An estimated three children in every classroom have a diagnosable mental health problem, rising to one in four when we include emotional distress (Young Minds, 2018). At Barnwell School, we are very aware of the challenges that young people face daily and want to help support our students in learning how to manage these worries and stresses.

How to recognise signs of poor mental health in young people?
There are many signs of poor mental health, these are not limited to, but may include:
• Feeling low – unhappy, miserable and often lonely
• Feeling more anxious or agitated than usual
• Losing motivation and interest in life
• Moodiness and irritability
• Fatigue and lack of energy
• Difficulty concentrating
• Tearfulness and frequent crying
• Feeling guilty or bad, being self-blaming or self-critical

Some young people also:
• Put on or lose weight
• Stop caring about the way they look or about keeping clean
• Do too much work
• Stop attending school
• Withdrawing from family, friends and regular activities
• Have sleep problems

Although it's normal to feel down, anxious or stressed from time to time, if these feelings affect your daily activities, including your studies, or don't go away after a couple of weeks, make sure you speak to someone and get help. This can be a friend, parent/carer, or even a teacher of your choice. If you are unable to speak to someone face-to-face, or don’t feel confident enough to make this approach, then please email wellbeing@barnwell.herts.sch.uk.

In the meantime, feel free to use the links to organisations and services below which are extremely helpful and provide excellent guidance for young people who are finding it difficult to manage their emotional well-being and mental health:

Hertfordshire counselling services
https://kooth.com/ - Free, safe and anonymous online support for young people
www.tilehouse.org - provides free professional counselling for young people in Hitchin and North Herts.
http://stand-by-me.org.uk/ - Stand-by-me bereavement support is here to help children & families in North Herts & Stevenage when someone close to them has died.
www.justtalkherts.org - Young people’s emotional wellbeing information and signposting to help in Hertfordshire

Telephone helplines
Samaritans - are someone to talk to 24/7, 365 days a year call 116 123.
Childline - is a confidential service for young people up to the age of 19. You can contact a ChildLine counsellor about anything - no problem is too big or too small. Call 0800 1111.
CALM – for men aged 15+ 0800 585 858.

Its Ok to not be OK

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