All You Need to Know

• What is mental health?

  Like your body, your mind can become unwell. Sometimes we may feel sad, or worried, and that's a normal part of being human. Our mental health is all about our thoughts, feelings and emotions. When our emotions feel off balance, and it happens regularly or affects how we live, it might be a sign of a mental health issue. 

  Some young people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities or who are neurodivergent can be more likely to experience mental health issues. You may have had some difficult situations to deal with and not had the right support to help. You may have felt that other people have been unkind to you and this has made you feel sad. it may be that you find it difficult to say how you are feeling or know who to tell.  

  Here you can find out more about different types of common mental health issues and some myths around them.

  Find an easy read guide to mental health here

  Read the young minds guide to mental health conditions

• Why is it so hard to talk about mental health?

  Many people find talking about their mental health difficult. For example:

  • You might find communication tricky, like speaking, hearing or finding the right words to say how you feel
  • Feel overwhelmed, anxious or intimidated by appointments
  • Not recognise how you are feeling
  • Feel like your physical health problems take priority over your feelings 
  • Need an interpreter or advocate to help you with appointments 

  Recognising why it might be difficult for you to speak up and what tools you need to help you is half the battle. 

  Find an easy-read guide to communication

• What can I do to help explain how I feel?

  Here are some tips to make talking about your mental health easier:

  • Plan what you want to say in an appointment beforehand. It may help to write this down and ask for help with this if needed. 
  • Ask for a longer appointment if you need more time to talk. 
  • Asking for a disability specialist which could be a nurse or doctor who is trained to understand what you are going through. 
  • You can take someone with you. This could be a family member or friend who comes to the appointment to make sure you are supported and heard. It can be tiring having to fight for your needs, and an advocate can help you remember information from the appointment. 
  • It is good to talk about your feelings. You are not being rude or unreasonable in asking for help.

  Mind's tips for talking about mental health

  How to get treatment and support - Easy read

• How can I recognise changes in my mental health?

  Everyone has a different experience of poor mental health. These are signs that you could be struggling:

  • Finding it hard to focus
  • Low energy
  • Getting distracted easily
  • Changes in the way you speak to people
  • Hiding away and not wanting to spend time with other people
  • Hurting yourself to deal with difficult feelings
  • Low mood, like feeling very sad or miserable
  • Having low confidence or self-esteem
  • Worrying about everything, all the time
  • Feeling overwhelmed and stressed, even by small things 

  If you find it hard to notice, or remember how you've been feeling, you could try a feelings chart to keep track of your moods each week. 

  If you are worried that your prescribed medication is affecting your mental health contact your doctor and ask about side effects.

  Signs someone is struggling with their mental health - Easy read

  Find a feelings chart here

• Why might my additional needs affect my mental health?

  Studies suggest that mental health problems can be twice as likely in young people with learning disabilities. There are lots of things that can affect your mental health, for example:

  • Symptoms of medical conditions can lead to you needing more sleep, which can make you feel like you are missing out
  • Neurodivergent traits could lead to you not being able to access events or places which can lead to loneliness
  • You might have had a higher incidence of negative life events
  • You might have access to fewer coping skills to help deal with anxiety or low moods
  • Other people attitude's and the stigma of neurodivergence or disability can be very tiring and hard to deal with
  • You may have more genetic or biological vulnerability to mental health issues

  If you are feeling like the effects of your additional needs are affecting your mental health, it's important to speak to someone to get some support. 

  National Autistic Society resources to get to know yourself

• Who can I talk to?

  It is important that your mental health concerns are listened to. You can talk to your parents, carers, or trusted adults at your school or setting. You could also talk to trusted friends to ask for support. 
  
  Find services ready to support you in our 'Who Can Help' section below.

• What can I do to help myself?

  There are many different ways to help your mental health. Visit our Emotional Health Top Tips page, which suggests self-care activities and small changes to make you feel better. Tips from trying to fit in exercise, to ideas for healthy eating can give your confidence and energy a boost.

  Finding other people with similar struggles, joys and advice of their own can be useful in avoiding loneliness and making new connections. You may find reading about mental health, or your health condition can help you feel reassured.

  Everyone will have different ways to make themselves feel better, so it can take a little time to find out what works for you. 

  Find activities to support you if you are feeling angry, anxious or have low mood.

  Find the 'Autistic and Ok' toolkit here

  How to feel better - Easy read

• How can I get urgent help?

  If you need urgent help, at any time of the day or night, you can telephone 111 and select the mental health option. 

  If you feel your or someone else's life is at risk or they cannot be kept safe, telephone 999 or go to the accident and emergency (A&E) of your nearest hospital.

  If you need support with self-harm, this NHS booklet can help you to understand your feelings and how to be safe.

  Easy-read self harm booklet

  More about self harm