Hazel Health’s Post

#ChildrensMentalHealthWeek When was it launched and why? Every year from the 5th-11th of February is Childrens Mental Health Week Awareness, this was launched in 2015 in the UK and each year, hundreds of schools, children, parents and carers take part in this awareness campaign. Now in its 10th year, and this year's theme is 'My Voice Matters'. Being a child in today's world is in some respects far more challenging than years before. Many children find themselves having to navigate an ever-increasing and demanding world system. Children's Mental Health Week is important because it brings attention to the mental wellbeing of our young ones. It highlights the unique challenges children face and emphasizes the need for support, understanding, and early intervention. Why should you care? •2.2 million children have lived with a parent or guardian who has died •5 million children feel their family can't cover the basics like food and housing •7.7 million children have lived with someone who had a drug or alcohol use problem •6.1 million have lived with someone who had a mental health illness or was suicidal •2.9 million experienced discrimination due to their race or ethnicity •5.2 million saw or heard physical abuse between adults in their home •36% experienced bully behavior •6.2 million have been victims of violence or saw it in their neighborhood How big is the problem? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), "10-20% of children and adolescents experience mental disorders." WHO offers a few other insights to consider. • 50% of all mental illnesses begin by age 14. • 75% occur by the mid-20s • Neuropsychiatric conditions are the leading cause in many regions. • Neuropsychiatric conditions or disorders is a broad term used to describe diseases that negatively affect one's ability to learn, work, and emotionally cope. Addictions, Eating Disorders, Mood Disorder Sleep Disorder, Psychosis, Neurotic Disorders, and many more. Why should we advocate for it ? It can be easy for some people to dismiss the importance of understanding this subject. These individuals might think, "I got through it, so everybody else should be able to." You might have even heard someone say, "Toughen up," "Be a man," "You fight like a girl," or "You're bossy." Imagine for a moment how a child, whose prefrontal cortex is not completely formed, interprets these words. What message do they receive? If you were ever a recipient of these kinds of phrases, or attitudes, how has it affected you? Sometimes we forget or choose to forget that when we dealt with these issues it was not fun and we did suffer. Ultimately, Children's Mental Health Week is a time to advocate for the well-being of our children, ensuring they grow up in a world that values and supports their mental health. It is an opportunity to come together as a community and make a positive impact on the lives of our youngest generation.

𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒: Youth Mental Health Landscape: Upstream Prevention and Downstream Intervention by NUS Social Service Research Centre (SSR). The conference was successful, attracting over 600 attendees both offline and online. The three distinct panel sessions offered valuable insights, methods, and strategies for preventing and intervening in youth mental health issues and promoting overall well-being. After attending the conference, I've developed several intriguing ideas for mental health research. 📍 Ecosystem in healthcare and social care 📍 Co-creation for enhancing youth mental health 📍 Sustainable support and services 📍 Human-AI collaboration and safety in youth mental health 📍 Youth flourishing Some highlights from the event were shared with the media: https://lnkd.in/gKJ73hsT

Check out the latest in child mental health research. This month, the highlights include: - supporting CALD young people with their mental health and wellbeing in Australia - group interventions in a community-based mental health service for self-harming and suicidal youth - the impact of maternal health on child’s health outcomes during the first five years; and - positive and adverse childhood experiences and mental health of children. https://bit.ly/4aPthWi

Children's Mental Health Week is yet again set to make a difference to the lives of children and young people across the Yorkshire region by shining a spotlight on the importance of positive mental health. This national campaign runs between 5th to 11th of February and will see schools and agencies across the county promote this important campaign to children. The Children's Mental Health Week campaign provides opportunities for children and young adults to have important conversations about mental health with teachers, their friends and peers and professionals and help to destigmatise those who may need additional help or support. Children who need additional help may feel isolated and unable to share how they're feeling with others. Supporting positive mental health outcomes gives a sense of wellbeing and help put worries and concerns into perspective. It is important that children and young adults know where there is support and connections that can be put in place to help them. From talking to a friend, family member or teacher or reaching out and being referred to other agencies such as CAMHS or Yorkshire Children's Trust. What is CAMHS? CAMHS stands for Child and adolescent mental health services. It's a free service run by your local NHS and is made up of medical and mental health professionals. CAMHS can help if you're going through mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, hearing voices, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts. Everyone at CAMHS is there to support you and help you get better. Your experience of CAMHS will be unique to you and you can look up what mental health support services are available in your local area on the NHS website. What can Yorkshire Children's Trust do? Yorkshire Children's Trust provided a combined person-centred approach to supporting mental health in children over six years old (and under 18). We work with a range of methods such a play therapy, journaling, art therapy, CBT and other talking therapies. The charity provides a secure, safe and confidential space to talk about your worries and concerns. Although not a free service, we heavily subsidise our sessions and they start from just £20 a session. Again we tailor our support to each child to offer the most effective approach to reaching a positive outcome.

