Let's Talk About Mental Health Magazine
Our "Let's Talk About Mental Health" magazine emphasises the importance of mental health alongside physical health. It notes that mental health can fluctuate, and teenagers are particularly susceptible to mental health difficulties. The magazine aims to provide insight into various mental health conditions, coping strategies, and sources for help, especially in the wake of challenges like the Covid-19 pandemic.
Our Let's Talk About Mental Health Magazine is available to read or download as a PDF. You can find out more about our magazine below and click the button to read a copy, download a copy or order a resource pack. The magazine has been specially coded for online reading and can be viewed on any device.
Our free Mental Health Support Packs are available again. The pack includes 25 copies of our Let's Talk About Mental Health Magazine and 25 copies of our Parents' Handbook. If you would like a Mental Health Support Pack for your group or organisation please click the 'Order Resource Pack' button below.
Summary of contents
We have summarised the magazine content below to give an overview.
1. Warning Signs of a Mental Health Crisis
Mental health crises can manifest as episodes of anxiety, persistent low mood, or reactions to stressful events. Key indicators include feeling overwhelmed, an inability to cope, or feeling at an emotional breaking point.
2. What is a Mental Health Crisis?
A mental health crisis is an acute worsening of mental health needing professional help. It could stem from stressors like exam pressure, financial worries, relationship issues, bereavement, addiction concerns, or traumatic events.
3. Recognising a Mental Health Crisis
Symptoms of a mental health crisis might include severe anxiety or depression, self-harming tendencies, suicidal feelings, mania, hallucinations, or paranoia. Recognizing these signs is critical for seeking immediate professional assistance.
4. Warning Signs Specific to Teenagers
Teen-specific warning signs include suicidal thoughts, fixation on death, withdrawal from social and academic life, signs of psychosis, self-destructive behavior, physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches, and periods of dangerous calm potentially indicating a decision to self-harm.
5. Managing a Mental Health Crisis
For friends showing signs of a crisis, suggested strategies include relaxation exercises, journaling, creative activities, listening to music, walking, or bathing. In emergencies, it's crucial to seek immediate help from emergency services, and not to try managing alone.
6. Coping with Anxiety
Anxiety, particularly common in teenage years, can reduce enjoyment of life and limit activities. The guide provides an understanding of anxiety, its physical and emotional symptoms, and various methods to manage anxiety, like talking to someone, journaling, taking social media breaks, staying healthy, getting organised, practicing breathing exercises, using mindfulness apps, and seeking help during panic attacks.
Summary
Each section is structured to provide a clear understanding of the topic, symptoms, causes, and coping strategies, making it a valuable resource for teenagers and those supporting them in mental health matters.