| We all struggle to cope at times, particularly when there are major life events, or if we live in situations where there are many risk factors. These struggles are normal. However, children may need to be offered extra support when: |
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- their struggles last longer than would be expected
- they have a cluster of things to cope with and several signs of struggle
- they experience these feelings so strongly they interfere with everyday life.
If you are worried about a child or young person you are working with, there are a number of things you can do.
- read our a – z of conditions to find out more about the condition you think the child may be displaying.
- talk to the child and ascertain whether there are problems at home or at school which could be contributing the behaviour.
- talk to your colleagues about your concerns
- stay calm
- avoid labelling or blaming
- familiarise yourself with the roles and remits of other agencies
- let the child know that you appreciate their efforts in helping you to see that there is a problem and for sharing that with you
- talk about how problems have been tackled by and for the child in the past
- tell the child that there are limits to confidentiality as their safety is paramount and you may have to let others know of the problems
- if possible, help the child to sort and prioritise issue into those to do with self, family, school, etc
- help the child identify his or her own coping strategies and strengths
- do what you can to support, call for help as soon as you feel out of your depth
- discuss the situation anonymously with an appropriate professional
- ask the child how he or she is, make time to listen, but don’t ask for details
- ask if it will be ok to involve parents and carers, or let the child know if that is your intention
- help and encourage the child to have positive experiences through leisure or work
- help the child to find an appropriate time, place and way to express their feelings.
The suggestions made here for offering support to a child you feel to have a mental health need are neither judgemental nor intrusive. But they should ensure that a child feels listened to, the situation is neither minimised nor inflamed and you do not step outside your professional remit and knowledge base.