We are committed to supporting schools and their communities in developing and encouraging good mental health
The Education Team are committed to supporting schools and their communities in developing and encouraging good mental health that enables all to flourish and live well together.
There are a range of resources and training opportunities that support schools as well as individual support that can be accessed via your linked school adviser.
Wellbeing is a state of being that includes a person’s physical, mental, emotional and social health. It is more than just happiness; it includes a person’s sense of purpose and satisfaction with their life.
When people feel good about themselves, they control their lives and decisions successfully. Wellbeing can be influenced by social, economical and environmental conditions. How someone feels, can have an impact on their personal health.
Some factors that can influence wellbeing include, positive friendships and relationships, a fulfilling career, to be financially stable, a nutritious diet, enough sleep, spiritual beliefs, hobbies and leisure pursuits and a healthy self-esteem.
Wellbeing is strongly linked to happiness and life satisfaction.
Life is made up of all sorts of good and bad times, and it is perfectly normal to experience a mixture of these, even within one day. Some of these things might impact upon a person’s wellbeing, mental health or a combination of the two.
Mental health is a complex issue influenced by many factors. For children, these might include situations such as: peer pressure, self-esteem, sexuality and gender, ethnic identity and racial prejudice, body image, traumatic events, difficulties with friends, school pressures, family issues, relationships, bullying, physical illness, world issues and social media.
Although most people have resilience, those who are exposed to adverse circumstances; including poverty, violence, disability and inequality, are at higher risk of developing a mental health condition.
The ability to know yourself well, take care of yourself mentally, spiritually and physically, is vital to cope with everyday challenges and constant change.
Overthinking is a symptom of stress.
Overthinking is when you try to prepare for every worse-case scenario, believing it will help you feel more in control.
Overthinkers have been conditioned to believe that being perfect keeps them safe, so they over analyse, to avoid criticism or judgement. Because of overthinking, the nervous system is on high alert, and the brain is processing everything as a potential threat, even when it isn’t. When overthinking is the default way of coping, it is not just a habit, it is a nervous system response.
The body has two main stress responses, fight or flight and freeze mode. In fight or flight mode, the body is hyper alert, scanning for danger at all times. In freeze mode, people overthink to avoid action, creating an illusion of control. In both cases, the body is unable to relax. The brain’s amygdala (the fear centre) stays on high alert. The body is then flooded with the stress hormone, cortisol. In this stressed state, it is harder to think clearly, problem-solve or focus.
Chronic overthinking takes a toll on the mind and body. People may become exhausted from mental overload and have trouble sleeping, because the brain will not switch off. There may be a struggle with physical pain and tension in the body, which can cause headaches. Digestive issues are caused by this type of prolonged stress. Overthinking is not anyone’s fault. It is the body’s way of protecting you. However, calming the nervous system can help one break free from the cycle and create real change. Taking on and enjoying hobbies, being in nature, saying prayers or mantras, spending time with family and friends, saying ‘no,’ remembering to breath correctly, and ‘good self-talk,’ help to calm the stress in the body.
‘It is not the thing that makes us feel bad, but the thoughts about the thing!’ The only thing you ever have any control of, is your current thought.
In our stressful everyday lives, how can we make ourselves happy? Happiness is a choice, that you can make, and a skill that you can develop. This skill consists of a set of numerous actions and steps that can have immediate effect or be a lifelong journey.
Read more, to find out how you can help yourself, your family or your work colleagues.
We also have a range of resources for both pupil and staff in our mental health and wellbeing pages and the links below.
Useful links and sources of support for children, young people and school staff to access advice and help for mental health and wellbeing needs.
You will notice someone is having a Panic Attack when their breathing becomes very shallow and fast. They may also start to feel very hot or very cold.
HSPs make up 20% of the population but may make up a bigger percentage of the teaching profession.
