NG2 Dec/Jan 2021

start that conversation
by Holly McGinty (aged 16)
With Christmas approaching, and in the midst of
a global pandemic, it’s important to address the
way we are feeling during this time of uncertainty.
Specifically in correlation to young minds within
the UK.
Teenage mental health: a subject we are extensively
aware of, yet hesitant in talking about. The way we
feel and the way we are wired, are not always within
our control.
Young people can be under enormous amounts
of pressure academically and socially, causing a
damaging expectation to succeed in the minds
of students. Do we really offer extensive support,
mentally, to all students? Even the quiet ones?
On average, 1 in 5 young people suffer from
mental illness in the UK, a staggering amount to
say how little we address the topic. Encouraging
open conversations and normalising seeking
help, can vastly impact the number of teens who
come forward and better their lives. We need to
make teens see that admitting they need help is
immensely brave and courageous and not a sign of
failure.
The media, especially social media, can be guilty of
portraying mental health issues in a light hearted
way which can be harmful for young people who are
highly impressionable and may then be reluctant to
come forward with genuine concerns. Dodie Clarke,
a singer-songwriter, was hesitant in opening up
about her own struggles with mental health, saying
many of her fans who idolise her, began to copy
and mimic her behaviour. However, it is important
that celebrities are open and honest about their
struggles, without glamorising them. It can really
help young people to relate to someone they identify
with. For example, recently Freddie Flintoff was on
TV talking about his struggles with bulimia, this can
only be a good thing. Professor Green has also been
very open with his struggles with mental health.
Debunking the stigma can highlight areas of teenage
mental health we have abandoned, such as anxiety
and depression. Personally, as a teenager myself, I
can tell you: there’s always someone who will listen
and you are not alone.
Maybe you’ve recently been feeling extremely
anxious or potentially struggling with depressive
thoughts. It’s important for you to acknowledge that
starting a conversation with someone you trust, can
only help the situation get better.
Maybe you’re a parent reading this. If your child
expresses their worries or asks for help - please be
kind to them. The bravery accompanied with such
exposure should be handled delicately, not with
frustration or anger or worse, dismissed completely.
Any issue, any distress, any troubles are all valid. You
are not a burden, nor are you being dramatic, you are
simply encouraging a conversation that can help you
tremendously. You have the ability to be brave. Start
that conversation.
If you are struggling:
Childline: 0800 1111
“Kooth”- mobile app
Your local GP
Samaritans: 116123
Papyrus: 0800 0684141
Young minds helpline (for parents): 0808 8025544
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