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
Imagine you’re holding a balloon at arm’s length. It might feel easy for the first minute, but after an hour, even though the balloon is light, your arm will have begun to hurt. Eventually, you won’t be able to hold up your arm at all.
Mental health problems work in the same way. Even though our problems might seem small, the longer we hold onto them, the bigger they become. Things that used to be easy, like going to school, going to the shops, or doing your homework, might start to seem scary. You might find yourself getting angry about small things, shout at your siblings, or stop enjoying your hobbies.
Sharing how you feel can be difficult, but when we keep our problems inside, we can end up feeling trapped, overwhelmed or lonely. Putting our feelings into words helps us understand them and ourselves better. The person you talk to might have had a similar problem themselves. They might even know how to make you feel better.
When we tell someone how we feel, they can help us to hold the balloon. Suddenly, it doesn’t seem as heavy anymore.
It could be your best friend, your mum, a teacher you trust or even your cat. Sometimes, simply putting your feelings into words can help you feel better. If there’s someone or something making you feel unsafe, it’s best to talk to an adult you trust as soon as you can.
Sometimes we can find it easier to share how we’re feeling with someone who doesn’t know us. SignHealth provides 1-1 Wellbeing Support for deaf young people.
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.
