Page 18 - Atlantic Coast Lines - February 2019

Children’s Mental

Health Matters . . .

Did you know that three children in every classroom have a diagnosable mental health condition?
This includes depression, anxiety or an eating disorder (YoungMinds.org.uk)!

As a child I always felt sick when I was going on a school trip, it was just something that happened to
me but I didn’t understand why! It was only as an adult that I realised I was suffering with anxiety
and had been for all of my life. Thankfully we are now starting to talk more freely about anxiety, de-
pression and other mental health issues and awareness is increasing every day. Having been a prima-
ry school teacher for the past 12 years I have successfully hidden my own anxiety from others but the
saddest thing is that I have witnessed more and more young people who were struggling with theirs.
I became a teacher as I wanted to inspire the next generation but if their wellbeing and resilience is
challenged by their own mental health then they won’t be ready to learn and enjoy life.

During February and March the focus on children’s mental
health will be highlighted during Children’s Mental Health Week
(4-10th Feb) where the theme is Healthy: Inside and Out and the
International Day of Happiness (20th March). All children need
the opportunity to recognise that their emotions are normal and
part of life but learn how they can manage these for example,
learning breathing techniques that can be used when they are
feeling anxious (these also work for grown-ups too). A brilliant
technique is Take 5 Breathing as you can do this anywhere.

Another important way to sup-
port children with their mental
health and grown-ups too is to
say a daily positive affirmation
like the ones below, practice saying them whilst looking in the mir-
ror, with a silly voice, in the car, shower etc . It will feel strange to
start with but the more you are positive about yourself then your
wellbeing and self-esteem will improve.

You can download
your monthly free
positive affirmations
calendar from Relax
Kids (www.relaxkids.com), pop it on your fridge so
you see it every morning. Another great free resource
is the monthly calendar from Action for Happiness
(www.actionforhappiness.org/calendars) which in
February focuses on being friendly.

If you want to find out more about Relax Kids Classes
in North Cornwall including tips on how to relax your
child and you, then follow the links below.

Sophie
Relax Kids Coach and Mummy