As we settle into our new routines, we realise that the current circumstances impact all of our pupils differently. Your child’s wellbeing and mental health are very important to us, and we would like to support families to maintain their child’s wellbeing, or seek support where required. While some of our pupils may be happy and content with their routines at present, other children may be struggling with home learning/ attending school at the moment. All of our staff have recently taken part in training to help us to identify any children who are struggling at present and offer support.
The link below is a video for children with some information and coping strategies to do with dealing with uncertainty, produced by the Gateshead Psychological Service.
All of the below can be symptoms of stress in children, if sustained over a period of time.
Symptoms of stress in children
- Have become irritable, tearful or clingy
- Difficulty getting to sleep
- Disturbed sleep pattern (waking during the night)
- Have bad dreams
- Start wetting the bed (when previously dry)
- Changes in appetite
- Have angry outbursts
- Avoidance of everyday activities such as going to school or seeing friends
- Struggling to concentrate
- Lots of negative thoughts or beliefs that “bad things are going to happen”
- Seem unable to face or cope with everyday challenges
Below is information of services in our local area who can offer help and support. If you have any concerns about your child’s mental health and wellbeing, the school will always be happy to listen to your concerns, help your child as much as we can and support you to seek help. Contact the school office and ask for your child’s class teacher.
Help for stress in children
- GP
- Gateshead/Newcastle CYPS 0191 246 6913
- Young Minds youngminds.org.uk (* they have a 24/7 crisis text service)
- NHS RISE Service rise-ne.co.uk
- Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services resources https://www.camhs-resources.co.uk/
Self-help suggestions
- Talk to your child and offer reassurance that there is HOPE – things can improve.
- Practise breathing exercises in reps of 3
- Practise distraction techniques
- Try to maintain daily structure and routine in their lives, including bed-time routine.
- Encourage exercise outdoors in nature
- Promote listening to music
- Promote watching material that makes your child laugh or engage in “silliness” to create fun and release tension
- Plan small, achievable goals
- Have a “worry box” at home or at school