Feelings, emotions and mental wellbeing
Not only do mental health problems greatly impact the emotional and physical wellbeing of a child, but they can also affect the whole family – parents, siblings, grandparents – those who most want to help and actually may not know exactly how to.
It can be greatly upsetting and distressing to know your child may be showing signs of mental ill-health. Even when your child is slightly ‘out of sorts’, it can be hard to know when or whether to be worried, how to approach the situation, or where to turn for support.
There are lots of organisations that offer mental health help, both locally and nationally.
Help can come in many ways from one to one support with a counsellor, online forums and chat rooms to websites with useful tips on handling situations.
The most important things is that if you are worried about your child you seek advice and help early.
We All Feel It
Some people find it harder to talk about their mental health than others, and this can leave them feeling isolated or alone.
Whatever’s going on inside, #WeAllFeelIt, and Childline can help you get it out.
Call for free on 0800 1111
Signs to look for
Some of the signs to look for in your child becoming withdrawn more irritated or angry than usual changes in sleeping patterns - tired or won't sleep changes in eating patterns - no appetite feeling lethargic or hopeless persistently sad or tearful |
Talking about Mental Health
NHS advice if you are concerned about your child's mental health.
Emotional wellbeing and mental health directory
Sandwell directory for children, young adults and their families.
Meet Ollee, a virtual friend developed by Parent Zone and funded by BBC Children in Need’s A Million & Me. Aimed at 8-11 year olds and their parents, Ollee helps families talk about difficult topics.
Starting a conversation with your child
Young Minds fun activity ideas, conversation starters and advice to make talking easier and help you and your child.
Advice for children and young people
NHS advice if things are getting too much.
Talk to your child as much as possible. If they don't want to talk to you as their parent, ask them if another family member, perhaps a grandparent or aunt or uncle could chat with them about their feelings. Don’t interrogate them. Try to encourage your child to open up about what’s going on in their life and how they feel about it. Make sure this is a two-way conversation by opening up about the things you happen to be worrying about (but be careful not to make the whole conversation about you). Reassurance is important. Children should feel safe and happy with lots of confidence and energy. Knowing that they have love and support will help your child navigate through their negative feelings. Encourage them. Do positive activities, play sport, get some exercise, meet friends, join a club, focus on something they really enjoy doing. Act early. If you feel something is not quite right, talk to your GP, your child's school, other family members who know your child well. Seeking support early on is important for both child and family. Keep calm and try to stay in control of the situation. Be positive with your child. Try not to make them feel they are "bad" or "not normal". Reassure them that it's okay to be not okay. Get help. There are lots of online helplines and forums where you can get professional support and talk to other families going through similar situations. Knowing you are not alone is very important. |