Emotional wellbeing is just as important as our physical health and wellbeing, despite it not always being a visible concern. As pupils progress through school there will be times when their experience can become stressful, particularly as they enter examination periods. It is therefore important that we focus on ensuring their emotional wellbeing is being taken care of.
Click on the image below to watch a short video on mental health.
- the Pupil Support Unit (PSU)
- heads of year and form tutors
- the SENDCo and the learning support team
- the Orchard Centre inclusion team
- the safeguarding and wellbeing team (including our BACP Accredited school counsellors)
- our pupil premium mentors
- our Sixth Form team
- the senior leadership team
If you are in need of support and are not sure who to contact, please just get in touch with either the school reception or PSU and we will ensure you get through to the right team.
For more information on what our counsellors can offer, please click here (for pupils) or here (for parents/carers).
A little more on wellbeing…
A decrease in emotional wellbeing can lead to times of stress, depression and anxiety and, in turn, can contribute to physical ill health such as sleep disturbances and lack of energy. It is important that we are able to spot the signs of this and learn ways in which students can develop resilience and challenge their emotions in order to focus on a more positive mind-set.
We all go through times in our lives where we feel sad, anxious or angry and whilst most of the time these feelings pass, they sometimes develop further leaving us feeling down for longer periods of time. Therefore it is important to spot the signs and know when we need to access support and talk about how we are feeling.
Mental wellbeing encompasses many factors such as:
- The sense of feeling good about ourselves and being able to function well individually or in relationships
- The ability to deal with ups and downs of life, such as coping with challenges and making the most of opportunities
- The feeling of connection to our community and surroundings
- Having control over our lives
- Having a sense of purpose and feeling valued
It does not mean being happy all of the time and it does not mean that you won’t experience negative or painful emotions, such as grief, loss or failure, which are a part of normal life. However, it is important that we can spot when these emotions last longer and we do not feel our usual self.
Good Mental Health
Good mental health is not just the absence of a mental health problem but the ability to recognise and manage different qualities and emotions within yourself to stop the development of such problems.
- The ability to learn
- The ability to feel, express and manage a range of positive and negative emotions
- The ability to form and maintain good relationships with others
- The ability to cope with and manage change and uncertainty.
Spotting the signs
Click on the image below to watch another video.
- Agitated/irritable
- Withdrawn/lack of enjoyment
- Poor Self-Care/low self esteem
- Low mood/Hopelessness/worrying a lot
- Not sleeping well
There are a wide range of mental health problems such as anger, anxiety, depression, OCD and eating disorders. For a further insight into the range of problems please visit this link.
Five steps to positive mental wellbeing
Research suggests there are five steps we can take in order to improve our well-being and get the most out of life.
Connect
Relationships are critical for promoting wellbeing and evidence suggests that feeling close to, and valued by others contributes to good mental wellbeing. It is important you connect with people to increase your feeling of happiness and self-worth.
- Make time every day to spend with your family and talk
- Talk to someone instead of sending a text and ask how they are
- Speak to someone new
- Arrange to meet up with friends and/or family you haven’t seen for a while
- Ask how someone’s weekend was and really listen when they tell you
- Put five minutes aside to find out how someone really is
Be Active
Today, why not get physical? Here are a few ideas:
- Exercise is so important and is associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety promoting good wellbeing.
- Go for a walk at lunchtime
- Walk or cycle to school
- Get off the bus one stop earlier than usual and walk the final part of your journey to school
- Have a kick-about in a local park
- Do some ‘easy exercise’, like stretching, before you leave for school in the morning
- Join an extra-curricular sporting activity.
Take Notice
Being aware and present, taking notice and savouring moments can help you to reaffirm your life priorities. It can help you to reflect, understand and make positive choices. Take some time to enjoy the moment and the environment around you. Here are a few ideas:
- Take notice of the environment around you
- Have a ‘clear the clutter’ day
- Take notice of how your friends are feeling or acting and try to support them
- Take notice of your own feelings, write them down.
- Take a different route on your journey to or from school
- Visit a new place for lunch
Learn
Why not learn something new today?
As we go through life it is important to continue learning. It enhances self-esteem and encourages social interaction and a more active life. The opportunity to engage in something new supports good mental health. Here are a few more ideas:
- Find out something about your friends and family. Ask questions!
- Sign up for a class or activity
- Read the news or a book
- Do a crossword or Sudoku
- Research something you’ve always wondered about
- Learn a new word.
- Learn to play an instrument
- Learn a new hobby
Give
Research suggests that people who show a greater interest in supporting and helping others are more likely to be happy within themselves. Even the smallest act can count, whether it’s a smile, a thank you or a kind word.
- Smile, say hello, thank you, how are you?
- Help someone if they look like are struggling
- Hold the door open for someone
- Help out at home around the house
- Donate unwanted items to charity
- Volunteer
For more information visit this link or click on the image below to watch a video.
