Drumchapel boy, 12, pleads for kids mental health to be taken seriously
This World Mental Health Day, Kyle Solmon is urging adults not to treat low moods as 'just a phase' after attempting to take his own life
There is a stark warning from a 12-year-old boy in Drumchapel today to take children seriously when discussing mental health after attempting to take his own life four times.
Kyle Solmon is exclusively speaking to Clyde 1 News about his struggles this World Mental Health Day (Tuesday 10th October), after battling with depression for two years.
Kyle is outspoken about his health and started a campaign with his family to try and encourage openness among children.
He says there is a common perception among parents and teachers that low moods in teens are "just a phase" or blamed on changing hormones.
'Mental health is a serious injury'
He said: "I have been struggling with my mental health for the last two years, and its ever since Covid happened.
"It's really important because, because I hope mental health in kids is taken more seriously.
"Say you break your arm and you get medical attention - that's not treated as 'just a phase' - that's a serious injury.
"Mental health isn't classed as a serious injury in the same way, but it is. It can cause serious harm to people.
"Don't keep it to yourself, tell someone, ask for help.
"It might be hard, but trust me, there are people out there who do care, and don't want you to leave...just like my mum and dad."
Seeking charity status
His mother, Kirsty Solmon, says the 'I Stand With Kyle' campaign is seeking charity status to try and alleviate some of the pressure on support services, which she says are "already stretched".
She said: "Watching your 10-year-old in accident and emergency because he attempted to no longer be here anymore tell you and the professionals he doesn't want to be here, it's so heartbreaking.
"At 10-years-old, no child should feel like that and we didn't feel like there was anything there to help.
"We get messages on our social media all the time, from families that are going through the same thing who are asking for advice and support.
"The vital services that are out there, like befriending, there are massive waiting lists and that just shows you how much our kids are struggling.
"These services are completely overwhelmed."
Where to find help
If you, or someone you know, needs help with mental health issues, you can use these resources:
Samaritans: Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
Childline: Call 0800 1111
Breathing Space: Call 0800 83 85 87
NHS 24 Mental Health Hub: Call 111, or 999 in an emergency