Mental Health

According to 2022 NHS statistics, 18.0% of children aged 7 to 16 years and 22.0% of young people aged 17 to 24 years had a probable mental disorder. In children aged 7 to 16 years, rates rose from 1 in 9 (12.1%) in 2017 to 1 in 6 (16.7%) in 2020.

The World Health Organisation state that mental health difficulties impact cognition, emotional regulation and / or behaviour. Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health difficulties.

Children with social, emotional and mental health difficulties may display passive behaviours such as:

• Anxiety
• Low mood
• Being withdrawn
• Avoiding risks
• Unable to make choices
• Low self-worth
• Isolated
• Refusing to accept praise
• Failure to engage
• Poor personal presentation
• Lethargy/apathy
• Daydreaming
• Unable to make and maintain friendships
• Speech anxiety/ reluctance to speak
• Task avoidance

Children with social, emotional and mental health difficulties may display active behaviours such as:

• Challenging behaviours
• Restlessness/over-activity
• Non-compliance
• Mood swings
• Impulsivity
• Physical aggression
• Verbal aggression
• Perceived injustices
• Disproportionate reactions to situations
• Difficulties with change/transitions
• Absconding
• Eating issues
• Lack of empathy
• Lack of personal boundaries
• Poor awareness of personal space