental Health Foundation (2006).  On average, this is two young people in every secondary school classroom who have hurt themselves as a means of coping with distress. Some people may think that self-harm is the same as a suicide attempt, but this isn’t true. Even where someone may have taken an overdose, they may be intending to harm themselves rather than trying to end their life.

Why do young people self-harm?

It’s important to understand that there are lots of different reasons why someone might self-harm, and you should try not to make any assumptions.

For many people, self-harm is a coping mechanism that they can use when they are dealing with difficult thoughts and feelings. Although you may feel like the most important thing is changing the self-harming behaviour, it’s often more important to recognise the reasons someone might be doing this. Some people will understand why they are hurting themselves, whereas others will be less sure.

It may be that they can be linked to difficult life experiences (eg. abuse, bullying, family break up) or stresses at school.

Self harm may be linked to feelings such as feeling numb or unable to express emotions, feeling overwhelmed, feeling a lack of control or wanting someone to notice their distress. It may be linked to problems such as abuse, bullying, bereavement or stresses at school.

How should I respond to someone who is self-harming?

If you become aware or a young person discloses that they self-harm, the most important thing you can do is stay calm and non-judgemental. It can be a big step for a young person to start talking about what is happening for them.  Giving a calm and non-judgmental response can help the young person feel able to speak more openly and access support services.

You should reassure the young person that it’s ok to talk about their self-harm, and that you will support them even if you don’t understand why they are doing it or how they are feeling. You can let them know that there are lots of forms of support available.

What support is there for young people who are self-harming? If a referral needs to be made to a specialist service (eg. Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services – CAMHS), the referral is completed by The Scout Association Safeguarding Team. The first stage is that Safeguarding is likely to seek advice from Children's Services and may be asked by them to make a referral. Volunteers are not expected to make a referral on behalf of a young person or their family. What you can do, is make the young person or parent/carer, as appropriate, aware of support that is available. It may be useful to have information about relevant support organisations available at your meeting place. The young person could seek support through their GP, a counsellor, or by contacting a specialist organisation. Information and support can be accessed online, but it’s important to be aware that there will also be misleading or harmful content online. A young person can be directed to useful websites such as the NSPCC or Young Minds, and can access support in several ways through these agencies. There are some useful sources of information and support below. Remember, just being involved in a supportive environment within Scouting and the positive relationships made there, can make a big difference. Just being supportive and understanding can have a very positive affect.

How do we support the volunteers who are supporting the young person who is self-harming?

Leaders or other adults in Scouting should not become the main support for a young person who is self-harming. This places additional stress on the adult, which may not be recognised because the focus is on the young person. The major support needs to be identified outside Scouting, and this aspect of the work will be overseen by The Safeguarding Team. Always call the Safeguarding Team at Headquarters for advice.

Further information and support organisations

The Scout Association Safeguarding Team
Phone: 020 8433 7164
Email: safeguarding@scouts.org.uk

ChildLine
Phone: 0800 1111
Website: childline.org.uk
Telephone and online support for young people

Harmless
Website: harmless.org.uk
User-led organisations offering support, advice, information and training on self-harm

Life Signs
Website: lifesigns.org.uk
User-led organisation offering peer support, and advice to family and friends. Produce factsheets, including Read this first before you harm

Mind
Website: mind.org.uk
Information about mental health, including information on self-harm

NSPCC
Phone: 0808 800 5000
Website: nspcc.org.uk
Information for people who are worried about a child, or who work with children and need information and advice

YoungMinds
Website: youngminds.org.uk
Information for young people about a range of mental health problems, including self-harm. Also offer a helpline for parents who are worried about the mental health of a young person.

The Scout Association has developed an introductory e-learning pathway with MindEd, to provide further information and guidance on young people's mental health. This contains an e-learning module entitled 'Eating Problems'. More information.

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Guidance for leaders to share with young people relating to self harm.

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Depression does not only affect adults. Children and young people can get depressed too.
It's important to get help early if you think your child may be depressed. The longer it goes on, the more likely it is to disrupt your child's life and turn into a long-term problem.

Signs of depression in children

Symptoms of depression in children often include:

sadness, or a low mood that does not go away

being irritable or grumpy all the time

not being interested in things they used to enjoy

feeling tired and exhausted a lot of the time

Your child may also:

have trouble sleeping or sleep more than usual

not be able to concentrate

interact less with friends and family

be indecisive

not have much confidence

eat less than usual or overeat

have big changes in weight

seem unable to relax or be more lethargic than usual

talk about feeling guilty or worthless

feel empty or unable to feel emotions (numb)

have thoughts about suicide or self-harming

actually self-harm, for example, cutting their skin or taking an overdose

Some children have problems with anxiety as well as depression. Some also have physical symptoms, such as headaches and stomach aches.

