Sessions from our CYP team at SignHealth provide a safe and supportive space to talk about feelings, challenges, and wellbeing with a trained professional who understands deaf experiences.
Deaf Zone at Childline offers help and resources. You can use VRS or text to talk to a counsellor at Childline.
National Deaf CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service)
A specialist service run by the NHS. They provide professional mental health care for Deaf children and young people who need support with emotions, development and behaviour. You can be referred to them by a doctor, audiologist, social worker or a teacher. They will then assess you and decide what treatment you need. Regional information available here: Cambridge, London or Kent | Central and Southern England | North West of England | North England | South West England
The Mix support young people who are under the age of 25. They have a The Mix too. There are lots of articles and information on the website about all sorts of topics.
Papyrus offer support for young people under the age of 35 who are feeling suicidal, or are considering doing something that is risky to their life. They also help people who have lost someone to suicide or are worried about someone. Their contact details (including a text number and BSL) are on their Papyrus.
Over 18 years old? You can self-refer to therapy for depression or anxiety here: Psychological Therapy – SignHealth
Young Minds offer a text service if you need urgent help. You can text ‘YM’ to 85258 and someone will reply: Shout Textline | Free 24/7 Mental Health Support Via Text | YoungMinds
Time to reconsider social media
Social media can be a great way to stay in touch with friends and family, learn new things or find out about new places. But social media can also make us feel left out. Sometimes, it seems like everyone we follow on social media is having more fun than we are. If you’ve been feeling low or anxious recently, it might be time to think about how you use social media.
Social media isn’t always real life
Most people only post on social media when something interesting or exciting has happened. People might post content which makes their lives seem more fun than they really are, or even edit their photos to make their faces and bodies look different. Social media doesn’t show us how those people really feel, or what they do with the rest of their time. Even people who seem to have exciting lives online might feel sad or lonely.
Have a social media spring clean!
We don’t always realise it, but spending lots of time following people who lead very glamorous lives – like celebrities, actors or influencers – can make us feel bad about ourselves. We might feel pressured to look more like those people or buy the things they’re advertising. Try to only follow accounts that make you smile or feel good about yourself.
Have some time out
You don’t have to be online all the time. Think about whether you really need your social media notifications switched on, or whether you’d feel happier without them. You might find that turning your phone off or leaving it in another room when you’re eating, sleeping or talking to friends or family can help you to feel calmer and more in control.
‘Likes’ aren’t everything
Getting lots of likes and comments on our social media posts might feel good at the time, but spending a lot of time checking how many likes we’re getting can make us worry that we’re not good enough. Try to find other ways to boost your confidence.
One to one wellbeing support
Register your interest today. Our trained advisors have years of experience working with deaf young people and they look forward to meeting you.
