As we have been coming together to support each other during lockdown and recognizing children’s mental health, I wanted to share some statistics from the NSPCC. Suicide is the leading cause of death in young people in the UK, so promoting mental health in schools isn’t just desirable – it’s essential. Statistics reveal that:
• 75% of mental illnesses start before a child reaches their 18th birthday.
• 50% of mental health problems in adult life start before the age of 15.
• 10% of school children have a diagnosable mental illness. This means that, in a class of 30 students, three will have a mental health problem.
• 75% of young people with a mental health problem aren’t receiving treatment.
• 51% of young people feel embarrassed about mental illness.
A number of factors contribute to poor mental health in young people, including: exam pressures, bullying, social media, sexuality and identity, Covid-19, peer pressure and grief. Teachers and school staff have a responsibility to promote mental health in schools. Often, even small changes can go a long way in helping somebody feel better. We proactively work with schools with our support options with children being able to leave classes for therapy to promote positive health and well-being at our counselling suite in Halifax town centre.
As a children’s charity we have provided free video support sessions through lockdown and are recommencing face to face sessions in March. We currently have limited availability on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday’s. If you are a family in need of sessions please get in touch today, these statistics are very real and we are here to support children in the region.
#MentalHealth #PostiveMentalHealth #Covid #Bullying #Grief #SuicideAwareness
