New figures from the NSPCC reveal that in the past year, 55% of all Childline counselling sessions where the child stated that they were in Northern Ireland, focused on mental and emotional health and wellbeing.
In 2022/23, Childline delivered 4,038 counselling sessions to children in Northern Ireland, 2,219 (55%) of which focused on all mental and emotional health and wellbeing issues.
Throughout the UK, in 2022/23, the NSPCC service delivered more than 105,000 counselling sessions on mental and emotional health and wellbeing. Of these more than 30,000 were specifically related to stress and anxiety.
On World Mental Health Day (October 10), the charity is raising awareness of the mental and emotional health issues children and young people are facing, and to let them know they are never alone.
Childline continues to be a safe space for anyone under the age of 19 who is seeking help and support, with the option for them to speak to a counsellor either over the phone or online.
Last year the service delivered a total of almost 200,000 counselling sessions to children and young people in the UK, with around 75% of these taking place online.
The top five issues raised by children and young people in Northern Ireland when speaking to Childline about their emotional and mental wellbeing were:
- Anxiety and stress – 567 counselling sessions
- Low mood and unhappiness – 291 counselling sessions
- Depression – 130 counselling sessions
- Accessing support and services for mental health – 125 counselling sessions
- Loneliness – 109 counselling sessions
*A 16-year-old girl from Northern Ireland told Childline: “I’m exhausted and feel like everything is falling apart. My friends are all stressed and depressed. My parents are fighting constantly with me trying to mediate. Then there’s exams as well. It’s all so stressful. I can’t remember what it’s like to be a carefree child.”
*Another girl aged 14 told a counsellor: “I’ve got so much anxiety about going to school. A girl at school spread lies about me and now none of my friends will talk to me. My teacher said to just make new friends, as if it’s that easy.”
Support
It can be hard for parents to accept that their child may be struggling with mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. However, it is crucial that young people feel supported, reassured and not judged by the adults in their lives.
World Mental Health Day has a focus on driving a positive change for everyone’s mental health. Adults can support young people’s wellbeing in a range of ways, including:
- Letting them know you’re there for them and are on their side.
- Being patient and staying calm and approachable, even if their behaviour upsets you.
- Recognising that their feelings are valid and letting them know it is okay for them to be open and honest about their emotions.
- Thinking of healthy ways to cope together, like yoga, breathing exercises or mindfulness.
- Encouraging them to talk to their GP, someone at their school or Childline. Especially if they’re finding it hard to talk at home.
- Taking care of yourself and getting support if you need to. Try not to blame yourself for what’s happening and stay hopeful for them.
Shaun Friel, director of Childline, said: “Young people may struggle with a range of mental health issues throughout their childhood and adolescence. This can be a time of turbulence, and so it’s important that children feel supported and uplifted.”
“Ensuring that young people have a network of support, whether that’s in school, with their peers, at home or through organisations such as Childline, helps young people take the first step to tackling these struggles. Childline is here for any child that may be struggling with their mental and emotional wellbeing.”
All children can speak to a trained counsellor over the phone on 0800 1111, via email or on a 121 chat on the Childline website (www.childline.org.uk).
Children can also go to the website to find more advice on any concerns or questions they may have about mental health struggles.