Mental Health
It was so lovely to see so many parents attend the online meeting with Nottinghamshire’s Mental Health Support Team (MHST). It was a great opportunity to discuss common aspects of mental health with children, exploring some of the signs and symptoms and how the Mental Health Support Team at school might be able to support you as parents. We hope the session was helpful to you. If you would like further support or information on courses they discussed, please email office@st-peters.notts.sch.uk FAO Miss Fisher. Here are some online resources and extra reading that the MHST recommended.
Recommended Reading for Infant and Primary
- Helping Your Child with Fears and Worries - Cathy Creswell
- Starving the (anxiety, depression, stress, anger or exam stress) Gremlin – Kate Collins-Donnelly
- You’re a Star/ Don’t Worry be Happy/ Be Strong / Be Yourself / Be Brave / Sometimes I’m Anxious – Poppy O’Neill
- The Incredible Years - Webster-Stratton (for behaviour that challenges)
Online Resources:
For Parents
- https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/for-parents/
- Local mental health advice and help for young people in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. | NottAlone
- https://teenmentalhealth.org/parents/
- https://www.papyrus-uk.org/
Mental Health Support for Adults
- https://www.nottinghamshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/nottingham-city-and-county
- https://www.trentpts.co.uk/self-referral
Self-Referral to CAMHS or by contacting MHL at school
Tips for Supporting your Child’s Mental Health
Starting a conversation
“You don’t understand”
Non-judgemental approach
Don’t try to fix it; encourage them to come to their own solutions
Drive the VAN – Validate, Acknowledge and Normalise
Say what you see
Me and you vs. the problem, not me vs. you
Talk about others and their mental health
Car conversations
The take away messages: “thank you for sharing”, “I’m here for you”, “I love you and nothing will ever change that”
What can I do?
Don’t blame yourself!
Be a role model
Talk openly about mental health in the home
Encourage and demonstrate wellbeing habits; connect, be active, be curious, keep learning and give.
1:1 time
Communicate