How many of us can say that we are always in a state of comfort, health and happiness? We may want to aspire to it, but do we give it enough focus? Which steps can we take towards this state of wellbeing and how do we encourage young people to prioritise theirs in a world that persistently demands their time and attention? This blog aims to highlight some of those steps and strategies from which we can all benefit.
As we are very aware, there has been much to challenge our state of wellbeing over the past two years and as we seem to turn towards society resuming “normality”, we should do so with an increased awareness of self-care and understanding for our own mental health and wellbeing.
We relaunch our Wellbeing Blog in a timely fashion to mark Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week 2022 which focuses this year on the theme: Growing Together. During tutor time this week, we have devoted space to reflecting on our own state of wellbeing and how we can strengthen our connections with others. We all need a network of support, safety and care. As a result of the pandemic, we have seen an increase in feelings of isolation and disconnection from others as well as the activities that we enjoy. Feeling connected with ourselves and others is a cornerstone of our wellbeing. Disconnection can therefore convince us that we are the only ones to feel the way that we do, depleting our ability or propensity to communicate to others how we are feeling and seek help and support when we most need it.
This week, we have focused on two key areas linked to the theme of “Growing Together”:
Firstly, our students had time to share what helps them as individuals when they are struggling, for example: “I turn off my phone and play with my dog”, or “when I’m struggling, a walk outside can help to lift my mood”. This seemingly simple activity enabled students to engage constructively with each other; share some practical tips for getting through struggle days, and crucially realise that every one of us has days when we need support to focus on and aid our wellbeing. Displaying the personalised tips on post-it notes provided visual reminders that are all too easy to forget when our mind feels crowded or our mood feels low.
What helps you on struggle days? Place a visual reminder on a mirror, by your bedroom door or on the refrigerator as a nudge to do the thing that your mind and body benefits from.
Secondly, we also reminded ourselves to engage with our ‘Network of Safety’. This process guides us to map out who we can and should talk to when we are feeling unsafe and in need of support. We use the Protective Behaviours model to connect with who we can choose to talk with if we need to reach out and ask for help. We should all review our safety networks regularly.
Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week gives us an opportunity to talk more openly about our mental health, but it is only the starting point for an important, ongoing conversation. Raising awareness is just the beginning; keeping the conversation going to prioritise our wellbeing, health and state of happiness is the objective as we continue to grow together in our understanding and awareness of the complexity of being human.
For more information: childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk
Below: Examples of students' 'struggle tips' from this week's tutor time.
by Lisa Whittington, Director of Wellbeing, Values and Skills.
