1st - 7th February 2021

During this week, across the UK, schools and other child organisations are taking part in Children's Mental Health Week. The theme this year is Express Yourself. There are many ways for children to express themselves by sharing feelings and ideas but also through creativity. Some activities include music, dancing, photography, acting and writing. Being able to Express Yourself doesn't mean you have to be the best at it, you just have to love what you do and get enjoyment from it. Did you know, that around 3 children in every primary school class has some sort of mental health problem. There are many more who also struggle with their emotions, bullying and other challenges such as bereavement. Here is some guidance to help.

things to look for

• A sadness that lasts more than 2 weeks
• Avoiding social interactions
• Self harming or talking about it
• Discussing death or suicide
• Agitated, angry outbursts or extreme irritability (out of character)
• Out of control behaviour
• Severe mood changes
• Change of eating habits
• Weight loss
• Sleep disruption
• Frequent stomach or head aches
• Avoiding or missing school

Children's mental health is just as important as their physical health. While not all mental health issues can be prevented, you can help to keep your child as mentally healthy as possible by following some of these suggestions.

Taking care of your own mental health

This is one of the best things that you can do. This will create a healthy environment and allow you to model good habits to self care. This is especially important now with COVID-19 upon us. Children look to us in stressful, uncertain situations so taking care to address your own anxieties and making time to relax and destress are key.

If you notice that your own mental health is becoming harder to deal with, you should contact your GP. When parents have untreated mental health issues, children are far more likely to develop problems, too.

Build solid relationships

By building trust with your children, you create a sense of safety and security for them. This includes looking after their day to day needs such as meals, warmth, homeschooling maybe and giving them love. Children that receive the care they need and desire, are much happier mentally and able to process their emotions far better. It isn't just the relationship they need with their parents and siblings either, it is everyone in their network. Though this is difficult during a pandemic, it is easy enough to set them up on a FaceTime call with their Grandparents or other family members. It might be a call to their friends, allowing them to connect and still be in contact and talk about their day. Widening the virtual circle is good for their emotional wellbeing.

A good sense of self esteem

This works 2 ways. Building your child's self esteem is important but equally as important is teaching them how to develop their own self esteem. By giving them praise, you boost their confidence. It doesn't have to be over the top praise, something as small as 'I love how you shared your book with your sister just now, that was really kind' is enough to tell them they were recognised for something they did which was nice. Let them be independent. Sure, it's nice to help our children with everything but sometimes, their greatest sense of achievement is when they do it on their own and get ALL the praise. Let them make their own lunch, let them sort the book shelves, let them put their clean clothes away (or try, you can rearrange them after haha.) These things are all good for mental health.

Playing

All children need to play if they are to be healthy. It is a great stress reliever for some children, where they can dive into a world of fun. And what better way than to have you there for some of it. I know only too well how busy us parents are with work, house chores and all the rest of it but if you have 20 minutes to scroll on social media, you most definitely have time to play with your children. Get out a game, get the drawing out and make something, build a den, make silly monsters from play dough, whatever it is just let your hair down and get stuck in.

where can i find support if i am concerned?

If you have tried to talk to your child about their feelings or you are seeing signs that concern you there are many avenues to seek advice and guidance. Firstly, your own GP. They may have already seen your child before for other reasons but they will have instant access to your child's health records and be able to give guidance on what to do next.

There is an organisation called YoungMinds who offer free confidential online and phone support to anyone worried about the mental health of a child or person up to the age of 25.

Another organisation called MindEd for Families also supports parents and carers of children and young people.

I also found a local organisation which may be able to give advice:

Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS),

Argyle St, Amington, Tamworth, B77 3EW - 01827 51183

Website

Being able to recognise the changes in your child's mental health is key. The sooner it can be addressed, the better. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in 15 to 29 year olds worldwide. This accounts for 8% of all deaths. In the UK, suicide is the leading cause of death in youngsters, accounting for 14% of deaths in 10-19 year olds and 21% of deaths in 20-34 year olds.

Childline can help children who are feeling suicidal and also offer support to parents. Please remember, someone is always listening and will be ready to support and guide you.