Wellbeing
Mental Health Support
Stem4
Provides support and resources to improve common mental health issues at an early stage.
Kooth:
An anonymous site which helps children and young people to feel safe and confident in exploring their concerns and seeking professional support.
Early Intervention Foundation
An independent charity and What Works Centre which champions and supports the use of effective early intervention for children with signals of risk.
Student sexual health directory – https://youtu.be/VrI5AhcjwY4
Mind for Families: https://mindedforfamilies.org.uk/
NHS mental health provision - https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/parents-a-z-mental-health-guide/getting-help-for-your-child
Anxiety
Anxiety is a natural response which is useful in helping people to avoid dangerous situations and motivating us to solve everyday issues. Anxiety can vary in severity from mild uneasiness through to terrifying panic attacks. It can vary in how long it lasts, from a few moments to many years. Anxiety disorder may be caused by environmental factors, medical factors, genetics, brain chemistry, substance abuse or a combination of these.
Symptoms of anxiety include:
Physical effects such as palpitations, chest pain, rapid heart beat and flushing
Unrealistic and/or excessive fear and worry about past or future events
Mind racing or going blank
Difficulty making decisions
Confusion
Avoidance of situations
Distress in social situations
Urges to escape situations that cause discomfort
Anna Freud
Helpline 08000562561
How teachers and education staff can effectively manage anxiety (educationsupport.org.uk)
Anxiety UK
An organisation that helps all those suffering with anxiety disorders.
No Panic
A registered charity that helps people who suffer from panic attacks, phobias, OCD and other anxiety related disorders.
OCD Action
Information and support for Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (OCDs) and related disorders.
CBT Online
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy self-help site
Depression
The National Instutite for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) defines depression as :
“A loss of interest and enjoyment in ordinary things and experiences, having low mood and a range of associated emotional, cognitive, physical and behavioural symptoms”
Symptoms of depression include:
Effects on emotions e.g sadness, guilt, anger mood swings, hopelessness
Effects on thinking e.g frequent self-criticism, self-blame, worry, pessimism, impaired memory and concentration
Effects on behaviour e.g crying spells, withdrawal from others, neglect of responsibilities
Physical effects e.g chronic fatigue, lack of energy, sleeping too much or too little, overeating or loss of appetite
YoungMinds
YoungMinds is the leading charity committed to improving emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people and empowering parents and carers
ChildLine
A counselling service for parents, children and young people.
The Mix
The UK’s leading support service for young people.
Students Against Depression
www.studentsagainstdepression.org
This organisation offers information and resources validated by health professionals alongside tips and advice from students who have experienced it all themselves.
Glossary of terms for mental health Click here