EMOTIONAL
HEALTH &
WELLBEING

Just as people’s bodies can become unwell, people’s minds can become unwell too. Mental health problems are more common than you might think, on average there are three children in every classroom with a mental health problem. Just as there are different kinds of physical illness and different ways to treat them, there are also different types of mental illness and different types of treatments for them. Mental illness can be something people find hard to talk about.

Below are five things that, according to research, can really help to boost our emotional health & wellbeing, the links will take you to NHS choices website for more information.

Connect with the people around you: your family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. Spend time developing these relationships. Learn more in Connect for mental wellbeing.

You don’t have to go to the gym. Take a walk, go cycling or play a game of football. Find an activity that you enjoy and make it a part of your life. Learn more in Get active for mental wellbeing.
Check out the life central page on physical activity for local services and information.

Learning new skills can give you a sense of achievement and a new confidence. So why not sign up for that cooking course, start learning to play a musical instrument, or figure out how to fix your bike? Find out more in Learn for mental wellbeing.

Even the smallest act can count, whether it’s a smile, a thank you or a kind word. Larger acts, such as volunteering at your local community centre, can improve your mental wellbeing and help you build new social networks. Learn more in Give for mental wellbeing.

Be more aware of the present moment, including your thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you. Some people call this awareness “mindfulness”. It can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges. Learn more in Mindfulness for mental wellbeing

If you are worried about how you are feeling there are loads of places you can get support and advice. You could talk to a friend, family member or trusted adult, your school nurse or GP. In some circumstances your GP may refer you to CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service). You can find out more about CAMHS by clicking here

Alternatively you will find a list of organisations you can contact on the Young Minds website.

The Shelf Titles are part of a national scheme aimed at improving emotional health and well-being.

The library service can lend you books to support your emotional well-being. The Shelf Help booklist is aimed at young people, and offers advice about issues such as bullying and exams, as well as mental health conditions such as anxiety, stress and OCD. The titles have been chosen and endorsed by professionals. Copies of the titles are available for loan from the Central Library. More details can be found on the library web pages.