What are the signs and symptoms of poor mental health?
This blog post uses content from our Mental Wellbeing training course that was developed in partnership with YoungMinds - the leading mental health charity who are leading the fight for a future where all young minds are supported and empowered, whatever the challenges.
There are many signs and symptoms to look out for that may indicate a child or young person is struggling with their mental health. Every young person is different so it is important to think about each as an individual.
If we ask ourselves ‘what are the signs that would worry me or make me want to find out more?’, we will come up with a list that often comes down to a change in behaviour from what is ‘normal’ for that particular young person. For example, a child who is usually very well behaved and quiet then becomes loud and aggressive, or a child who is usually very sociable and contributes a lot becomes withdrawn and isolated.
Some signs and symptoms of poor mental health
- Not taking care of their appearance and/or hygiene.
- Absence from school (or sickness – often in adolescence, young people will experience physical symptoms of anxiety or stress before they can necessarily articulate the issue; for example, being sick before coming school).
- Socially isolated and/or withdrawing.
- Erratic behaviour or mood swings.
- Risk-taking behaviour.
- Anger and aggression.
- Not being able to concentrate and seeming distracted.
- Avoiding friends and avoiding activities they used to find fun.
- Missing regular appointments.
- Seeming jumpy or nervous for no obvious reasons.
- Panic attacks.
- Tired in school.
- Change in appetite.
- Lack of aspiration or not being able to predict positive things happening in the future.
Behaviour is communication
One of the most important things to remember is that all behaviour is communication. All young people's behaviour is a communication of an underlying issue that they need help with. Until they get help with the underlying issue, the behaviour will be very difficult to change. This is particularly important with issues such as conduct disorder and self-harm.
It is vital to create a safe and non-judgemental environment for young people to talk about, and
How to make a difference
Here are some of the things that young people have said that they want people to know, and some of the things YoungMinds have found to be the most important in making a difference for children and young people.
- Build relationships. Spotting the signs and symptoms of possible mental health issues relies on having a relationship with that
child, so that you can notice when their behaviour is different from what is normal for them. The more relationships a child has, thebetter, because it is more likely that they will feel safe and comfortable enough to speak up when they are struggling. - Observe (with ears as well as eyes).
- Be emotionally available.
- Create a climate where children feel able to access resources.
- Reflect not react.
- Understand behaviour is communication.
- Make information available.
- Be prepared to take the first step.
- See the world from their perspective – it might look very different.
- Value appropriate opportunities for a child to take decisions and responsibility.
- Hang on in there – it might be a long and rocky ride.
What can you do?
- Create a positive culture where everyone is helped to understand the positive impact they can have on young people’s mental health. All staff can be empowered to create safe and nurturing spaces and relationships with young people, making the most of all interactions. Very like safeguarding, the mental health and emotional wellbeing of children and young people is everybody’s business.
- Listen non-judgementally.
- Acknowledge the child or young person’s emotional distress.
- Encourage the young person to identify their own support network and encourage them to access other types of support.
- Recognise your limitations and refer to appropriate services when necessary. Often staff may feel that there is no point referring young people to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) via appropriate local pathways, as there are often long waiting lists and high thresholds. However frustrating this may be, it is vital to refer young people as early as possible to get the help and support they need.
- Explain to young people what is going to happen next.
- Make sure that you have time and space to reflect and look after yourself too. Dealing with complex behaviour and young people struggling with their mental health can be draining, upsetting and exhausting. It is important to debrief with managers or peers to ensure that you are well supported.
Mental Wellbeing online training course
The above information was taken from EduCare’s Mental Wellbeing in Children and Young People training course written in partnership with YoungMinds.
As well as looking at signs and symptoms, this course also covers myths and the stigma associated with mental health issues. It provides advice on how to support children with their mental health and emotional wellbeing.
This course costs £28.50 and you can buy online today or the course is included as part of EduCare’s bestselling training course package which combines a wide range of courses such as Child Protection and Online Safety with a robust reporting suite to evidence learning all in one cost-effective bundle.
Get in touch to find out more
FREE WEBINARS
Ask the experts
Some of our expert partners deliver short presentations about some key safeguarding & duty of care issues. Click below to sign up for upcoming webinars and also to download recordings of previous webinars in this series.
