Emotional health and wellbeing

Mental health for children and young people

Many mental health conditions show their first signs in childhood. If they’re left untreated, they can develop into conditions which need regular care. Good mental health allows children and young people to develop resilience. They can grow into well-rounded, healthy adults. 

Things that can help keep children and young people mentally well include:   

• being in good physical health, eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise   
• having time and the freedom to play
• being part of a family that gets along well
• going to a school that looks after their wellbeing
• taking part in activities for young people 

Causes of stress and anxiety

Around 1 in 8 children and young people experience behavioural and emotional problems or experience stress and anxiety. For some, these will resolve with time. Others will need professional support. Causes can include:

• moving home  
• not having what other children have  
• the absence of a parent  
• picking up on parental stress/anger/anxiety  
• starting a new school
• illness  
• inconsistent routines  
• inconsistent boundaries  
• the loss of a family member, loved pet or a key person in their life  
• long journeys  
• change  
• birth of a brother or sister

Spot the signs

There are ways to spot when something is wrong. Look out for:

• significant changes in behaviour   
• difficulty sleeping   
• withdrawing from social situations   
• not wanting to do things they usually like   
• self-harm or neglecting themselves 

Everyone feels low, angry or anxious sometimes. But when these changes last for a long time or are significantly affecting your child, it might be time to get help. 

You know your child better than anyone. If you're worried, think if there has been a significant, lasting change in their behaviour. This could be:

• at home, school or college
• with others or on their own
• or in relation to specific events or changes in their life

What to do in an emergency

Always call 999 if there is a risk to life.

How to get support

If you are worried about your child’s mental health, speak to your GP. You may be referred to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). This is the NHS service that assesses and treats young people with emotional behaviour or mental health difficulties. 

Find out more about the support you can get from CAMHS.

The following organisations can help:

• Walsall School Nursing Service works in partnership with children, young people and their families to support their health needs
• Swing - Walsall bereavement support service
• Beacon - support service for addiction (drugs and alcohol)
• Dorothy Pattison - intense mental health support
• House on the Corner offers a range of counselling services

You can also download our Student Mental Health resource tool kit which is located below: