Signs (more than just "moody")
- Withdrawal from friends and hobbies
- Sleeping much more or much less
- Appetite changes, weight loss/gain
- "I''m a burden" / "everyone hates me" language
- Falling grades, school refusal
- Numbness, no joy
What to do today
- Don''t panic-fix — listen, validate ("That sounds heavy")
- Book appointment — ask for PHQ-A screening
- Same-day if any mention of self-harm or suicide
- Keep routines: sleep, food, sunlight, gentle movement
- Reduce screens, especially TikTok algorithm spirals
Treatment pathways
- Mild-moderate: school counselling, Kooth, guided CBT
- Moderate-severe: for CBT/IPT-A, possible SSRI
- Severe/risk: 999 or A&E mental health liaison
If you''re worried about safety
Read our self-harm and safety-planning guides. Tell today.
Support
- YoungMinds Parents Helpline 0808 802 5544 (free, weekdays)
- Papyrus HOPELINE247 0800 068 4141 (suicide prevention)