DG p9 Mental Health Nov09.qxp 19/11/2009 11:14 Page 9
mental health
Mental and emotional
health and well being
Mental and emotional health are an essential part of good general health and well-being. There
are strong links between the mental and emotional well-being of children and their personal and
social development. It helps children to learn when they feel safe and valued, feel good, are
relaxed and focussed and are able to enjoy being with others.
These links show that children need healthy, supportive and l Celebrations of learning
stimulating environments with a clear focus on, and l Eco Groups
commitment to, helping them develop high self-esteem and l Outdoor learning
good relationships. With such support, they are more likely to l Art and drama
become confident, happy and able people.
The Curriculum for Excellence recognises the importance of
What is mental and emotional well being? mental and emotional well being and includes specific
Mental health is... a state of well being in which the individual learning experiences and outcomes for all children and young
realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal people
stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is
able to make a contribution to his or her community Where to get help
Mental well being is…the health of the mind, the way we There is a range of people who can offer advice or support
think, perceive, reflect on and make sense of the world about mental and emotional well being:
Emotional well being is…recognising, understanding and l School Nurse
effectively managing our feelings and emotions l Educational Psychologist
However, we know that, at any one time, one in 10 children l CAMHS
and young people experience mental health problems that l Home Link Worker
have an impact on their thoughts, feelings, behaviour, learning l GP
and relationships on a day-to-day basis.
How parents, carers and families can help
Parents, carers and families have a vital role to play in
nurturing positive mental and emotional well-being in your
children.
l providing a supportive home environment
l offering stimulating and fun experiences
l helping build confidence and self-esteem
l supporting children as they learn to build a good
relationships
l giving children and young people the opportunity to talk
about things that concern them and listening to what they
have to say
l maintaining good links with the school that your children
attend.
l letting your child’s school know if there are any issues or
concerns that may affect how they feel and behave
Schools are also working to help develop children mental and
emotional well being, for example:
l Active learning
l Golden time
l Buddying
l Circle time
l Peer support
l School clubs
l Enterprise projects
l Pupil support
Dumfries and Galloway | first link magazine 9
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