This week, (4–10 February) is Children’s Mental Health Week. It’s estimated that one in eight young people are affected by mental health problems, but what’s being done to help?
The week, run by charity Place2Be, aims to raise awareness about the importance of looking after children’s mental health, and has been going since 2015.
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MENTAL HEALTH
Children and young people can be particularly at risk of mental health problems, as it can be hard to come forward and be honest about how you’re feeling, or to even know who to talk to if you’re struggling with your mental health.
Thankfully, campaigns like Children’s Mental Health Week are normalising mental health problems and reducing the stigma, making it easier for many to feel they can be more open about their thoughts and emotions.
Sometimes, young people just need a place to create some art, go somewhere quiet to think, or simply have a cuppa and chat with someone who will listen.#ChildrensMentalHealthWeek
Find a service closest to you > https://t.co/GElYzGH0Bo pic.twitter.com/isBIUp3BBh— The Children's Society (@childrensociety) February 4, 2019
CAMPAIGN
This year, the campaign is focusing on being healthy inside and out, meaning it’s important to look after our physical health, but equally important to take care of our mental health, too.
Some of the key things that can affect the mental health of young people include worries over school work and homework, being bullied, and arguments with friends and family: Place2Be found that over half (56 per cent) of school pupils worry “all the time” about something to do with their school life, home life, or personal life.
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SUPPORT
It can be daunting to speak out about how you’re feeling, but a problem shared is a problem halved. Whether you open up to your parents, a sibling, teacher, friend, or even reaching out to a charity for confidential help, you’re taking the first step to combat the problems you’re experiencing.
For more information, or for support, contact any of the charities below:
Samaritans
Call: 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.org
CALM
Call: 0800 585 858
Webchat: (hours 5pm-midnight everyday)
MIND
Call: 0300 123 3393
Text: 86463
Email: info@mind.org.uk
**Cover image credit to @chibirdart**
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