Various styles of communication can be used when working with people with mental health issues, and all formats can contribute to therapeutic goals. However, there is little in the literature about young people’s use of pictorial text messages, or emojis, when they are experiencing mental distress. This article considers how young people in mental distress can send emojis in text messages to their parents or guardians to open up channels of communication, and how this can help improve their mental well-being.

During a clinical placement, I realised some staff had judgemental attitudes and beliefs that could cause offence.