Who we help / Young people
Young people
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.
Young people and 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.
Did you know, 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!
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.
What does Lewisham IAPT 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
IAPT service aims to be flexible, we can deliver therapy online via Microsoft Teams, telephone and face-to-face. All the therapies offered are free, and confidential.
What does Lewisham IAPT offer?
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.
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.
Useful readings:
- https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/parents-and-young-people/young-people/cognitive-behavioural-therapy-(cbt)-for-young-people
- https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/talking-therapies-and-counselling/cognitive-behavioural-therapy-cbt/overview/
- https://www.mind.org.uk/media/13447/yp-with-focus-on-trauma-scoping-research-report.pdf
- https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/statistics/children-young-people-statistics
- https://www.centreformentalhealth.org.uk/sites/default/files/2018-09/CentreforMentalHealth_MissedOpportunities_16-25years.pdf
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6874757/
- https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.579205/full
How to refer yourself to Lewisham IAPT for psychological therapies?
Please click on the ‘refer yourself here’ 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.
A patient's story
Please click on the ‘make a referral’ button. Alternatively, you can call 0203 2281350 or ask your GP to make a referral for you.
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.
Other helpful organisations:
Helpline, webchat and online support groups for people with eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia.
Provides advice, housing and support for young people aged 16–25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in England.
Free confidential support for anyone under 19 in the UK, including a free helpline and 1-2-1 online chats with counsellors.
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.
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.
They provide twelve free one-to-one
counselling sessions for young people
who identify as LGBTQ+ and/or those experiencing issues relating to
diversity, equality and identity.
https://metrocharity.org.uk/youth/lgbtq-counselling-for-young-people
Advice and support for young people struggling with unusual experiences, such as hearing voices.
Provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health
problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote
understanding. They also have a page dedicated to supporting young people.
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/for-children-and-young-
people/useful-contacts/
Support and advice for under 25s, including a helpline, crisis messenger service and webchat.
NHS app with confidential health advice and support for 16–25 year olds.
The NHS offers several guides for providing support with common difficulties experienced by young people. Some of these are:
- Student stress support
- Tips on preparing for exams
- Bereavement and young people
Information for young people.
Confidential support for under-35s at risk of suicide and others who are concerned about them. Open daily from 9am–midnight. Helpline: 0800 068 41 41; Text: 07860039967
Help and support for young people affected by domestic violence.
Provides help and support with
relationships, including counselling and telephone support.
A citywide movement to improve the mental health and wellbeing of all Londoners. It is supported by the Mayor of London and led by the London Health Board partners.
The Samaritans offer anonymous 24/7 support via their helpline.
Freephone 116 123,
Email: jo@samaritans.org
The UK’s student mental health charity aims to empower students and members of the university community to look after their own mental health, support others and create change.
Launched to provide help and guidance for students through coronavirus. Students in higher education across
England and Wales can use Student Space to explore a range of trusted information on key challenges for student life during the pandemic,
access additional services such as a phone line and text support, and find out
about support services within their place of study.
Provides young people with tools and information to look after their mental health. Here you will find advice and guides to understand your emotions and mental health conditions.