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Understanding Mental Health of Children & Young People in Renfrewshire. 2019-20. What Is ‘Mental Health’?.
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Understanding Mental Health of Children & Young People in Renfrewshire 2019-20
What Is ‘Mental Health’? “Mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community” World Health Organisation
What is ‘Mental Health’?Terminology Mental Health Overarching umbrella under which ‘mental health problems’ (MHP) and ‘mental health and wellbeing’ (MHW) sit. Mental Health Problems A term that refers to symptoms that meet the criteria for clinical diagnosis of MH problems i.e. anxiety, depression, eating disorder, etc. Mental Wellbeing A term that includes self satisfaction and how we feel about ourselves. i.e. self worth, self confidence, control, purpose, sense of belonging, positive relationships. Mental Health has to be referred to as a ‘continuum’
Statistics 1 in 10 children have no one to talk to in school when they are worried or sad nearly four in ten (38%) said that it caused them difficulty with going to sleep more than a quarter (27%) said they got into fights or arguments more than one in four (26%) said that it caused them to struggle to do their homework more than one in four (27%) didn’t want to be around others. 50% of mental health problems are established by age 14, and 75% by age 24 20% of adolescents may experience a mental health problem in any given year. 10% of children and young people (aged 5-16 years) have a clinically diagnosable mental problem, yet 70% of children and adolescents who experience mental health problems have not had appropriate interventions at a sufficiently early age.
Discussion What can affect the mental health of a child/young person?
What can affect C&YP MH? Poverty Bereavement Imprisonment Divorce/separation Bullying Long term illness Physical abuse Sexual abuse Peer pressure School pressures Caring responsibilities Addiction
What Should I Look Out For..? Withdrawn/Loneliness Decline in school performance Physical appearance Aggressive Risk taking behaviour Changes in eating/sleeping habits Self harming behaviours Absenteeism from school, youth club (short/long term health) Lack of interest in things they used to enjoy Low self-esteem/confidence/worth Communication difficulties
What Can We Do? ‘Learning through HWB promotes confidence, independent thinking and positive attitudes and dispositions. Because of this, it is the responsibility of every teacher to contribute to learning and development in this area’. (BtC1)
3.Be knowledgeable of NHSGGC Framework for improving MH One Good AdultImportance of dependable adult to supporting and protecting mental health of children and young people – e.g. strengthen parenting, mentoring, guidance, befriending initiatives Resilience Development in Schools Whole school approach to mental health and wellbeing – ethos, curriculum, positive behaviour, anti-bullying, pastoral care… Resilience Development in Communities Strong network of youth services, voluntary and community organisations, confident and skilled to support and intervene Guiding Thru the Service Maze Children, families & young people have range of support options for early intervention and can be helped to find their way to appropriate help quickly Peer help & Social Media Those who share their problems enjoy better mental health - build opportunities for young people to provide peer support, and to use social media for wellbeing Responding to Distress Frontline staff in many agencies are confident and supported to intervene and help children and young people in situations of distress, including self harm and risk of suicide
4. Reduce the stigma…Its okay not to be okay! https://www.seemescotland.org/young-people/whats-on-your-mind/ Watch the video clip ‘What Difference Can It Make?’ to gain a better understanding of why a whole school approach to tackling MH stigma is imperative. Key messages Create the conditions to: invite conversations with young people to talk about how they feel. Have young people and adults working together to produce an environment free from discrimination. How can you contribute? Have the confidence to learn and use the same emotional literacy, and challenge behaviours of others.
5. In addition… Be vigilant for trends/changes in behaviour in your class/school/community Keep up to date with current school, authority and national priorities Attend additional training opportunities (in-house/Local Authority/Specialist) Undertake E-learning Use Digital resources/Curriculum packs Be aware of voluntary organisations that support children and young people and their families
Looking After Yourself Support and supervision – who can you turn to? Time for Talking Counselling Service https://www.timefortalking.co.uk/ NHS Living Life is a free telephone service available to anyone over the age of 16 feeling low, anxious or stressed http://www.nhs24.com/usefulresources/livinglife/ Lifelink: Offer a range of services for adults and young people in the community. Visit their site for more information http://lifelink.org.uk/ MAKE TIME TO DO THE THINGS YOU ENJOY!
