The 10th of October is World Mental Health Day, this year the focus is on young people and mental health in a changing world. It’s good to see that mental health is becoming a topic more widely discussed in the media. As terms such as 'Mental Health’ and ‘Mental Health Problems' are becoming more widely used it may be helpful to keep in mind what positive mental health means. Having good mental health will include a persons capacity to accomplish key actions including:-
Learning
Feeling, expressing and managing a range of positive and negative emotions
Forming and maintaining good relationships with others
Coping with and managing change and uncertainty
Looking at these functions, it is clear to see why mental health practitioners such as Counsellors and Psychotherapists working in learning environments such as schools and colleges are key. We know that mental health difficulties directly impact on our capacity to take in new information and engage with others, consequently young people with mental health difficulties will likely have significant challenges meeting their academic potential along with problems making and sustaining relationships. This has an enormous impact on self-esteem and how a young person is likely to view themselves and their future. For anyone wishing to learn more about mental health difficulties, the Mental Health Foundation is offering a series of downloadable publications free through their website, an example of the topics covered are:- understanding mental health, self harm and reducing stress and anxiety.
I am a child and adolescent psychotherapist (UKCP Registered); a counsellor; arts and play therapist based in Arundel, covering Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire. You can contact me here.