Problems at school and problem behaviour can be a sign of depression in children and young people.

Older children who are depressed may misuse drugs or alcohol.

Why is my child depressed?

Things that increase the risk of depression in children include:

family difficulties

bullying

physical, emotional or sexual abuse

a family history of depression or other mental health problems

Sometimes depression is triggered by a difficult event, such as parents separating, a bereavement or problems with school or other children.

Often it's caused by a mixture of things. For example, your child may have a tendency to get depression and also have experienced some difficult life events.

If you think your child is depressed

If you think your child may be depressed, it's important to talk to them. Try to find out what's troubling them and how they're feeling.

See some tips on talking to younger children about their feelings and talking to teenagers.

Whatever is causing the problem, take it seriously. It may not seem like a big deal to you, but it could be a major problem for your child.

If your child does not want to talk to you, let them know you're concerned about them and you're there if they need you.

Encourage them to talk to someone else they trust, such as another family member, a friend or someone at school.

It may be helpful for you to talk to other people who know your child, including their other parent.

You could also contact their school to ask if the staff have any concerns.

When to get medical help

If you think your child is depressed, or you're concerned about their general wellbeing, make an appointment with them to see a GP.

If necessary, the GP can refer your child to a local children and young people's mental health services for specialist help.

CYPMHS is used as a term for all services that work with children and young people who have difficulties with their mental health or wellbeing.

You may also be able to refer your child without seeing a GP.

Read more about where to get mental health support.

Further support

If you need support during a mental health crisis or emergency, read about where to get urgent help for mental health.

If you're worried about any aspect of your child's mental health, you can call the charity YoungMinds' free parents' helpline for advice on 0808 802 5544 from Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm.
The YoungMinds website also has mental health support and advice for your child

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Find out about the warning signs of depression in children and young people, and the help available if you suspect your child or teen is depressed.

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Supporting 10-16 year olds to cope better with the pressures of everyday life.

Here at the Kent Resilience Hub we wanted to create a resource that helps young people, parents and carers and professionals to understand emotional growth and resilience.

Sometimes it can be hard to know how best to support a child or young person in difficult times. We have tried to help by finding the best and most reliable information, articles, tools and resources relating to resilience and emotional wellbeing. One place where you can increase your understanding and awareness, find approaches and tools or navigate your way to appropriate support and services.

Sometimes it can be hard to know how best to support a child or young person in difficult times. We have tried to help by finding the best and most reliable information, articles, tools and resources relating to resilience and emotional wellbeing. One place where you can increase your understanding and awareness, find approaches and tools or navigate your way to appropriate support and services.

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Here at the Kent Resilience Hub we wanted to create a resource that helps young people, parents and carers and professionals to understand emotional growth and resilience. Sometimes it can be hard to know how best to support a child or young person in difficult times.

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Action Mental Health | Enhancing quality of life and employability for people with mental health needs.

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- recognising the signs and knowing where to get help

What is depression?

Most people, young people as well as adults, feel low, sad or `blue' occasionally, this is a normal reaction to experiences that are stressful or upsetting.

When these feelings continue over a period of time, or take over and get in the way of your normal daily life, it can become an illness. This illness is called `depression'.

Depression is one of the most common emotional problems around the world; the good news is that it is also one of the most treatable. In fact, 80% of people who receive treatment for depression go on to have a better quality of life - they feel better and enjoy themselves in a way that they weren't able to before.

What are the causes of depression in young people?

There is no one single factor that will lead to the onset of depression, genes and family tendencies can deter whether someone is likely to be more susceptible to depression but there are also many other factors that can act as potential triggers which may prompt depression; one of which is that of the pressure of modern life on young people.

In our modern society, young people are fed information which puts pressure on them to meet needs that are often unrealistic. They are inundated with images as to how they are meant to look, what they are meant to have and how they are meant to behave, all based on the assumption that this is important to life. If young people feel that they do not meet the images that are portrayed to them via the media or peers, they can often feel different, that they are not good enough or disadvantaged which, if not dealt with appropriately, can lead to depression as well as problems with self-esteem, and confidence.

School can be a positive setting for learning, growth and development for many young people but it can also be a place where young people struggle in terms of fitting in, keeping up with a heavy work load, performance pressures and exam stress. Failing an important exam at school can cause great frustration and may lead to depressed feelings. Bullying is also an issue that unfortunately affects many young people. Bullying can seriously affect a young person's mental and physical health. It can lead to feelings of anxiety, low self-esteem and poor concentration. The transition from one school to another or the leaving of school can also act as a trigger for the onset of depression.

