*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

Supporting A Child Or Young Person

If you're worried about the mental health of a child or young person, it can be hard to know what to do to help them. You may also feel like you need support for yourself.

You're not alone and there are places both you and your child can turn to for help.

Understanding how a child or young person is feeling

It can be a good idea to find out more about how a child or young person might be feeling. This can help you understand how best to help them, or help them find ways to support themselves.

You can read more about how a child or young person might be feeling in our advice about mental health for parents and carers or find out more about mental health conditions.

The charity YoungMinds also has lots of information for parents including:

These include tips on how to talk to your child about their mental health.

The Charlie Waller Trust also has a directory of information for parents.

Getting professional help

It can be difficult to know when and how to get professional support for your child.

If your child is feeling low or anxious for a prolonged period of time, or if you have any serious concerns about how your child is feeling or acting, you may want to seek professional help.

As a first step, you may find it helpful to speak to:

someone you trust at school or college - for example, a teacher, school nurse, mental health lead or special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO)
a GP
a health visitor (for children up to 5 years)

They can tell you what support is available in your area and put you in touch with children and young people's mental health services.

If you think your child needs help immediately, find out where to get urgent help.

Get support for yourself

Looking after a child with mental health issues is not easy and it's important you look after yourself as well as your child.

Charities that can support your child

Find out about charity support for children and young people's mental health.

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com.