The first thing to make clear if engaging with someone with bad mental health is that it feels scary but is easier if we approach it somehow similarly to general physical health.
Every person has mental health and at times it is good or even great. Other times it is bad or a real, deeper problem.
Just like we would not ignore someone lying on the floor bleeding we need to start helping people with bad mental health. Also, just like the bleeding person on the floor we need to be wise and assess if we either call in experts or help put on a dressing and encourage healing.
If we do not pick up bad mental health early, it can develop into a mental health problem.
“We all have times when we struggle with our mental health, but when these difficult experiences or feelings go on for a long time and affect our ability to enjoy and live our lives in the way we want to, this is a mental health problem” (Mind.org)
To help young people with their mental health keep an eye out for these symptoms:
If you are worried about someone, setting up a Wellness Action Plan (WAP)[1] with them can help and gives you a starting point for regular catch ups. This can be done pre-emptively rather than only in response to bad mental health.
Use your intuition and rather ask questions (expressing that it is out of care for the person) than staying quiet and having regrets later on. Feel free to use the comparison to physical health above.
[1] Available from the diocesan youth team
If you would like to find out more, or have any questions please contact the youth team at youth@blackburn.anglican.org
Ben Green
Youth Work Adviser
youth@blackburn.anglican.org
Michelle Nuttall
Administrator
01254 503419
