By the Wandsworth Youth Health Jury

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Mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community’ WHO, 2011.“Despite high prevalence of mental health problems and stress among students, many young people are not seeking help, perhaps because of the stigma that can surround mental health problems” - Paul Farmer CEO of Mind mental health charity). In today’s society some trivialize mental health by saying “oh you’re just having a bad day!” but others say it’s down to the chemicals in the brain. So what is mental health and what triggers a problem? Mental health develops during childhood and the teenage years. It boils down to the ability to mutually sustain relationships, develop morality, cope with forms of distress and importantly have a clear sense of identity and self worth. However a “mentally healthy kid” is more likely to be a “mentally healthy adult.” So the issue of mental health need not be stigmatized but instead be highlighted and help services to be promoted so mental health is tackled in young people sooner rather than later, as many people are living in fear of their own body which is causing constant distress for hundreds of young people.

*3 HAPPY tips that work for me*

Talk it out: If you’re having a hard time talk talk talk, whether it is an YHJ member, friends, family, doctor or a

counsellor. (As BT says: It’s good to talk!) Try something new: Join a new group (Like the YHJ), read a book, play a sport or try something new that you have never done before and you might really enjoy it to

get your happy hormones working! Accept, love and value yourself: Don’t compare

yourself to anyone else, remember everyone is different, and embrace your individuality!

By Sajel Mulji

Name: Samiha Begum Age: 18 years young Fun fact: I just climbed Mount Snowdon for charity (and almost died) Hopes and aspirations: To go into international development, work for an organisation like WHO and eradicate famine for good! Why am I part of the Youth Health Jury? I have a keen interest in politics and policy making and would like to specialise in health policy. I was attracted to the way the YHJ enables young to have a voice in the running of the healthcare system for the youth in Wandsworth. Having heard of the impressive work of the YHJ (embarrassing buddies campaign etc.) I was excited to participate in the YHJ and play an active role in the community in this way. Meeting with the wonderful YHJ to discuss our future campaigns or current controversial health issues is certainly the highlight of each month!

About Me!

 

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Young people come across many challenges as they grow up within Wandsworth. Some mental health conditions can arise from a particular or series of experiences, such as depression, constant worrying and anxiety or stress from negative experiences. On the other hand, many young people can spontaneously present with a mental condition without a particular known cause such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. In all cases, they require a great deal of emotional support to help them cope with daily life. When an individual feels that their mental health may be challenged, the first point of contact should be their GP. The GP may arrange a referral to the Wandsworth Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) for treatment or another relevant mental health service. Although there are services out there for young people, we don’t always know where to go or what direction to head in. It would be good for young people to have an easily accessible medium and list of all services available in Wandsworth where you can refer yourself a friend or family member for help and support. Maybe the Youth Heath Jury could work with mental heath staff to share ideas on how to do this! The Youth Heath Jury have liaised with Mind Full - www.mindfull.org who offer an online support service for mental heath related issues in teenagers and we are looking forward to future collaborations with them in the future and with Wandsworth Youth Council in a CAMHS youth-led inspection. We want to help to improve mental health services for young people in Wandsworth!

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I recently took part in a taster day where I learnt about the nursing world. All of them had years of experience and told us the qualities and qualifications required to become a mental health nurse. I believe it was very educational to see just how important the life of this type of nurse is because without them there would be chaos in hospitals and the mental health care system! They provide a very important role in mental health care. A question was asked about a recent report released, the Francis Report and thanks to the Youth Health Jury I had read and learnt about it and the importance of patient care, safety and services. I enjoyed this open day as it gave me valuable information and a different perspective of the mental health patient care system, it would be good to have more taster days for young people in Wandsworth to educate us about the different health professions in the local NHS system and maybe eliminate some stereotypes. I also think it would be great if health professionals could have a taster day about young people so they can learn about us and improve care methods for young NHS patients.

WHAT’S THE DIRECTION

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YOUTH?    

If you have any questions or queries in regards to The YouthealtH Times or would like to get in touch with the Youth Health Jury then please contact us: Email: YouthHealthJury@wandsworthccg.nhs.uk Website: www.wandswrthccg.nhs.uk Telephone: 020 8871 5096

Services

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By Moonisah Bajwa

 Mental Health Nursing: Taster Day

By Malahat Atta