Well-being and Mental Health

Feeling happy, safe and secure is important to everyone’s well-being and mental health.

Your mental wellbeing is about how you're feeling right now, and how well you can cope with daily life. Our wellbeing can change from moment to moment, day to day, or month to month.

Good wellbeing doesn't mean you'll always be happy. It's normal to feel sad, angry, anxious or low sometimes. But if you have poor wellbeing for a long time you might start to find things more difficult to cope with. 

It can affect the way we feel about ourselves and others, and about the things we face in our lives.

It is important you know what to do if these sad, angry, low mood and anxious feelings stay with you over time. Always know that you can and should ask for help at any time.

Think of an adult you trust either at home, in school, within your family or friends that you could go to if you need help or to talk about how you are feeling.

However you are feeling and how your wellbeing is at the moment, there are things you can do to look after and improve it.

Ways to help with feeling happy and healthy

• Do something creative – drawing, painting, junk modelling, singing, playing a musical instrument, dancing, drama
• Learn something new – baking or cooking; learn a new sport, musical instrument or language;  go to a library or museum; take up a new hobby
• Stay active and take regular exercise- it helps to increase our mood, increase our energy and helps us to sleep better
• Healthy eating and drinking- this  includes eating lots of fruit and vegetables;  drinking plenty of water;  reducing sugary foods and drinks
• Get rest and good sleep- this helps us have more energy, feel more positive and less stressed
• Take time to relax- this helps to feel peaceful and calm, use meditation exercises; see friends; walk in nature; read a book; listen to music
• Be kind to your family and friends- connecting with and helping others can improve our mood;  gives a sense of achievement; boosts our relationship with others
• Reduce screen time- get outside and connect with nature, reduce screen time especially before bedtime

Information from the Mind website  https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/for-children-and-young-people/looking-after-your-wellbeing/

Further information, resources and help with mental health and well-being can be found below. If you struggle with the websites or need information printing out then please let your teacher know.

https://www.mind.org.uk/ 

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/c/children-and-young-people

https://www.annafreud.org/on-my-mind/

https://www.youngminds.org.uk/

https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/information/young-people/well-being/resources

https://www.camhs-resources.co.uk/