Mental Health
Mental health problems affect about 1 in 10 children and young people. They include depression, anxiety and conduct disorder, and are often a direct response to what is happening in their lives.
The emotional wellbeing of children is just as important as their physical health. Good mental health allows children and young people to develop the resilience to cope with whatever life throws at them and grow into well-rounded, healthy adults.
Things that can help keep children and young people mentally well include:
Other factors are also important, including:
Help for Children
Help for Parents
Samaritans Call: 116 123
Mind Call: 0300 123 33 93 Text: 86463
Mindfulness
Mindfulness has been described as “the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally to the unfolding of experience moment by moment” (Kabat-Zinn 2003, p.144). Mindfulness is a fundamental part of human consciousness. Our mental capacity can be strengthened through a variety of training methods.
Mindfulness ideas
1: Draw a picture of how you feel
2: Listen to relaxing music and close your eyes
3: Talk about something that made you happy at the end of each day
4: Spidey senses: Sit still, what can you see, hear, smell taste, touch
5: Make a mindful jar: Fill an empty jar or bottle with water and glitter. Fasten the lid on and watch the glitter swirl and fall
7: Yoga