Waiting for Mental Health Help? You Still Deserve Support Today

You have explained how you feel. You have asked for help. Perhaps a referral has been made. But you are still waiting, and everyday life has not paused with it.

For young people and their families, the time between asking for support and receiving treatment can feel uncertain. There may be no clear appointment date, little information about what happens next and pressure to carry on as normal.

You do not need to minimise your difficulties because someone else is also waiting. Your needs still matter, and you can ask what help is available in the meantime.

Get clarity about your next steps

Start by checking where things stand. Has the referral been received? Has it been accepted? Are you waiting for an assessment, treatment or another decision?

The government’s response on community mental health services acknowledges long waits and sets out requirements to address waits exceeding two years for children and young people’s services. National plans, however, cannot tell you the status of an individual referral. GOV.UK

Ask the referring professional or service:

• Who should I contact for updates?

• What support can I access while waiting?

• What should I do if my difficulties become worse?

• When should my needs be reviewed?

Keeping the answers in one place can make follow up conversations easier.

Explain how daily life has changed

You do not need perfect clinical language to describe your experience. Specific examples can help others understand what is happening.

You might say: “I am missing lessons because I feel overwhelmed,” or “I am struggling to sleep and it is affecting my concentration.”

The government’s overview of children and young people’s mental health takes a broad view of wellbeing, including family relationships, education and social circumstances. GOV.UK

A short note about what has changed, how long it has been happening and what feels hardest can support an appointment. It is a way to communicate your needs, rather than a test you must pass to deserve help.

Ask your school or college directly

If you are in education, ask a trusted member of staff what support is available. You could speak to a tutor, pastoral lead, school nurse or safeguarding lead.

The Department for Education’s school and college mental wellbeing guidance explains the role of Mental Health Support Teams and other sources of support within education settings. GOV.UK

Try asking: “While I am waiting for my appointment, can we agree who I can speak to when things feel difficult?”

A clear contact and agreed plan can reduce the uncertainty of having to explain everything again whenever you need support.

Discuss attendance before pressure builds further

If getting to school has become difficult, tell someone which barriers you are facing. These might involve particular lessons, social situations, travel or feeling overwhelmed at the start of the day.

The government’s guidance on mental health and school attendance provides a basis for conversations between schools and families about these difficulties. GOV.UK

Ask for a meeting to discuss a realistic support plan. Where possible, include the young person in deciding what would help and when the plan should be reviewed.

Help adults understand what they see

Sometimes distress is noticed first as anger, withdrawal or changes in behaviour. A parent or teacher may see the reaction without understanding what happened beforehand.

The Department for Education’s mental health and behaviour guidance helps schools recognise potential mental health needs and consider appropriate support. GOV.UK

If speaking feels difficult, try writing: “When I go quiet, I am struggling to explain things,” or “When I become upset, I need a calmer space before I can talk.”

Parents and carers can help by listening without immediately correcting, comparing or trying to solve everything.

Explore support available in your community

Ask your GP, school or local council whether there are youth wellbeing services or early support hubs nearby.

The government’s early support hubs announcement describes services for young people aged 11 to 25 that can be accessed without a referral or doctor’s appointment.

Check local eligibility, opening times and the type of support offered. GOV.UK

For people in Leeds and Bradford, this means checking local provision rather than assuming every national initiative is available nearby.

Community support can provide another place to talk while you continue pursuing appropriate healthcare.

Taking your next step with VÕS HELP

VÕS HELP believes that reaching out should lead to a conversation where you feel listened to. Explore our available support options, checking current age eligibility and suitability before booking.

You can seek additional support while keeping an existing referral active. Tell your healthcare professional about any other support you receive so your care can be considered together.

You do not have to pretend you are coping simply because you are waiting. Keep communicating what you need, and ask for reassessment if things change.