Emotional health and wellbeing involve recognising the warning signs when things feel like they're taking a downturn and finding ways to restore balance in your life.
Below, you’ll find more details on each topic area, along with links to local and national support resources for your child.
Worry is something everyone experiences at times. However, worries can become overwhelming and interfere with daily life, even when there's nothing significant to worry about.
Worry can feel a lot like anger – causing your heart to race, making you sweaty, and sometimes feeling sick or lightheaded. These are signs that your body is reacting to a sense of threat.
If your child is feeling worried or anxious, encourage them to talk to someone they trust, such as a parent, a close family member, friends, or teachers.
Further support
Anger is a natural emotion that everyone, including children, experiences.
It's completely normal for your child to feel angry about certain things. However, there may be times when your child seems angry without an obvious reason.
When is anger a concern?
- Physically hurting others
- Frequently shouting at others
- Being destructive
- Losing control
- Self-harming
- Refusing to attend school
- Misusing substances like alcohol or drugs
- Engaging in risky behaviours
Helping your child manage anger
- Encourage them to talk to someone they trust
- Listen to or play music together
- Encourage drawing, painting, or journaling
- Teach them breathing exercises
- Promote physical activities or sports
- Suggest relaxing activities, like taking a bath
- Watch their favourite TV show together
- Share a book
More information can be found below:
A positive body image is crucial for mental and emotional well-being, as it fosters self-esteem and confidence, and can be improved through self-compassion, focusing on health over appearance, surrounding oneself with supportive influences, and challenging unrealistic societal standards. If you are struggling with body image, you can access further support. (need booklet to link too)
Bullying can happen anywhere and for various reasons, affecting over 1 million young people each year. If someone physically harms or verbally abuses your child, it’s considered bullying. Bullying may happen as a one-time event or continue over a prolonged period.
Types of bullying to be aware of:
- Cyberbullying
- Homophobic and Transphobic bullying
- Bullying through social networks
- Faith and Religious based bullying
- Racism and Racial bullying
- Discrimination, Hate Crimes, and Equality issues
Bullying can leave children feeling isolated, worthless, lonely, anxious, angry, and lacking confidence. Some children who are bullied may develop depression, anxiety, or eating problems.
Encourage your child not to tolerate bullying - no one deserves to be bullied.
More information can be found below:
Loss and bereavement are challenging experiences, and when your child loses a family member, friend, or pet, it's normal for them to feel sad, low, angry, or anxious. They may experience a wide range of emotions during this time, and it's important to remember that grieving is a personal process. Every child will cope differently, and it's completely normal for them to have both good and bad days.
If your child is feeling overwhelmed and needs to talk to someone, there are support options available. A good first step can be arranging to speak with School or the School Nurse. Remember, your child is not alone, and help is available.
More information can be found below:
Eating disorders are serious and can be life-threatening, impacting both the physical and emotional well-being of your child.
There are many reasons why a young person may develop an eating disorder. These can include social influences, such as unrealistic body images in magazines, peer pressure, and comparisons with others. Genetic factors can also contribute, along with stressors like exams, transitions, or relationship issues.
The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Other food-related issues, like binge eating disorder, can also pose challenges for some young people.
Anyone can develop an eating disorder, regardless of age, gender, religion, or cultural background.
Early intervention is crucial to help your child understand and manage the complex effects of an eating disorder. If you're concerned about your child, it’s important to seek help from a GP as soon as possible.
More information can be found below:
Low mood in children can manifest as feelings of helplessness or hopelessness. It may also appear as sadness, anxiety, or panic. Other signs include tiredness, low self-esteem, frustration, or anger, all of which can contribute to a low mood.
Low moods in children typically improve after a few days to two weeks. Encouraging your child to talk to someone they trust, addressing any ongoing issues, and ensuring they get enough sleep can help. However, if your child's low mood doesn’t improve after a few weeks, it may be a sign of depression, and it’s important to consult your GP for further guidance.
More information can be found below:
Self harm can be a difficult subject to address, but with the right support, your child can overcome it.
Self harm is often a response to emotional distress, where a person intentionally causes physical harm to themselves. It can take many forms, but the underlying aim is usually to relieve the build-up of overwhelming emotions and distressing thoughts.
Helping your child develop healthier coping strategies is key to breaking the cycle of self-harm. Accepting help may be challenging for them, but by doing so, they’re taking an important step toward positive change and a fresh start.
Tips and techniques for preventing self harm
Each person has their own unique coping methods. Consider exploring different techniques with your child, but remember that what works best will vary. Encourage your child to be aware of what helps them manage their emotions, as they know themselves best.
Further support
Suicidal thoughts and feelings can affect anyone, including children and teenagers. These feelings can arise from various factors such as bullying, abuse, relationship issues, or sometimes for reasons that aren’t immediately clear. It’s important for you as a parent to recognize that your child is not alone in this struggle.
Children and teens may contemplate suicide for several reasons, including:
- Desire to end pain: They may feel that suicide is a way to stop their emotional or physical pain.
- Escape from negative feelings: They might believe that ending their life will take away their distress.
- Desire for recognition: Some may think that their death will show others how much they are suffering.
- Need for Control: They might feel that suicide is a way to regain control over their lives.
It’s crucial to remind your child that there is always hope and support available. Encourage them to reach out to trusted family members or organizations like Childline or Papyrus, which offer help 24/7. If they are in immediate danger or need urgent support, contact emergency services by calling 999.
Be aware that substances like drugs and alcohol can impair judgment and exacerbate feelings of distress. It’s essential to help your child avoid these substances, as they can worsen suicidal thoughts.
If your child has access to anything that could cause them harm, help them dispose of it safely. Encourage them to spend time with someone instead of isolating themselves. Open, honest communication can make a significant difference in helping your child feel supported and understood.
Further support