Spotlight on children’s mental health

Children’s Mental Health Week runs from Monday 9th February until Sunday 15th February, and this year the team at YourGP are keen to get behind the campaign and give it our full support. Because we know how important it is to look after our mental health, whatever our age, and the difference it can make to families when children feel seen, understood and supported.

The challenges of modern life

Parents and carers raising children today will be well aware of how much things have changed since our own childhood years. But many concerns still remain the same:

• Family life: From worries about the health of family members to the upheaval of parental divorce.
• School: Feeling pressure to achieve at school, difficulty managing workloads, anxiety about exams, and bullying.
• Society: From crime in the local area to worries about world events and global issues.

Perhaps one of the biggest differences, however, is the rise of social media and the increasing reliance on screentime. We know this is now impacting the mental health of many children from an earlier and earlier age.

Set the foundations for good mental health

Life can throw all sorts of challenges our way, and learning to navigate those challenges and building resilience is all part of growing up. As parents and carers, we can help set the foundations for good mental health in childhood and beyond by:

• Being open: Teaching your children to be open about their feelings and to seek support when they feel pressure will stand them in good stead as they grow up.
• Modelling positive behaviour: Showing children how to recognise and regulate their emotions through helpful tools such as mindfulness and breathing exercises can really help.
• Encouraging healthy habits: Looking after your physical health through regular exercise, a good diet and quality sleep can have a hugely positive impact on your mental health.

Kickstart the conversation

It’s never too early to start having conversations about mental health with your children. If you have any concerns about your child’s mental health, or if you simply want to get advice from an experienced family doctor about the best ways to support a healthy and happy homelife, book an appointment at YourGP using our simple online booking system, email reception@your.gp, or call us on 0131 225 5656 and we’ll be happy to arrange an appointment at a time that suits you.