Introduction
In the East Riding we recognise mental health and emotional wellbeing of young people as an increasing concern. Our aim is to help prevent the development of mental health and emotional wellbeing issues and support children and young people with evidence-based services which build resilience and promote positive outcomes for all.
Pathways of Support
If you are a professional seeking support for children and young people living in the East Riding consent must be gained to place a request for service with the Early Help:
Mental health support for people who are 16-years-old and above
Support is available to people aged 16 years and above who are experiencing mild to moderately severe common mental health difficulties such as:
- anxiety disorders
- low mood/depression
- worry
- stress.
More information and referral details
Online and telephone support
Additional resources
For more information on health and wellbeing, training, downloadable resources, and self-help information visit the East Riding Health and Wellbeing website.
Adult mental health
Mental health is defined as:
“A state of well-being in which every individual realises 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.”
World Health Organisation (2010).
An individual’s mental health may have many different possible values. Cultural differences, subjective assessments, and competing professional theories, all affect how ‘mental health’ is defined.
“Mental disorders comprise a broad range of problems with different symptoms. However, they are generally characterised by some combination of abnormal thoughts, emotions, behaviour and relationships with others. Most of these disorders can be successfully treated.”
World Health Organisation (2010).
Mental health problems can be broadly separated into two main categories: Common mental health problems These include:
- depression and anxiety disorder
- panic attacks
- Phobias
- acute stress disorder
- post traumatic stress disorder
- obsessive compulsive disorder
- Psychosis - This includes schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (previously called manic depression). These mental health problems are less common.
The impact of mental health
The association between adult mental health disorders and child abuse and neglect has been well documented. It is estimated that health problems will affect 1 in 4 adults at some point in their lives. Mental health problems are disturbances in the way people think, feel, and behave. Untreated, a mental health problem can have a major impact on an individual’s ability to function. Risk factors differ depending on the mental health problem.
The majority of people recover or learn to lead meaningful and fulfilled lives despite their diagnosis. The National Institute of Clinical Excellence produces evidence-based guidance on the treatment of mental health problems
Visit the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (external website)
Many children will grow up with a parent who, at some point, will have some degree of mental health problem. Most of these parents will have mild or short-lived illnesses, and will usually be treated by their general practitioner. A few children live with a parent who has a severe mental illness.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists produce a factsheet on parental mental illness; the impact on children and adolescents; information for parents, carers and anyone working with young people.
Visit the Royal Collect of Psychiatrists website (external website)
The impact is explored further in Children’s Needs – Parenting Capacity:
Child safeguarding responsibilities of adult support services
Adult mental health services, including those providing general adult and community, forensic, psychotherapy, alcohol and substance misuse and learning disability service, have a responsibility in safeguarding children when they become aware of, or identify, a child at risk of harm.
