This week we have been marking World Mental Health Day (10 October) by reflecting on the increasing public awareness of young people’s mental health struggles. 

In our tutor sessions, we have been listening to some of these excellent Audible sessions as a prompt for sharing our thoughts on how we can all be looking out for each other, and making sure that we are mentally and physically fit, in and out of the boarding houses.

We acknowledged that sometimes it’s hard to work out when young people are struggling. Some of the signs:

• Anxiety
• Anger
• Shyness

can be a standard part of growing up! But it has been helpful to talk about when we see that these characteristics could tip over to illness over time.

We talked about our coping skills – how about trying one of these today?

“I know from a friend’s experience how important it is to talk, to speak up! Now I take time to speak to my friends, to my school tutor, even to myself! It really helps me to straighten things out in my mind” Tiffany, 15

“Sport is the best remedy for me – running, but also any of the school team sports.” Albert, 15

“Listening to music, going for a run, getting enough sleep, eating healthily. All of these are really helpful for me.” Lila, 14

“Let your emotions out – sometimes it’s good to have a good scream!” Agathe and Harry, 15

In the words of the mantra for Mental Health Awareness Week: ‘It’s Okay not to be Okay”!

Read more at: http://youmatter.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ok-not-ok/