YPMH: The Foundation for Young People's Mental Health

Alcohol might seem like it helps at first, but it actually disrupts your brain and mood.

If you’re struggling with #depression, drinking can make symptoms worse — not better.

👉 For support visit www.drinkaware.co.uk for guidance

#MentalHealth

Are you a night owl?

New research suggests late risers may be at higher risk of depression compared to early birds.

Disrupted circadian rhythms can cause:
• Difficulty regulating emotions
• Higher chances of depressive episodes
• Changes in brain chemistry

#mentalhealth #youngpeoplesmentalhealth

Research has shown yoga reduces stress in schools and workplaces by improving focus and emotional balance. They found even brief sessions a few times weekly lower cortisol and boost sleep and resilience!

Learn more: www.frontiersin.org/journals/psy...

#youngpeoplesmentalhealth #mentalhealth

It’s #InternationalFriendshipDay ❤️

Good friends can have a huge impact on our #mentalwellbeing. Whether it’s checking in, listening without judgment, or simply showing up — it all helps.

If someone you care about is going through a tough time, here are a few ways to be there for them!

What’s inflammation got to do with mental health? More than you might think!

Chronic inflammation refers to a prolonged response that can remain active even without infection or injury. Over time, this can affect brain function, linked to mood disorders and treatment resistance.

#mentalhealth

On International Self-Care Day, we’re celebrating the importance of taking time to prioritise our mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing.

Find our top wellbeing tips below ❤️

#internationalselfcareday #mentalhealth #mentalwellbeing

Feeling #anxious? Try triangle breathing!

This technique calms your nervous system — shifting your body out of fight-or-flight mode.

Save this post for later, when you might need it most!

#mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness

Everyone's probably heard the conventional wisdom that a glass of wine a day is good for you - but is it good for our mental health?

Short-term: Alcohol has calming effects
Long-term: It lowers serotonin, affects dopamine, and disrupts sleep

#mentalhealth #youngpeoplesmentalhealth

Cortisol helps you cope with #stress — but too much, for too long, can damage your brain.

Chronic cortisol is linked to depression via:
→ Hippocampal shrinkage
→ Reduced BDNF
→ Inflammation and poor sleep
→ Neurotransmitter disruption

How do you keep your stress levels low?

#mentalhealth

Have you ever wondered how the food you eat affects your #mentalwellbeing? 🧠🍎

Our new blog dives into the ways diet can both support and challenge your #mentalhealth — plus practical tips on what to eat and what not to eat!

Click the link below to learn more!
www.ypmh.org/how-food-nut...

The latest #mentalhealth data from the NHS has shown a 47% increase in the number of young people affected by a common mental health condition in 2023/24.

Our goal is to close the gap between what we know and what we do.

Be part of that change: www.ypmh.org/support-us/

@mhid.org.uk

Feeling a bit blue after a festival?

Here's how to bounce back!

#post-festivalblues #festival #Glastonbury2025 #mentalhealth #mentalwellbeing

@mhid.org.uk

Whether it’s the crowds, the noise, the pressure to say yes to things – it can get a lot, but supporting mental health during the event makes a real difference.

Here are some easy things you can do to protect your mental health — and still have fun!

#Glastonbury2025 #mentalhealth

Did you know? The post-festival blues aren’t just emotional — they’re neurochemical 🎪

Sleep deprivation, alcohol, and recreational drug use can disrupt neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin - the ones that help you feel stable, calm and motivated.

#Glastonbury2025 #mentalhealth

Have you heard of "eustress" before?

Eustress is a healthy kind of stress that can boost focus, motivation, and resilience. It helps you rise to challenges — like public speaking or a 10k run — without tipping into overwhelm.

Too much becomes distress - finding balance is key.

#mentalhealth

Not all online #communities are helpful for your #mentalhealth

✔️ Good ones feel: safe, positive, inclusive, energising
❌ Bad ones feel: judgemental, draining, performative

From stress regulation to motivation and trust, community literally shapes how our brain works.

#mentalwellbeing

Heatwave: how to cope in hot weather Find out how to keep cool and safe in a heatwave, and who is most at risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Temperatures have risen above 30°C today—an amber heat health alert has been issued for London.

It's important we look after ourselves, and after those who find it more difficult to cope with hot weather: older people, babies and infants, and those with a physical or mental health condition.

You might’ve spotted these symbols in our posts, but what are they?

🔵 Solid = the things that affect #mentalhealth
⚪️ Outlined = the people working together to improve outcomes – from researchers to educators to young people

All working together to improve #youngpeoplesmentalhealth

Whether you go for hot or iced, a classic vanilla, a trendy blueberry - your #matcha can be doing more for you than tingling your taste buds!

It contains L-theanine, which helps calm the mind and lower cortisol — plus EGCG, an antioxidant that may protect the brain from stress-related damage.

🌞 take care of yourselves in this heatwave!

#selfcare #mentalwellbeing

The Food Programme - Professor Michael Crawford: A Life through Food - BBC Sounds Sheila Dillon meets Prof Michael Crawford, whose life’s work links seafood to brain health

Omega-3s support mood, reduce inflammation & build emotional resilience - but many of us aren’t getting enough.

This #BBCRadio4 Food Programme dives into the science & sustainability of fish and mental health.

Prof John Stein, mentioned, attended our recent workshop
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

This summer, we’re inviting you to get wonderfully weird with your #fundraising ⭐

Whether it’s a retro gaming night or a 24-hour crochet challenge, your creativity can raise money for #youngpeoplesmentalhealth

Got an idea? We’re here to cheer you on!

www.ypmh.org/fundraise/

#mentalhealth

Did you know? Poor circulation = less oxygen and nutrients to your brain.

That can mean brain fog, low mood and fatigue.

What to eat for better blood flow? Try beetroot, leafy greens and blueberries to support mental energy and focus.

#mentalhealth #mentalwellbeing #youngpeoplesmentalhealth

Ingredients like turmeric and #matcha may help reduce inflammation or calm the nervous system.

#Guthealth and circulation are also being explored as important links between food and #mentalwellbeing.

While the science is still evolving, early studies suggest that certain foods and nutrients may help.

Some nutrients, like B6 and magnesium, are involved in the production of neurotransmitters like #serotonin.

Can what you eat support your #stress response?

There’s growing interest in how food and nutrition might affect the biological systems that help us manage stress — from neurotransmitters to gut health.

It’s #PrideMonth!

Members of the #LGBTQIA+ community face higher rates of #depression, #anxiety and suicidal thoughts due to stigma and discrimination. But many also find strength and support within their identities.

If you or someone you know needs support, these organisations are here to help!

@selfcareforum.bsky.social

You don't need a gym membership to feel the #mentalhealth benefits of moving!

Neither do you need to run a marathon to benefit your mental health. Whether it’s a walk, stretching, or dancing to your favourite track, has the power to reduce chronic #stress and lift your mood.

#exercise #YPMH

Did you know there’s a two-way relationship between substance use and how we feel?

Find out more below!

#mentalhealth #festivals #youngpeoplesmentalhealth #substanceuse