Are our children and young people really increasing experiencing mental health difficulties?

The evidence for a real upswing in the incidence of distress in our young is building:

• One in eight (12.8%) 5 to 19 year olds had at least one mental disorder
• Specific mental disorders were grouped into four broad categories: emotional, behavioural, hyperactivity and other less common disorders. Emotional disorders were the most prevalent type of disorder experienced by 5 to 19 year olds in 2017 (8.1%)

(NHS Digital; Mental Health of Children and Young People in England, 2017)

Action may be taken by the family, or others around our children, and responsibility also lies with schools, as well as healthcare providors.

For families, teachers and other supporters, you can:

• Train as a Youth Mental Health First Aider 
• Learn more about managing stress
• Build your resilience and that of your young people 

For schools and other organisations, you can:

• Teach children how to be well, rather than ill – empower them to look after their wellbeing
• Apply positive psychology approaches
• Growing up in our digital world can be very stressful – skills in managing tech., and hyperconnectivity are key
• Provide stress management workshops
• Encourage resilience 
• Produce, implement and communicate a mental health plan within the organisation
• Develop mental health awareness among your community
• Routinely monitor mental health and wellbeing in your organisation.

For plans, policies and audit consultancy services, please contact hello@Ed4Health.co.uk as a first step.