Mental Health in Children and Young People

Child mental health is a sensitive issue, but this does not mean it is something we should shy away from discussing. With The Mental Health Foundation now reporting that 1 in 10 children suffer from mental health problems, it is important that we tackle the stigma attached to mental health problems, and help ensure the mental wellbeing of our children.

Reports also indicate that 70{53c30c787fb1cb3d627f2b74e89bbb8bdc7d8b3a30d5bb462f5afefa0f154f79} of children and young people who experience a mental health problem have not had appropriate interventions at a sufficiently early age. The emotional wellbeing of children is just as important as their physical health.

Things that can help keep children and young people mentally well include:

• being in good physical health, eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise
• having time and the freedom to play, indoors and outdoors
• being part of a family that gets along well most of the time
• going to a school that looks after the wellbeing of all its pupils
• taking part in local activities for young people.

 Other factors are also important, including:

• feeling loved, trusted, understood, valued and safe
• being interested in life and having opportunities to enjoy themselves
• being hopeful and optimistic
• being able to learn and having opportunities to succeed
• accepting who they are and recognising what they are good at
• having a sense of belonging in their family, school and community
• feeling they have some control over their own life
• having the strength to cope when something is wrong (resilience) and the ability to solve problems.

 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.

Organisations that can help

• ChildLine
• YoungMinds
• Contact a Family
• Family Lives
• Bernardo’s
• Kidscape

The Mental Health Foundation have a survey that help determine your levels of positive mental health – the ability to cope with everyday life compared to the national average. You can take the survey here.

 If you are considering fostering or know someone that is please contact us by calling +44 1702 59 77 97 or sending an email to info@fw-fostering.co.uk