What does mental health mean?
Mental health is an individual’s cognitive, behavioural and emotional wellbeing (Mind, 2020). It’s something we all have – including every child and young person.
We use the term “mental health issues” to refer to mental health problems, conditions and mental illnesses. These issues may or may not be medically diagnosed.
Mental health is as important to a child’s safety and wellbeing as their physical health. It can impact on all aspects of their life, including their educational attainment, relationships and physical wellbeing. Mental health can also change over time, to varying degrees of seriousness, and for different reasons.
At St. Botolph’s Church of England School we aim to promote good mental health and wellbeing for our whole community: students, staff, parents and carers. This can include:
- encouraging healthy eating
- encouraging exercise
- maintaining routines
- awareness raising and training
- helping with online wellbeing
- our PSHE curriculum
- working in partnership with parents/carers
- signposting sources of external advice and help
Supporting children with mental health issues
It can be difficult for children and young people to speak out about the challenges they’re feeling. So, it’s crucial that school staff are able to recognise the signs that a child may be struggling with their mental health, and that they know how to take appropriate action to support children and young people in getting the help they need.
At St. Botolph’s, our Senior Mental Health Lead is Mrs J Harding, and the Mental Health Lead is Mrs S Street. They will support staff with recognising and supporting mental health issues.
Recognising issues
We need to recognise the signs that a child may be struggling. However, it’s important to remember that some mental health issues may not have visible signs. There are also factors that might make it more difficult for a child or young person to ask for help. Children may not always have the language or ability to communicate how they feel. They may be unsure who to talk to and how to talk about their problems.
Some children and young people may try to hide how they are feeling or what they are doing. This might be because they:
- worry they won’t be taken seriously
- believe others won’t understand
- have had a negative experience talking about their thoughts and feelings in the past
- feel that no one can help them
- fear being dismissed or labelled an attention seeker or crazy
(Mental Health Foundation and Camelot Foundation, 2006).
Signs of child mental health issues
Responding to child mental health issues
Getting support
There are lots of different types of support available for children with mental health issues. These include the following:
Contact the school
Speak to the class teacher or to the mental health leads (Mrs J Harding and Mrs S Street).
Contact the GP
GPs may be able to diagnose mental health conditions and suggest next steps.
Kent Community Health – Emotional Health & Wellbeing
The NHS School Health Team take referrals from young people, parents/carers and professionals. They may support you and your child directly or refer you to another provider if appropriate.
Kent & Medway Children & Young People’s Mental Health Service (CYPMHS)
This service provides emotional wellbeing and mental health advice and support for young people and their families across Kent. The service is open to young people between the ages of 0-18, or up to 25 in some instances, for example those with special educational needs. CYPMHS offers advice and support for stress, low mood and depression, anxiety, self-harm or difficult to manage behaviours. Professionals and parents/carers can refer.
https://www.nelft.nhs.uk/services-kent-children-young-peoples-mental-health
Childline
Children and young people can get free, confidential support from a Childline counsellor via online chat, email or phone.
https://www.childline.org.uk/get-support/
Call free on 0800 1111
Childline will listen and provide advice to any concerns about topics, ranging from exam stress to depression and suicidal thoughts.