Mental health problems are not uncommon in children and teenagers. Approximately 1 in 6 children (16%) have a probable mental disorder; increasing from 1 in 9 (10.8%) in 2017 (NHS Digital, 2020). Half of all mental health conditions first occur during adolescence, at age 14, but most of these are undetected and untreated (WHO, 2020).

That’s why it’s important that as a child or teenager you know that having a mental health problem is nothing to be ashamed of. While many people avoid treatment due to fear of stigmatisation, we hope that these information brochures will help to reduce the stigma around mental illness and ensure that sufferers get the help they deserve.