Where do I start with teenage mental health services ?

[Devaki]

My DS is 14 and always been quiet and sensitive. I never thought there was a problem. Couple of weeks ago he told me he felt down for no reason and under lots of pressure. I listened and thought it would blow over. Tonight he burst into tears saying he felt hopeless. I have a long history of anxiety and depression in my family- what should I do ? Contact CAHM.s or see GP. I know my boy and he’s not right 😥

Make an appointment with the gp and they can refer to camhs. There is likely to be a long waiting list though. Worth checking if they are counselling services at his school or they might be some youth charities in your area which could provide support

I’m sorry you’re going through this, and that he feels this way.

I think I was slightly older when I got the confidence to see the GP about my anxiety, they referred me to the Lets Talk service and I managed to have CBT which helped a lot! (I didn’t believe that talking to someone would help, but it definitely did)

Perhaps contact your GP and see if he can be referred for CBT. It was a couple of months in a waiting list, and you may have to be a certain age for that particular service but they will be able to refer you elsewhere.

I hope he gets the right help and starts to feel more like his old self soon