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Our next Parent Workshop will be on Monday 11th November at 10am. We will be focusing on Positive Behaviour Support and strategies that can be used to support our pupils.
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Oaklands School

Building Foundations for Fulfilling Futures

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Oaklands School

Building Foundations for Fulfilling Futures

Mental Health

Mental Health

 

Mental health is about how we think, feel and behave. One in four people in the UK has a mental health problem at some point, which can affect their daily life, relationships or physical health. One or two in every 100 people will experience a more severe mental illness such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

NHS Direct Wales, 2019

 

Growing up is never easy and, for children with SEND particularly, there are many things that can trigger mental ill health.

 

Risk factors;

As with all situations, there are certain factors that may increase risks of poor mental health

  • Parental issues (e.g. substance/alcohol abuse, mental health issues, parent in prison)

  • Loss within the family (e.g. parents who separate or divorce, bereavement)

  • Experience of abuse (physical, sexual or emotional) or neglect

  • Experience of being severely bullied

  • Living in poverty or experiencing homelessness

  • Being a young carer

  • Experiencing significant issues at school

 

Although autism is not a mental health condition, around 70-80% of children (Simonoff, E. et al 2008) and autistic adults (Lever, A.G., Geurts, H.M., 2016) have experienced mental health problems. Many young autistic people felt that these problems stemmed from the pressure to act ‘normal’ in a neurotypical (non-autistic) world. 

 

Useful sources of information about mental health;

 

Mental health in young autistic people (autism.org.uk)

YoungMinds | Mental Health Charity For Children And Young People | YoungMinds

Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families

Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families

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