Children's Mental Health, Self-Harm and Suicide
Information for Parents, Carers and Families
All children and young people have times when they feel worried, upset, angry or stressed.
Sometimes these feelings last longer than expected or begin to affect everyday life. When this happens, children may need extra support with their mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Mental health is just as important as physical health. With the right support, most children and young people recover well and continue to lead happy, healthy lives.
What is Mental Health?
Mental health is about how we think, feel and cope with everyday life.
Good mental health can help children:
- Feel confident.
- Build friendships.
- Enjoy learning.
- Cope with challenges.
- Feel positive about themselves.
Mental health can change over time and can be affected by many things, including school, friendships, family life, health and life events.
Signs a Child May Need Help
Every child is different.
Some signs that a child may need extra support include:
- Becoming withdrawn or wanting to be alone.
- Seeming worried, anxious or fearful.
- Losing interest in things they usually enjoy.
- Getting upset or angry more easily than usual.
- Struggling to sleep.
- Changes in eating habits.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Avoiding school or friends.
- Complaining of headaches or stomach aches regularly.
- Saying negative things about themselves.
- Talking about feeling hopeless or like a burden.
These signs do not always mean something is wrong, but they may suggest a child needs support.
Common Mental Health Difficulties
Children and young people can experience:
Anxiety
Feeling very worried, nervous or fearful.
Low Mood or Depression
Feeling sad, hopeless or losing interest in activities they usually enjoy.
Emotional Difficulties Linked to Autism or ADHD
Some children may experience increased anxiety, frustration or difficulties managing emotions.
Mental health difficulties are not anybody’s fault.
Self-Harm and Suicidal Thoughts
What is Self-Harm?
Self-harm is when a person hurts themselves as a way of coping with difficult feelings.
Signs may include:
- Unexplained cuts or burns.
- Wearing long sleeves in warm weather.
- Hiding injuries.
- Being secretive about their body.
Self-Harm and Suicide Are Not Always The Same
Not all children who self-harm want to die.
However, all self-harm should be taken seriously and support should be sought as soon as possible.
Signs of Suicidal Thoughts
A child may:
- Talk about wanting to disappear.
- Talk about life not being worth living.
- Give away possessions.
- Show extreme changes in mood.
Mental Health and the Online World
The online world can affect how children feel.
Some children may:
- Feel pressure from social media.
- Experience cyberbullying.
- Become upset by comments or messages.
- Compare themselves to others online.
- Struggle to switch off from online activity.
Regular conversations about online experiences can help children feel supported.
What Parents and Carers Can Do
Stay Calm and Listen
Children need to feel safe when talking about their worries.
Focus on Feelings
Ask gentle questions such as:
- “How are you feeling?”
- “What has been worrying you?”
- “How can I help?”
Keep Routines Steady
Regular sleep, meals, exercise and school attendance can help children feel safe and supported.
Work With School and Trusted Adults
Teachers, school staff, youth workers and health professionals can all help.
Seek Help Early
You do not need to wait until your child reaches crisis point before asking for support.
Help and Support Available in South Tyneside
Family Hubs
Support with parenting, emotional wellbeing and family life.
Healthy Minds
Early support for children and young people experiencing:
- Anxiety.
- Low mood.
- Stress.
- Emotional difficulties.
Children’s and Young People’s Mental Health Services (CYPS)
Specialist support for children and young people aged 0-18.
Telephone: 0191 566 5500
Childline
Telephone: 0800 1111
NSPCC
Telephone: 0808 800 5000
PAPYRUS HOPELINEUK
Support for young people experiencing suicidal thoughts and their families.
Telephone: 0800 068 4141
Worried About a Child?
If you are worried that a child may not be safe:
South Tyneside Children and Families Social Care
Telephone: 0191 424 5010
Out of Hours: 0191 456 209
Get Help Now
Call 999 immediately if a child:
- Has seriously harmed themselves.
- Has taken an overdose.
- Is in immediate danger.
- Has immediate plans to end their life.
Call NHS 111 and select Option 2
For urgent mental health support and crisis help.
Key Message
Children’s mental health difficulties are more common than many people realise, and support is available. You do not need to have all the answers. Listening, staying calm and seeking help early can make a real difference. If you are worried about your child, trust your instincts and reach out for support.