Mental illness hardly ever occurs in children and is very rare in young people. Even so, young people often worry that they may be ‘going mad’ when they are feeling very stressed, confused or very upset.

Young people are often frightened to talk about their feelings in case people think they are mentally ill or ‘mad’.

You are not mentally ill just because you feel this way. But it would be good for you to find someone you can talk to about how you are feeling who could help you work out how to sort things out.

Getting help

You might want to talk to:

  • parents, a family member or friend
  • a school nurse, teacher or school counsellor
  • a social worker or youth counsellor
  • a priest or someone from your church or temple
  • Samaritans
  • your family doctor or practice nurse
  • Childline