Mental Health – turn on, check in, reach out

As the clocks go back and the nights get longer, the arrival of GMT can signal a challenging season for our mental health. Hot chocolates and cosy nights in are fun, but overcast days and wet playtimes, not so much. So, with winter on the way, what better time to continue our look at children’s mental wellbeing? Grab a blanket and get ready to turn on, check in and reach out.

In our last blog, we looked at the reality of the mental health struggle children face today. This time we’re going to focus on how we can play our part in supporting positive mental health. The deal is real, but we can all be a light in the dark.

First, we all need to turn on to mental wellbeing. Thankfully now more than ever, mental health is in the public eye, but it can still get surrounded by confusion and stigma. The charity Mind helpfully describes mental health as being about the way we think, feel and act. Like physical health, it’s just a part of us and runs on a spectrum. Ignore its bad boy reputation and feel free to talk about it, be aware of it and treat it kindly.

But how? There are actually some simple things that can help us take care of a child’s mental wellbeing. Making sure they eat a nutritional, balanced diet and get enough sleep is something basic, but brilliant. There is a big link between mental and physical health, plus you get the bonus of ticking two boxes in one go. Likewise, regular exercise and outdoor activities help maintain a healthy body and mind. Time for play or interests is also key, reducing stress and building self-worth.

Next, it’s important to regularly check-in. A bank clerk can spot a forged note in a second because they are so used to handling the real thing. Guaranteed, a child is more complicated than a tenner, but there is a crossover principle. The better you know a child in your care, the more chance you have of noticing if anything in their behaviour changes due to a mental health condition.

We know foster children especially are not always an open book, but the wellbeing reward is worth the effort. Regularly spend time with them doing something they enjoy and ask how they are doing, so they get used to being relaxed around you and talking about their feelings. Our mental health gets a boost when we feel loved, understood and safe, so it’s really a win-win.

Finally, reach out. Be pro-active and reach out if your child needs help with anything. Whether it feels like a big or a little deal to you, take anything they say seriously and work on things with them. If you’re not sure where to start, check out these online guides for information and support. And never feel guilty about speaking to your GP. Lastly, but not least-ly, reach out to your own friends or support network. Helping a child with their mental health is not always easy, remember to look after you too!

We’re 100% here for you at Footprints as well, so if you have any questions on mental health support for carers or children, please contact us. We love a good chat, oops check-in.