Young People

The Manic Depression Fellowship Wales has produced mental health education resources suitable for young people. The resource materials consist of a 20-page colour booklet, a 17-minute video, guest speakers and Helpline support.

All materials contain information that can be used to raise the awareness of mental health problems.

The booklet illustrates actual experiences of young people who have overcome the difficulties of having a mental illness and gives helpful information and advice in a positive and factual manner.

The Manic Depression Fellowship Wales commissioned Mental Health Media to produce a 17-minute video 'Mental Illness - Does It Blow Your Mind?', which could be used with as a basis for mental health discussion and information.

This video features powerful interviews with two young people who have overcome the difficulties of serious mental health problems.

The video describes the isolation and despair that can be experienced during periods of mental illness and gives tremendous insight into the perceptions of a person who is experiencing a mental health problem.

MDF Addresses The Needs Of The Young

Current Health of the Nation statistics tells us that 1 in 100 young people will develop manic depression and 1 in 100 will develop schizophrenia. In the UK, 2 million children suffer from mental ill health.

Adolescence has always been recognised as a time of change and turbulence and about 1 in every 100 children aged between 12 and 16 will attempt suicide.

It is suggested that 5% of teenagers are seriously depressed and there is evidence of a dramatic increase in such symptoms among very young children. Many will also be affected by illnesses in family members, partners and friends.

An accurate understanding of mental illness is essential if people are to get the early help and support needed. Factors that prevent people accessing help are the stigma, misinformation and ignorance that surround mental ill health.

Although mental illness cannot always be cured, early treatment and effective support can help in the management of mental health problems. Knowledge of self-management techniques will help the great majority of sufferers lead normal or near-normal lives.

The Manic Depression Fellowship Wales' Mental Illness Education project can support the provision of mental health education. Contact Us for more information.

Self Management Training for Young People

MDF run self management training courses for young people who suffer from manic depression or extreme mood swings. The course is named 'Steady' (Support and Training for Elation and Depression in Youth).

Click here to find out more about this.