Sir William Ramsay School

Introduction to Mental Health

Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. We all have mental health. Our mental health affects how we think, feel and act. It also impacts on how we cope, interact and form relationships with others, as well as our daily functioning.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as:

Being able to cope with life's stresses
Realising your abilities
Learning well
Working well
Contributing to your community

Mental health is an essential part of health. Some characteristics of good mental health include:

Being able to learn
Being able to feel, express, and manage a range of emotions
Being able to form and maintain good relationships
Being able to cope with change and uncertainty

Sometimes our mental health can cause us problems - when our emotions become increasingly overwhelming and difficult to manage, they can affect our ability to live life as we normally would do.

We address many issue in our Safeguarding Newsletters, these can be found in the Safeguarding Newsletters Section.

Immediate Sources of Support for Mental Health

If you feel that your child is in need of immediate support, the NHS are the best people to consult.

Your GP
Call 111 or consult NHS 111 online NHS 111 online

Call 999 if it is an emergency and your child needs urgent help

It is best to talk to your child about your concerns if you can.

Mental Health

www.kooth.com

Online mental wellbeing community - free, safe and anonymous support.

www.youngminds.org.uk

A charity that offers information and advice to young people, parents and carers. Their website includes an A-Z guide to mental health and a parents helpline, as well as numerous resources aimed at providing direct support to young people. Includes support for parents concerned about their child’s gaming habits.

www.minded.org.uk

Educational resource on children and young people’s mental health for all adults.

www.getselfhelp.co.uk

Self-help on a wide variety of topics.

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

Mental Health support for young people.

https://giveusashout.org/

Shout is a confidential and free 24/7 text messaging service to support those who are struggling with their mental health.

CAMHS Buckinghamshire

CAMHS - Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. Your GP or the school can make a referral. The website has links to other services you may find helpful as well as information on what to do in a crisis and different types of mental health concerns.

Bucks MHST

Bucks Mental Health Support Team (MHST) - supports children and young people who have difficulties with their mental health and emotional wellbeing, including anxiety, low mood and challenges with behaviour, confidence and self-esteem. Provide support both individually and in groups to young people and parents. Referrals are made via school so please speak to your Head of Year or Pastoral Lead.

YES Wycombe

Youth Enquiry Service (YES) - provides free and confidential support, information and counselling to young people living in the High Wycombe area. Call 01494 437373