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Teenagers: Emotional and Psychological – Mental Health & Wellbeing

Teenagers: Emotional and Psychological – Mental Health & Wellbeing

Last checked: July 2026

 

All teenagers have a lot of change and stresses to negotiate. Your SMA and the impact it has on you means you have a lot more than most.

Appointments, time in hospital and physical barriers getting to places can make it hard to keep up with friends. You may understandably be anxious, frustrated or angry about how hard it is to do the things you want to do. At times it can be really hard to feel good about life. At other times you may realise just how amazing you are managing all the additional things you have to tackle every day.

Wherever things are at for you, it’s good to talk and not bottle-up bad feelings or worries.

Do talk to your parents and teachers. There might be someone else in your family who you feel would understand  – maybe an aunt or uncle or grandparent. Your clinical team are there too. There may be one of them you get on with well who you know understands what it’s like having SMA.

There are lots of other ways you can get emotional and psychological support. There are some ideas below:

A lot of the information and signposting on this page is aimed at those aged 18+. We recommend that you talk through any of it with your parents.

Looking after your health and wellbeing is just as important for your mental as it is for your physical health.

There are lots of things that can help, such as:

  • mindfulness
  • relaxation
  • exercise
  • using apps and online courses
  • listening to podcasts
  • managing stress.

The NHS website has a section on 5 steps > we can all take to improve our mental wellbeing.

Connecting with others who have SMA can help. You can find out how they handle what worries or challenges you.

You could:

  • join an SMA UK community network
  • listen to some of the podcasts
  • read what people have to say
  • come to one of our events

Find out More >

Getting involved with organisations and groups can be really positive. You might find some new ideas in the Club, Sports and Social section >.

Young Minds > – Phone 0808 802 5544 – a national charity that has lots of ideas about how to look after yourself and suggestions about where you can get help

Childline > – Phone 0800 1111, Email or online chat – a free, confidential place for young people to turn to whatever problems or dangers they’re facing. Trained childline counsellors are there 24 hours a day to help anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue – big or small – that they’re going through.

Support Line > – Phone 01708 765 2000 – information on a wide range of problems plus confidential emotional support via their helpline.

The Mix > – Phone 0808 808 4994 – free information and emotional for young people under the age of 25. Helpline, Email, online chat and crisis text services.

Samaritans > – Phone 116 123 – free, confidential, non-judgmental listening service. Available through phone 24 hours a day, 365 days a year; email jo@samaritans.org, online chat available certain hours.

Childnet International > work to help make the internet a better and safer place; resources for young people and parents.

You may find talking confidentially with a psychologist or counsellor helpful. There might be a counsellor at your school. Or you may be able to contact one via your GP, medical team or local hospice. If you’re aged under 16, you’ll need your parents’ permission.

If you’re not sure what counselling involves, the links below may help. You may wish to talk options over with an adult you trust, or in confidence with a worker at one of the organisations listed under the above ‘Online Support’ section.

You can also talk to one of our Community Support Team > about your options.

Free services:

The NHS Website > describes what mental health services are offered to children and young people. Waiting lists can be long.

NHS England counselling for age 16 +   > gives an overview of counselling and links to where you can access free Talking Therapies. Waiting lists can be long.

NHS 24 Scotland for age 16+  ‘Living Life’ > – free phone support sessions using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) based techniques. You can refer yourself for an assessment by phoning 0800 328 9655.

NHS Wales for age 16 >  offers ‘Silver Cloud’ >  a free 12-week course of online therapy. This uses methods like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

NHS Northern Ireland for age 16+ > Referrals for any talking therapies must go through your GP.

Private (paid) services:

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) > – Phone: 01455 883 300 – useful guidance on counselling and how to find a suitable counsellor.

Counselling Directory > – online information about different types of counselling and a directory to search for qualified counsellors.

The British Association for Music Therapy > explains more about music therapy. Scroll down to their an online ‘Find a Therapist’ search tool.

If you’re being bullied at school, either face-to-face or through your mobile or online (cyber bullying), talk to your parents and teachers straight away. Schools must have a whole-school approach to dealing with bullying.

The following organisations can also help:

If you:

have questions we haven’t answered

need support

please get in touch >

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