While more than half of parents in England have never spoken to their children about stress, anxiety or depression, according to one survey, other shows that 62% of youngsters have done a general internet search on issues such as depression. 
The poll, of parents to children aged between six and 18, was carried out by market research company Opinion Matters on behalf of the Time to Change campaign, which is being run by charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness.
And, reports the BBC, the survey of 1,100 parents found that 55% had not spoken about the subject to their offspring. Of those, 20% said they did not know how to address the issue.
The survey results have been released as part of a campaign, funded by the Department of Health, to break down the stigma associated with mental health.
It also found that 45% of parents felt they did not need to have the conversation because mental health ‘was not an issue, but, the campaign claims, one in 10 young people will experience a mental health problem.
Sue Baker, the director of Time to Change, said: “This has to be the generation for change. Mental health problems are a common experience for three children in every classroom.”
One way to deal with anxiety, stress, depression and all of the side effects is through hypnotherapy.
The National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH) holds one of the largest registers of independent hypnotherapists in the United Kingdom and strives to maintain the highest standards among its members.
Anxiety can also manifest itself in different worries, says the NCH.
“It may be fear of being around other people; it may be anxiety in specific social situations, anxiety in your relationships with particular people at home or at school.”
Anxiety is a fear or concern that is exaggerated, and is out of proportion to the situation, although sometimes it may not feel like this.
During sessions with a hypnotherapist, a young person will find that the therapist can help assess the anxiety, identifying the root of stress or anxiety whether it is a situation, a physical issue, a past experience or a relationship.
The next stage is when the client will be asked about the problem and notes may be taken. The therapist will need to find out certain necessary information both about the problem and about the client, too.
The third stage is hypnosis itself. There is a certain personal variation among therapists and they will often use different approaches for different individuals
“Perhaps the most important thing,” says the NCH, “is that you can expect to feel comfortable and at ease with your therapist. This is of particular importance in hypnotherapy, in which the value of the treatment is greatly enhanced when you have confidence in the practitioner.”
Children’s Commissioner for England Anne Longfield told the BBC that youngsters did not have the confidence to go to the doctor with mental health issues.
She said: “”very child knows if they are unwell with a stomach ache or hurt their leg, they go to the doctor or school nurse. Unfortunately they don’t have that confidence when it comes to mental health. It is a rather desperate state of affairs when they would prefer to roam around the internet or ask a friend the same age for help first.”
While many NCH-registered hypnotherapists are adept at dealing with stress and anxiety, there are some who specialise in dealing with children, too.
The NCH directory lists all currently active NCH-registered hypnotherapists, which is an assurance of a well-trained, ethical and insured hypnotherapist.