Mental Health & Well-being

Your mental health is important. Having an awareness of how your mind works in controlling your behaviour is really important.

At your age you are growing and learning - which is great! But you also have hormones floating around your bodies which can sometimes make you feel low. That is ok. It is normal. It will not last forever.

Did you know that something as simple as thinking positive thoughts can actually improve your mood? Your brain is incredibly clever and produces a chemical called serotonin when you think happy thoughts, which helps us to feel good. Likewise, when we become bogged down with negative thoughts, we release cortisol which can make us feel worse. So the next time you notice you feel a bit low, imagine something nice…it might help.

If you notice a change in your mood that lasts longer than usual, please talk to someone about it. Sometimes simply having a chat will help. Sometimes you might need a little more help - and that is fine too! Feeling low is nothing to be ashamed of.

The main thing to remember is that you are not alone.

We have found a variety of relevant websites and associations which you might like to have a look at. We think they are great.

Keep talking. Keep smiling. Keep being you.

• Apps
• Be Kind Campaign
• BUH: Mental Health & Wellbeing Booklet
• Kooth: How to Sign Up
• Meaningful May Calendar
• Newsround: Why It's OK For Boys To Cry
• Stress Me Less Tips
• The Linking Network: Secondary Ideas & Resources
• ThinkUKnow: Home Activity Packs
• We All Have Mental Health
• Young People's Support Services

Our Youth Mental Health First Aiders are Mrs. Flowers and Mrs. Ragan.