Stressful relationships can also act as triggers for depression. For some young people, a negative, stressful or unhappy family atmosphere can affect their self esteem and lead to depression. Conflict within the family, divorce or separation leading to a change in living arrangements can lead to feelings of insecurity, guilt, anger, rejection or a sense of loss. Poverty, abuse and violence within the family are also key contributors. Difficulties in making and maintaining friendships or relationships, can lead to low self esteem and a loss of confidence which in turn makes it more difficult for the young person to find someone they feel comfortable with to share their worries.

Other triggers that have been identified in the lives of young people that may lead to the onset of depression include; the loss of a loved one, physical illness of self or a loved one, living with a parent or relative who has depression, being subject to physical or emotional abuse, weight gain, something embarrassing happening or a financial setback.

How to recognise signs of depression in young people

It is not always easy to recognise the signs of depression in young people. Young people face many challenges as they find their way in life but most balance their common troubles with good friendships, success in school or outside activities and develop a strong sense of self. Certain negative behaviours are to be expected, such as occasional bad moods and acting out, however depression is something different. Depression can lead to dramatic long term changes in personality, mood and behaviour. Certain signs can help to identify whether a young person is suffering from depression, whilst considering these signs it is also important to acknowledge how long the symptoms have been present, their severity and the degree to which the young person is acting in a different manner to his or her usual self. Some signs of depression in young people include:

Moodiness and irritability

Withdrawing from family, friends and regular activities

Changes in sleeping and eating patterns

Fatigue and lack of energy

Difficulty concentrating

Tearfulness and frequent crying

Feeling guilty or bad, being self blaming or self critical

Thoughts of death or suicide

Feeling unhappy, miserable or lonely a lot of the time

If a young person has all or many of these symptoms it may indicate that the young person is depressed.

What to do if a young person is depressed

If you do suspect a young person as having depression, it is important to find support immediately, recovery is much quicker in those who feel supported by those around them whether a family member, friend, counsellor or doctor.

In supporting a young person experiencing depression there are positive steps that you can take to help and provide support. For instance:

Encourage them to talk about their feelings making sure that it is clear to the young person that you are willing to provide whatever support is necessary

Take an understanding approach and listen carefully to what the young person is saying, if you criticise or pass judgement the young person will feel that you do not take their emotions seriously and will refuse to talk on the matter in the future

Avoid comments like, "snap out of it", "get your act together" as this can strengthen feelings of self-blame and low self-esteem

Learn about depression, the more you know the better equipped you will be to help

Research the sources of support that are available, offer to go with them to a doctor's appointment or to speak to someone else.

Encourage the young person t take part in physical activity, exercise such as walking the dog can help alleviate the symptoms of depression

It is also important to look after your own mental health. Whilst it is important to be there for a young person, don't try and cope with everything on your own. Getting help and support will make things easier for both you and your young person.

Treatment available

If you feel that your young person is showing signs that they are depressed, it is important to seek professional help in order for a diagnosis to be made. A doctor will take note of how long the young person has been showing symptoms of depression, the extent to which the symptoms are interfering with their daily life and any changes in behaviour. The doctor will also enquire as to whether or not there is a family history of depression or a mental health disorder. Your doctor may prescribe some medication to ease the young person's symptoms or recommend other specialist services such as counselling and talking therapies.

Whilst depression can be a difficult condition to live with for the individual and the immediate family and friends, it is important to remember that depression can be treated and individuals have a good chance of making a full recovery when provided with the appropriate treatment and support.

For further information on local organisations and sources of support, contact MensSana, on 02838 392314 or e-mail hrobinson@amh.org.uk

(Confidentiality will be respected at all times).
www.menssanaproject.org.uk

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Depression in young people | Action Mental Health

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Most people, young people as well as adults, feel low, sad or `blue' occasionally, this is a normal reaction to experiences that are stressful or upsetting. When these feelings continue over a period of time, or take over and get in the way of your normal daily life, it can become an illness.

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Kooth is your online mental wellbeing community. Access free, safe and anonymous

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Self-harm affects thousands of young people in the UK. These resources help professionals respond to self-harm in the young people that they work with.

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please remember that self-harm has a lot of stigma and stereotypes around it and if a young person discloses it to you, inform your line manager and follow the scout safeguarding procedure

the stereotypes often are to do with:
Age: you're too young to hurt yourself

Different types: many people assume self-harm is only cutting, but self harm extends to skin picking, emotional self harm through triggering themselves, putting themselves in dangerous positions and things like that.

Suicidal: many people who self-harm are not suicidal, some are, but a lot of people assume if you do one, you want to do the other.

and please remember that the 'level' or how much self-harm a person has been through does not reduce the fact they still need help and support.