Being between 18 and 25 years old is both exciting and challenging! New decisions need to be made and new responsibilities arise.
It is also a time to develop habits that nurture our well–being which can include sleeping habits, problem-solving strategies, social skills, and emotional regulation among others.
Why are young people at risk of poor mental health?
There are certain factors that can make young people be at greater risk of developing mental health issues. It can be peer pressure, social media, unhealthy relationships, bullying, and many more.
Research has found that 1 in 2 people aged between 16 and 25 in the UK experienced worse mental health since the beginning of the pandemic and are more likely to suffer stress compared to the rest of the population.
Common emotional experiences among others were:
- Loneliness
- Difficulties with coping with daily life
- Suicidal thoughts
- Hopelessness
If you have experienced any of these or other emotional challenges, you are not alone!
What does Lewisham Talking Therapies offer?
We offer short-term talking therapies for common mental health issues. These are often related to difficulties with life changes, relationship issues, work, or studies. Some of them are:
- Low mood or depression
- Excessive worry or anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Stress
- Phobia
- Low self-esteem
- Loss and grief
We aim to be flexible, and can deliver therapy online via Microsoft Teams, telephone and face-to-face. All the therapies offered are free, and confidential.
How to refer yourself
Please click on the ‘make a referral’ button. Alternatively, you can call 0203 2281350 or ask your GP to make a referral for you.
What to expect when you self refer
A time will be arranged for you to speak to one of the therapists. When you have your first appointment you will be asked for some brief details about yourself and about your current difficulties. This helps us decide how we can best help you.
After the end of the appointment, we will discuss within our team the support options available and we will talk to you about this for agreeing on a plan.
Type of therapy commonly offered
The therapy commonly offered is based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) which aims to focus on the relationship between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviour for helping to manage your difficulties.
We recently interviewed young people who accessed our services, and they found CBT techniques were helpful for having a better understanding of their mental health and managing better their emotions.
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Asking for help
Sometimes it can be difficult to acknowledge something is not feeling right and to talk about this. Struggling with mental health can happen to anyone, so the best thing to do about it is to reach out for help.
Other helpful organisations
Beat
Helpline, webchat and online support groups for people with eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia.
Centrepoint
Provides advice, housing and support for young people aged 16–25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in England.
Childline
Free confidential support for anyone under 19 in the UK, including a free helpline and 1-2-1 online chats with counsellors.
Compass
A charity providing health and wellbeing services, helping people unleash their unique potential and live healthier, safer and more fulfilling lives. They support children, young people, adults and families.
Kooth
A British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy accredited service, provides a free, safe and non-judgemental place for young people to connect with others and know they are not alone. They have instant access to self-help materials, live moderated discussion forums and tools such as online journals and goal trackers. Young people can also contribute written pieces of work reflecting their own experiences, as well as accessing drop-in or booked sessions with professional counsellors. Kooth is available to young people aged 11-25 in Bexley, Bromley and Lewisham.
OCD Youth
Support for young people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). ocdyouth.org
On My Mind
Information for young people.
Papyrus HOPELINE UK
Refuge
Help and support for young people affected by domestic violence.
Relate
Provides help and support with
relationships, including counselling and telephone support.