Help for you (young person)
It’s important for anyone, including autistic young people, to seek and receive appropriate mental health support.
If your life is at risk right now
If you feel like you might attempt suicide, or may have seriously harmed yourself, you need urgent medical help.
If you are on your own, reach out now to someone that you trust
Call 999 for an ambulance
Go straight to your local Accident & Emergency or Emergency Department if you can
Speak to your health professional or local crisis team for help
If you can’t do this by yourself, ask someone to help you.
It is important you get help.
Mental health emergencies are serious. You are not wasting anyone’s time.
Crisis Support
If you feel in crisis, phone emergency services or a crisis hotline.
Northern Ireland & UK
- Call: 0808 808 8000 Lifeline. 116 123 The Samaritans
- Text: 85258 SHOUT, the 24/7 UK text support service
- Email: jo@samaritans.org. It may take several days to receive a reply by email.
Ireland
- Call: 1800 247 247 Pieta 24/7 Crisis helpline. 116 123 The Samaritans
- Text: HELP to 51444 the Pieta Free 24/7 Crisis helpline
- Email: jo@samaritans.org. It may take several days to receive a reply by email.
Mind the Mental Health charity has created some useful tools to support young people during a crisis.
Your Mental Health is important.
Follow these steps to make you feel better:
Talking to someone you trust is usually the first step in gaining support.
Open up to a person you trust, like a family member, friend, or teacher. They can offer support and guide you in finding the right resources.
Sometimes asking for mental health and wellbeing support can be really difficult.
Mind the Mental Health charity have created a really useful guide to support young people through accessing support.
Share how you feel with your GP
Your GP can help you access a range of different mental health and wellbeing support and resources.
Making and attending appointments can be very difficult for some autistic people.
Break the task into manageable steps.
Find out what to expect. This guide on attending appointments might be helpful.
Prepare Me is a social enterprise founded by Caitriona Watters Crehan to support neurodivergent people in attending medical appointments and other community activities.
Do some research!
Contact mental health professionals or organisations that support autistic young people wanting to improve mental health and wellbeing. A list of helpful support services for young people in Ireland and Northern Ireland is within this resource. They may have a better understanding of the local context and available resources.
Connect with online communities or support groups specific to Ireland and Northern Ireland. These platforms can provide a sense of community and a space to share experiences and advice.
Advocate for yourself by clearly expressing your needs and preferences to mental health professionals. Make sure they understand your unique perspective and can adapt their approach accordingly.
Develop coping strategies that work for you, such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, sports or sensory activities. These techniques can help you manage stress and anxiety effectively.
Educate Yourself: Learn more about autism and mental health. This knowledge can empower you to navigate the local resources and advocate for yourself more effectively and improve your wellbeing.
Be kind to yourself! Develop healthy routines that work for you!
Remember that seeking help is a courageous step, and there are professionals and resources available to support you. Reach out to those around you, and don’t hesitate to seek assistance when needed.
Read previous: ← Feedback Survey
Read next: How supportive adults can help →