About Real Stories
When you’re struggling with your feelings it can sometimes seem like you’re the only one who feels the way you do. But you’re not alone. Lots of other people deal with similar problems all the time – you just might not know it.
Real Stories are created by MindMate, to share stories from young people in Leeds who have had problems with their mental health. We’ll be adding more stories over the next few months so please check back again soon.
For more information about the issues raised, look out for the pop-ups throughout the films or see our ‘Common issues’ section on the MindMate website.
Send your story
Would you like to feature on MindMate’s ‘Real Stories’?
Have you experienced panic attacks in the past and would be comfortable talking about it on film?
If so, we’d love to hear from you!
Please contact us if you’re interested.*
Contact us*Unfortunately, we can't promise to include everyone who comes forward, but we will reply to every email we receive as soon as we can.
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Feeling different?
If we were all the same it would be boring – but if you’re worried that you don’t fit in, that can be hard to believe. You might feel different for many reasons, whether it’s the colour of your skin, religion, being gay or transgender, or just feeling like you’re not like everyone else.
It might help to know that most people you know, whether family or friends, will feel like they don’t fit in at some point in their lives. There are also places you can go to for help.
Things you might find useful
Worried about bullying?
Has someone made you feel bad for being different? Visit our page about bullying.
Find out moreDealing with racism
A look at the many different types of racism - and how to deal with it.
Find out moreLiving with a disability
Get the lowdown on disability (physical or learning) and find out what to do if someone treats you unfairly.
Find out moreSexual and gender identity
Questions abut your sexual orientation or gender identity? Head to Childline.
Find out moreFeel like you look different?
Or maybe you feel you spend too much time thinking about your appearance? MindMate could help.
Find out moreStart talking about how you feel
Talking about how you feel can really help. If you need help getting started, we can help.
Find out more
What is depression
Depression is more than just a bad day. It’s when those low, ‘depressed’ feelings are there for a long time and are there all the time (or at least a lot of it).
You can suffer from depression whether you’re young or old, so if sad feelings and emotions are taking over your life then it’s a good idea to ask for help.
Things you might find useful
Find help in Leeds.
If you’ve felt low for a while, it could be time to talk to someone.
Find out moreSymptoms of depression.
This NHS site might help.
Find out moreLook after you.
There are some simple things you can do to boost your mood.
Find out moreI had a black dog
A short film about living with depression.
Find out moreHelp on MindMate.
Find even more help on MindMate.
Find out more
Finding the right service for you
No matter what’s going on in your life, there are services in Leeds that could help. It’s just about finding the right place for you. You can visit the ‘What’s in Leeds for me’ page on MindMate or check out the quick links below.
Things you might find useful
Leeds CAMHS
CAMHS stands for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and is part of the NHS. Find out if it’s right for you and watch a short video.
Find out moreSupport in Leeds, helplines and services
This useful page on MindMate could point you in the right direction. Or watch our useful videos.
Find out moreThe Market Place
The Market Place is a friendly drop-in and support centre for young people in the centre of Leeds, open Mon-Sat.
Find out moreChoosing a therapist
If your GP suggests talking to a counsellor they can help you to find one. Or you could choose to find a private therapist - but check out NHS Choices first.
Find out moreGetting help from your school
Getting help from your school
Find out moreHelp with specific issues
For details of organisations dealing with specific mental and emotional health issues, visit our pages all about common issues.
Find out more
Starting conversations
Talking about how you feel can be hard. It’s not always easy to know what to say first or how to describe how you feel, but it can be a big help to share your feelings with someone who cares.
Getting started
If you’re ready to start talking it can really help to plan what you’re going to say.
Top tips on starting conversations.
Tips, hints, worksheets and more.
Find out moreGet DocReady.
This site can help you to get prepared to see your doctor.
Find out moreFind someone close to you.
Try our game to see who could help.
Find out moreTalk to someone in Leeds.
There are lots of places to go for help in Leeds.
Find out moreTalk online.
An online messageboard, such as Childline’s might help:
Find out more
Finding the right service for you
No matter what’s going on in your life, there are services in Leeds that could help. It’s just about finding the right place for you. You can visit the ‘What’s in Leeds for me’ page on MindMate or check out the quick links below.
Things you might find useful
Leeds CAMHS
CAMHS stands for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and is part of the NHS. Find out if it’s right for you and watch a short video.
Find out moreSupport in Leeds, helplines and services
This useful page on MindMate could point you in the right direction. Or watch our useful videos.
Find out moreThe Market Place
The Market Place is a friendly drop-in and support centre for young people in the centre of Leeds, open Mon-Sat.
Find out moreChoosing a therapist
If your GP suggests talking to a counsellor they can help you to find one. Or you could choose to find a private therapist - but check out NHS Choices first.
Find out moreGetting help from your school
Your school can help in lots of ways, and there should always be someone to talk to there. Find out more.
Find out moreHelp with specific issues
For details of organisations dealing with specific mental and emotional health issues, visit our pages all about common issues.
Find out more
A final note from Sophie
Just remember you’re not the only one who feels like this and things will get better.Play again
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Learn more about...
If you need help with your feelings, there are lots of options available to you. This might be through your school or college or with the brilliant local services available in Leeds. Most of them are free, although some of them have a waiting list. You just need to find the right service for you.
Find out moreFeelings change from day to day and that’s absolutely normal. Sometimes though, you might decide that you need some help with what’s going on in your head. From worrying too much, hurting yourself or feelings about food, there is help and advice available. Find out more about some common issues.
Find out moreSometimes life can feel hard, you might feel down or like no one understands you – and that can be normal. If sad thoughts and worries won’t go away, or you feel like life isn’t worth living, then you might be experiencing something that’s sometimes called depression. There are lots of things that can help, including lifestyle changes, but talking to someone or looking for advice can be a really good first step.
Find out moreSometimes it can be really hard to deal with issues or express how you’re feeling. These feelings can make some people want to hurt themselves on purpose, or ‘self-harm’. People self-harm for many different or personal reasons and you may not fully understand why you want to – but please remember that you’re not alone and there are different ways to cope and get help.
Find out more
Watch Naomi's Story