S5 Ep5: Why Young People are More Resilient Than They Get Credit for with Alex Blatch

Many many young people who have struggled with mental health, disordered eating or addiction have benefited from a guiding hand from our guest today.

Alex Blatch initially trained as a Registered Mental Health Nurse and later as a Bereavement Counsellor working in CAMHS, Eating Disorders, Adult Acute and Addiction Services. Over the past 35 years, Alex has worked in and managed a variety of private mental health settings, including inpatient, daycare and outpatient services.

Often using humour to connect with young people, Alex talks to us about the difficult topic of shame, shares her thoughts regarding the pressures on young men right now, and we find out exactly how disordered eating is defined and how to treat it. Alex offers up advice not only for young people who are struggling but she is also a wealth of knowledge for parents when it comes to identifying and seeking help for their children when they are facing challenges.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, there are plenty of resources on the Stride Foundation website: https://stridefoundation.com/

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Top Charities & Support Services suggested by Alex:

• YoungMinds: Offers, information, and guides for young people, as well as a helpline for parents concerned about their child.
• Place2Be: Provides counseling and mental health services directly within schools, focusing on early intervention.
• Stem4: Focuses on teenage mental health, providing clinically-validated digital apps (e.g., Calm Harm, Clear Fear) to manage anxiety, depression, and self-harm.
• The Mix: Offers confidential support, including counseling, for young people under 25 on various issues.
• Papyrus UK Suicide Prevention: Operates HOPELINEUK, providing practical advice and support for young people struggling with suicidal thoughts or those worried about them.
• Anna Freud Centre: Focuses on research, clinical care, and developing tailored mental health support in schools and communities.
• YoungMinds +4

Digital & Specialized Services

• Kooth: Free, anonymous, online counseling and mental wellbeing platform for young people.
• Shout 85258: A free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone struggling to cope.
• Selfharm UK: A dedicated project aimed at supporting young people impacted by self-harm.
• Students Against Depression: Provides resources and guidance specifically for students struggling with low mood and depression.
• Brent Centre for Young People: Provides specialized psychotherapy for adolescents, particularly in London, addressing anxiety and self-harm.