Children do not come with a instruction manual and raising a child can be hard and at times challenging. Even in the best environment and circumstances, their behaviours and emotions can change frequently and quickly.
All children will experience sadness, anxiousness, irritability and aggression at times, or they can at times find it challenging to sit still, pay attention, or interact with others.
In most cases these are normal developmental phases. However these behaviours can also indicate a more serious problem in some children.
(National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)/ www.nimh.nih.gov.uk)
Mental health problems can begin in childhood and below is a list of just some examples of conditions;
Anxiety
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Autism spectrum disorders
Depression
Different mood disorders
Eating disorders
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
For many adults seeking treatment for their mental health conditions according to National Institute of Mental Health reflect on the impact of mental health conditions on their childhood and wished they had received help earlier on.
If a Mental health condition is left untreated, unmanaged then it can prevent that child/teenager from reaching their full potential
As a parent if you have any concerns about your child's mental health, you may ask yourself where do i start getting answers and help from, well wonder no more.. NIMH have a few suggestions for you to help with that starting point;
- Talk with others that spend time with your child (teachers - ask about their behaviour in that environment / school, nursery and playground)
- Talk with the child's paediatrician or healthcare provider (describe the behaviour and what you have learnt through observation and talking with others)
- You can ask the healthcare provider for a referral to a mental health professional (they need to have experience and expertise in treating children)
www.nhs.uk/mental-health/children-and-young-adults/
www.mind.org.uk/for-young-people/
www.chathealth.nhs.uk - Advice for parents and carers on mental health
www.minifirstaid.co.uk - Healthy minds classes for kids
PTSD
This is a condition that close to our hearts.
When a child is either subjected to or witnesses a traumatic event they could experience stress related symptoms. However if they develop long term symptoms (longer than one month) from these stresses, which are upsetting or interfere with their relationships and activities then they may be diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Healthy minds
Children with healthy mins and healthy bodies
With mental health on the National Curriculum for Primary and Secondary school, our healthy minds programme teaches children aged 7-11 about how to stay healthy mentally as well as physically.
The broad statement in the National Curriculum covering the huge topic of physical and mental well being states that the focus in primary school should be on:
Teaching the characteristics of good physical health and mental wellbeing. Teachers should be clear that mental wellbeing is a normal part of daily life, in the same way as physical health. Giving pupils the language and knowledge to understand the normal range of emotions that everyone experiences. This should enable pupils to articulate how they are feeling and how they are behaving is appropriate and proportionate for the situations that they experience.
Healthy minds includes six 1 hour workshop style classes which provide children with a solid foundation for positive mental health and well being. The workshops are engaging and allow all children the opportunity to participate.
The workshops cover:
Self esteem
Anxiety
Resilience
Bullying
Body Image
Healthy minds (putting skills into practice)
The following stats from the Children's Society show just how important the focus on Mental health is.
Children's Society
One in six children aged 5-16 are likely to have a mental health problem
50% of all mental health problems start by the age of 14
If you would like further information or to discuss how this amazing programme could work for your school, please contact the following:
martin@minifirstaid.co.uk mini first aid North London
lell@minifirstaid.co.uk Mini first aid SE London
frankie@minifirstaid.co.uk Mini first aid South Essex
Jen@minfirstaid.co.uk Mini first aid Sussex