Looking after your mental wellbeing
Common feelings and conditions in young people, what helps, and when to reach out.
✓ Clinically reviewed · Catherine, RN & Juah, RN
When should I get help?
- If worry or sadness lasts a long time or stops you from doing daily things.
- If you have thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life, get help now from someone you trust or the nearest health facility.
Key things to remember
- About one in seven young people has a mental health condition.
- Sleep, exercise and supportive people help.
- Asking for help is a sign of strength.
📖 Read the full lesson
Mental health problems are common. Around the world, about one in seven young people aged 10 to 19 has a mental health condition. Anxiety and depression are among the most common.
Anxiety can feel like panic or constant worry. Depression and anxiety can both cause sudden changes in mood. They can affect school, friendships and daily life, and pulling away from others can make loneliness worse.
Things that help protect mental health include good sleep, regular exercise, learning ways to cope with problems and manage emotions, and having supportive people at home, at school and in the community.
Shame and stigma often stop people from asking for help. Reaching out is a sign of strength. Talking to someone you trust or a health worker can help.
📚 Sources
- World Health Organization — Mental health of adolescents (fact sheet) 1 Sep 2025 · accessed 31 Oct 2026
Written in plain language from these sources. It does not imply endorsement by these organizations.
HH-ART-014 · Version 1.0 · Last updated 4 Nov 2026
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