It’s Children’s Mental Health Week. An annual initiative designed to raise awareness about the critical importance of children’s mental health and well-being. This week-long campaign aims to nurture positive mental health in young people, offer valuable resources for parents and educators, and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health challenges in children.
The theme explored for this year is Know Yourself, Grow Yourself!
What is Children’s Mental Health Week?
Children’s Mental Health Week is an essential campaign dedicated to highlighting the emotional and psychological well-being of children and teenagers. It provides a platform to address the various mental health challenges young people face, including stress, anxiety, depression, and other concerns. The focus is on the importance of early intervention, fostering open communication, and building strong support networks for both children and their families.
Throughout the week, schools, organizations, and communities unite to raise awareness about mental health, offer educational resources, and encourage healthy mental health practices. It’s a time to inspire positive change, provide guidance, and ensure that mental health is a priority in the lives of young people.
Children’s Mental Health Week is observed in the United Kingdom during the first week of February. In 2025, it will take place from February 5th to February 11th.
Below we explore comments by Lisa Gunn, Mental Health Prevention Lead at Nuffield Health
“The state of children’s mental health in the UK is currently worse than ever, with a recent report revealing that 53 percent more children being referred to emergency mental health care in the last year.
The child mental health crisis is also evident in findings from Nuffield Health’s Healthier Nation Index, where people with children cited mental health as one of the most present health challenges amongst their friends and family. This was particularly true for parents with children under 18 living at home.
The fact that mental health services are becoming overwhelmed with the increase in cases could be one factor which is causing more people to decline, as many will likely be turned down or refused treatment.
As identified by The Royal Foundation, one factor contributing to the decline could be anxieties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, while UK children’s charity Action for Children identified financial worries amid the cost-of-living crisis and pressures associated with social media.
Parents of children who are struggling with anxiety and mental health are now experiencing their own mental health issues. But how can parents support their children whilst also protecting their own mental health?
Parents struggling with their child’s mental health decline are more likely to experience their own issues, like anxiety, lack of sleep, reduced focus, stress, and low mood.
To tackle this in a way that’s healthy for both the parent and their child, it’s important that the parent has a strong support network or seeks advice from a mental health professional, so they don’t feel alone.
Friends and family are a good place to seek emotional and physical support from. Emotional support could be a simple chat about how you’re feeling, to identify stressors and establish better ways of coping.
In these circumstances, it’s vital that children maintain a routine and parents dealing with their own mental health concerns may find it hard to cope with the pressures of everyday life. Friends and family that are more removed from the situation may be better equipped to help with practical things like housework, mealtimes, bedtimes and school pick up and drop-offs.
And it’s also beneficial to discuss the option of making adjustments at work with your employer. Flexible working solutions enable parents to balance their professional and personal lives, adapt their schedules to access medical appointments and be more present in both roles.
Meanwhile, parents should also consider seeking the help of a medical professional like a GP or mental health expert. Support services like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) provide third-party support for anyone experiencing problems with their mental health – and will give parents the tools they need to support their loved ones, too. They may help the parent learn how to recognise changes in behaviour and emotions, as well as teach them coping techniques about how to control and regulate them.
Other options include seeking help from a specialist charity like Mind, Anna Freud or Barnados, who can provide information, advice and support for parents and their children in need.
It’s ok not to be ok sometimes, and struggling with your own mental health or having a child with mental health problems doesn’t make you a bad parent.
Remember you are not alone in your struggles. It’s always ok to seek support from others if you are struggling with your or your child’s mental health. Looking after your own mental wellbeing will allow you to support others better”.
How to Get Involved
Here are several ways you can participate in Children’s Mental Health Week and support the mental well-being of children:
- Engage in Conversations: Start discussions with children and young people about their feelings and emotions. Encourage open and non-judgmental dialogues to help them express their thoughts and concerns.
- Organize Activities: Schools, communities, and youth organizations can plan activities and events that promote mental well-being. These can include mindfulness exercises, art therapy, or workshops on managing stress.
- Spread Awareness: Use your social media platforms and other communication channels to share information about Children’s Mental Health Week. Highlight the importance of addressing mental health from a young age.
- Access Resources: Utilize resources provided by mental health organizations and educational institutions to learn more about supporting children’s mental health. Share these resources with parents, caregivers, and educators.
- Fundraise through the week – Link here for your fundraising pack!
History of Children’s Mental Health Week
Children’s Mental Health Week was established to address the growing need for awareness and support regarding children’s mental health issues. The initiative recognizes that early intervention and a supportive environment can have a significant impact on a child’s mental well-being.
Over the years, it has grown into a nationwide campaign that encourages everyone to prioritise children’s mental health.
Children’s Mental Health Week plays a crucial role in emphasizing the significance of mental well-being from a young age. By participating in this campaign and promoting positive mental health practices, we can contribute to the well-being of the next generation.
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