A startling 1 in 8 children aged 5-19 are estimated to have at least one mental health problem, around 1 in 6 adults have experienced a common mental disorder like depression or anxiety in the past week alone and 1 in 5 people have suicidal thoughts. These figures, though already shocking, exclude those rough sleeping, in sheltered housing, in prisons and in hospital so in reality these figures could and should realistically be much higher.

It's clear that as a society we have a problem - our mental health crisis, although not commonly spoken about, is not new information. Many of us will be reading this and currently experiencing a battle with Mental Health ourselves or witnessing it through a loved one, but with so many of us struggling, one must ask if there really is a way to cope and if so how can we learn to cope?

As with many illnesses, Mental Health problems do not discriminate and the belief that they only affect certain demographics is one that further destroys and alienates those already feeling low and alone. Mental Health problems  can and most probably will affect each one of us at any time for however long without the right help and unfortunately, many of us are already facing the consequences of this. Student, Samia Khan can be quoted saying how she feels "Mental Health problems are spiralling out of control; the expectations from social media to be the perfect human has really gotten into everyone's heads, especially the younger ages, not to mention there really isn't enough going on to help the people who need it." But with 13.8% of the NHS budget through 2022/23 being allocated towards the support of mental health services why is there still not enough help reaching our communities? This all links back to the stigma surrounding mental health and as student Samia Khan has stated, "the expectations from social media to be the perfect human" which unfortunately has infiltrated into the minds of more and more of us due to the increasing accessibility of social media with influencers convincing us of the life we should live in comparison to the one we currently have even when the idea of perfection truly depends on yourself and your comfort rather than anothers opinion, popular or not. 

if you are struggling there are many organisations and methods of support available: 

- text SHOUT to 85258 for an anonymous convesation with a volunteer by text message

-CHILDLINE for children and young people up to 19 years old accessible through the number 0800 1111 or through their online website in which you can speak with a counsellor

-KOOTH for children and young people aged 11-24, offering emotional and mental support through their website giving online counselling and chat based messaging

-Speaking to a loved one, whether that is a friend or family member

-Talking to a teacher or adult figure