🌟 Recognizing Early Signs of Mental Illness in Children 🌟 As parents, it’s crucial to recognize the early signs of mental illness in children. Early detection can prevent long-term distress and improve overall outcomes. Here’s what you need to know and actionable strategies to support your child. Introduction 📖 My journey with my child's mental health began when I noticed changes in their behavior. It was a difficult time, but recognizing the signs early made a significant difference. Common Early Signs 🧩 Behavioral Changes: Look for increased aggression, withdrawal from social activities, or sudden changes in behavior. These can be indicators that something is wrong. 😔 Emotional Signs: Persistent sadness, excessive fears, and intense mood swings are red flags. Emotional changes often manifest before physical symptoms. 🏃 Physical Signs: Frequent headaches, stomachaches, or unexplained injuries can be a child’s way of expressing distress. 👥 Social Signs: Difficulty making friends, avoiding family interactions, and losing interest in activities they once enjoyed can indicate underlying issues. Actionable Strategies 🗣️ Open Communication: Create a safe space for your child to express their feelings. Listen actively and validate their emotions without judgment. 🗓️ Routine Establishment: Consistency provides a sense of security. Maintain regular schedules for sleep, meals, and activities. 👩⚕️ Seek Professional Help: Consult with pediatricians or mental health professionals. Early intervention can provide the necessary support and treatment. 🎒 Involve the School: Work with teachers and counsellors to ensure a supportive school environment. 🧘 Self-Care for Parents: Taking care of your own mental health is crucial. Seek support, practice stress-reducing techniques, and balance caregiving with personal time Conclusion 🌈 Recognizing the early signs of mental illness in children is the first step towards providing the support they need. By taking proactive steps, you can help your child navigate their challenges and thrive. Let's create a supportive environment for our children's emotional well-being! 🌟 #ChildMentalHealth #EmotionalWellbeing #MindwellProgramme #SupportForChildren #EarlyIntervention

Addressing the Adolescent Mental Health Crisis: A Call for Change In light of a recent conversation with Dr. Vivek Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon General, featured in The New York Times, it's evident that the adolescent mental health crisis is demanding our immediate attention and action. Dr. Murthy has bravely pointed out the dire situation of rising suicide rates and self-harm incidents among young people, attributing part of the problem to the relentless “hustle culture” and societal pressures. As the founder and owner of R.O.D. Coaching, a recovery and life coaching company dedicated to helping adolescents and young adults navigate through mental health and addiction challenges, this topic hits close to home. Not only have I personally journeyed through recovery, valuing purpose, passion, and happiness above material success, but I also ensure that these principles are at the heart of our work with clients and their families. The pressure that parents unknowingly put on their children, coupled with societal expectations, as highlighted in the article, are contributing to a toxic environment leading to addiction and mental health issues. We see it every day, and it's a pattern that needs to be disrupted. At R.O.D. Coaching, our mission is clear: to shift the narrative. We are committed to guiding our clients away from living up to everyone else’s standards and instead, leading them towards their own personal pursuits of passion, purpose, and happiness. It’s a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and empowerment. Our foundation of success is built on instilling values that matter, values that sustain mental well-being and foster genuine fulfillment. We stand with Dr. Murthy in his mission to address this crisis and are devoted to being part of the solution. Let’s change the narrative together. Let’s prioritize mental health and well-being. Let’s inspire our young generation to live authentically and pursue what truly makes them happy. #AdolescentMentalHealth #RecoveryCoaching #LifeCoaching #MentalHealthAwareness #PurposeDrivenLife #BreakingTheCycle #ChangeTheNarrative https://lnkd.in/gZWRkm_j

It was already a challenge, even before the pandemic: helping young people and their families navigate Canada’s complex, fragmented mental health system. But experts say COVID could also serve as a catalyst for much-needed change, an opportunity to make meaningful improvements. Just like the rest of us, young people are spending more time than ever in front of screens; up to 7.5 hours per day, in the case of high school students. But those same apps and social media sites that are taking up more of our days could also be a force for good, as long as we use the right ones, in the right ways.In honour of World Mental Health Day, this episode of RBC Disruptors delves into the potential risks and rewards of our growing dependence on technology during the pandemic. Host John Stackhouse sits down with two leaders in the field of youth mental health; Doctor Joanna Henderson, clinical psychologist, and director at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, and Doctor Yuri Quintana, the Chief of the Division of Clinical Informatics at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He also hears from Shauna MacEachern, the executive director of Frayme, which leads a global network that connects young people with mental health and social services here in Canada and around the world.Together, they discuss the explosion in the number of health and wellness apps that are available, how those apps can and should be evaluated for effectiveness, and what else needs to happen in order to break down barriers to accessing mental health services in Canada. You’ll also hear about the importance of collaborating with youth, and involving them in the development process, in order to ensure their needs are being met by a system that has historically failed to do so. To learn more about the organizations mentioned in this episode, and the important work they’re doing, you can visit their websites: The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterHomewood Research InstituteFrayme: Youth Mental Health ResourcesYou can read the announcement about RBC’s partnership with HRI to study the effectiveness of mental health apps HERE. If you or someone you know is in need of mental health support, help is available. Visit the Government of Canada’s Mental Health Support page for links and phone numbers.

Jennifer (Jay) Palumbo at Forbes says, "The alarming increase in childhood mental health challenges demands a collective effort to address and overcome this crisis. As society evolves, the importance of mental health awareness becomes even more critical. The partnership between Modern Health and Naomi Osaka, along with the expertise of Sharon (Lo) Adusei, PhD, HSP, exemplifies a forward-focused approach to nurturing emotional well-being in the next generation. Families can pave the way for healthier, more resilient futures through open dialogue, resources, and a commitment to proactive well-being." https://lnkd.in/eUyjDRzS

Really interesting research paper showing the potential power and impact of PCEs (Positive Childhood Experiences) on life long wellbeing and mental health outcomes which can even act as a counteractive measure towards ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences). The challenge now is how can we proactively take this knowledge and seek to embed it into family support initiatives alongside the early years and primary education system to maximise the potential for children to experience these PCEs on a daily basis?💛🌱🌍 Thanks for sharing Graham #childrensmentalhealth #mentalhealth #wellbeing #childhooddevelopment #aces #pce #schools #teachers #earlyyears #parents #childdevelopment #family #community #adversechildhoodexperiences #positivechildhoodexperiences

Check out our recent blog on our 2023 Achievements and recent changes this winter at Partner for Mental Health...