Mental Health

Young People

Mental Health is a growing concern in young people and can impact their overall wellbeing.  Just like physical health, mental health can change over time and young people may experience periods where they feel worried, stressed or overwhelmed.

Adolescence is a crucial development period for social and emotional habits which contribute to their mental well-being. It is important young people have healthy sleeping patterns, exercise regularly, develop coping strategies and resilience, problem solving and interpersonal skills and how to manage their emotions.

At Acklam Grange we take a proactive approach to ensure the safety of our young people however if you are worried about a young person’s mental health, please contact a member of our safeguarding team.

Young people can experience a range of mental health difficulties, and these may affect how they think, feel or behave.  Experiencing these feelings does not mean the young person will always have a long-term mental health condition however if they are persistent, it is important to get the correct support.

Some common challenges include:

• Anxiety/Stress- feeling constantly worried, nervous, overwhelmed or pressured
• Low Mood or Depression-feeling persistently sad, hopeless, lacking motivation
• Eating Difficulties- concerns about food, eating habits or body image
• Emotional Regulation Difficulties- finding it hard to manage strong feelings such as anger, frustration or sadness
• Psychosis- experiencing hallucinations or delusions that impairs their daily life

Self-Harm and Suicidal Thoughts

Some young people may experience feelings of extreme distress, hopelessness or emotional pain. In some cases, this may lead to self-harm or thoughts about suicide (suicidal ideation).

Self-Harm refers to when someone deliberately hurts themselves as a way of coping with difficult emotions. These feelings can be overwhelming, but it is important for young people to know that support is available, and they do not have to deal with these feelings alone.

Warning Signs may include:

• Talking about feeling hopeless or worthless
• Withdrawing from friends, family or usual activities
• Significant changes in mood or behaviour
• Expressing feelings of wanting to give up or disappear

Ways to Support Young People

• Within school, encourage the young person to access pastoral support and trusted adults.
• Referring to external services when appropriate, such as:
• The GP
• CAMHS
• Counselling and Therapeutic Services
• Parents and Carers can ensure open communication and reassurance
• Accessing wellbeing resources such as calm zones and mental health first aid kits.

Adults

Mental Health for adults is also important, as it can affect personal wellbeing and ability to support young people. Adults may experience challenges like young people however they may face additional challenges such as work pressures, family responsibility and financial concerns.

Useful Support

• Mind Support Line (Safe Space to discuss mental health) 0300 1021234
• Samaritans (24 hours a day 365 days a year) Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen 116 123
• National Suicide Prevention Helpline (Offers a supportive listening service to anyone with thoughts of suicide.)  National Suicide Prevention Helpline | SPUK Suicide Prevention Charity 0800 689 0880

Young People Support Lines

• SHOUT (24/7 text messaging service) – text Shout to 85258
• Hopeline (For children and young people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide) 0800 069 41 41 HOPELINE247 | Papyrus
• The Junction (holistic support services for children, young people and families) Services — The Junction

Anyone who needs urgent, immediate support for their mental health can contact the crisis team on NHS 111 and select option 2 for Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys (TEWV) or dial 999 if you have an urgent concern for yourself or someone else.