Spot the signs this Children’s Mental Health Week

Here at Harding Evans, we are acutely aware of the devastation that can be caused when young people suffer with severe mental health issues. Our solicitors are currently representing several families in actions against the authorities where tragically, their children have taken their own lives after battling with severe depression, anxiety or psychosis. We are committed to supporting initiatives like Children’s Mental Health Week, which raise awareness of the need to give vulnerable children the support and medical help they need.

Even before the pandemic began, studies showed that children’s mental health was deteriorating, with the prevalence of anxiety, depression and self-harm all on the increase, particularly among teenage girls. Over the last two years, it is not surprising that the numbers of children who are suffering have now reached record levels with many young people finding themselves in a cycle of increasing distress as they struggled with home school and their families facing financial hardship.

The pandemic and associated lockdowns have clearly amplified some of the best-known triggers for self-harm and poor mental health, namely arguments with parents, feelings of isolation, and the pressures of social media. Hopefully, with restrictions now being lifted in the UK, these pressures will start to ease but we all need to be mindful that the pandemic will have had a lasting impact on the mental health of many children.

What is Children’s Mental Health Week?

Children’s Mental Health Week was first introduced by Place2Be in 2015 to shine a light on the importance of children and young people’s mental health. Eight years on, Place2Be are continuing to encourage more people to get involved and take the time to talk about the issues surrounding children’s mental health. From 7^th to 13^th February, youth groups, organisations, schools and families across the UK will be raising awareness and encouraging children and young people to get involved in local events.

This year’s theme is Growing Together, which encompasses growing emotionally and finding ways to help each other grow. Being able to openly talk about your own growth is a good way to reflect on your own feelings while also helping other people to express theirs.

What can affect children and young people’s mental health?

There are many things that can affect children and young people’s mental health. Often, big changes can trigger a change in someone’s mental health. These changes could be:

• Death or illness in the family
• Parents separating
• Moving school or moving house
• Tests and exams
• Relationship and friendship problems

It is really important to know what signs to look out for so that you can recognise them and know when to give extra support.

One obvious sign is when you notice a sudden change in a child’s behaviour as this could indicate that something has changed for them or that they are worried about something. Aches and pains can also be a sign of poor mental health, as anxiety can manifest into physical pain. It is also worth listening to how a child talks about themselves and checking for any negative thoughts or low self-esteem. There are all sorts of other signs too, from picking arguments and having problems sleeping to avoiding school and being more attached to you than usual, but others are harder to spot.

What can I do at home?

There are all sorts of things you can do at home to support your child. A good place to start is regularly asking how they are, without feeling like you’re nagging them. This gets your child used to talking about their feelings and makes it clear that you are providing them with a safe space to talk if they want to.

Another way to give your support is to show a real interest in their lives and the things that are important to them. Not only does this help them value who they are as a person, but it can also make it easier for you to recognise any problems they might be having. Building positive routines can also make a real difference. When you introduce a structure that revolves around regular routines, like healthy eating and exercising, it can really boost your child’s mental and physical health.

Do you need support?

In our line of work, we know all too well that children can be adversely affected by any big things that are going on in their lives or are affecting their families, from break-ups and disputes to accidents and domestic violence. Often, the stress and upset caused by these situations can be overwhelming for the adults involved, not to mention the children. If you ever need any legal support regarding your children or children you are concerned about, please contact Harding Evans on 01633 244233 or email hello@hevans.com.