Trigger Warning: references to depression, self-harm, anxiety.
When we discuss children’s mental health, it’s easy to get lost in the numbers. Statistics from our recent report “Disturbing currents: Wellbeing and mental health of children in Wales”, reveal a daunting reality. But beyond the figures lies a deeper, more personal story – one filled with the emotional turbulence that too many families across Wales are living on a daily basis.
Emily’s Journey: A Mother’s Perspective
Take, for instance, the story of Emily on the Young Minds website. Emily was a vibrant and sociable child whose life took a drastic turn in Year 8. Her mother recounts, “Primary school was easy. Emily was outgoing, sociable, loved her drama classes. Secondary started well: new friends, good grades. She seemed positive. Then, in Year 8, things went wrong.”
The transition to secondary school brought unexpected difficulties. Detentions, warnings, and eventually, a complete withdrawal from school life followed. Emily’s experience during the pandemic only compounded her struggles, leading to severe anxiety and depression, culminating in a serious self-harm incident. Her mother’s account provides a glimpse into the isolation and helplessness parents feel: “It was deeply distressing; for Emily mainly, but also for me. Witnessing your child’s mental health decline rapidly is terrifying. It was also very isolating.”
Resilience Through Adversity
Ex-ruby player Rhys Thomas, and motivational speaker Luke Rees, provide further insights into the profound impact of mental health struggles, not only on the individuals themselves but also on their families. Rhys faced severe health issues, including multiple heart attacks, leading to a significant decline in his mental health. Yet, Rhys’s journey and his advocacy for mental health highlight the power of resilience and the importance of support systems.
You can hear more from Rhys at our webinar “Lessons from a sporting life – helping teachers foster resilience and a growth mindset in all of their students.” on 18th June 2024. To register click here.
From Anxiety to Motivation
Similarly, Luke Rees’s battle with anxiety and depression, and his ultimate decision to transform his life by becoming a motivational speaker, exemplify the strength required to overcome mental health challenges. His story emphasises the importance of believing in yourself and the potential for personal growth even in the darkest moments. Hear more about his story in our webinar recording below.
These personal accounts underscore the importance of moving beyond statistics to truly understand the emotional landscape that families navigate. Our report findings highlight significant areas of concern, such as the impact of peer pressure, social media, and academic expectations on children’s mental health. But it’s the human stories that bring these numbers to life.
Supporting Schools in Addressing Mental Health Challenges
Compass is committed to supporting schools in addressing these challenges head-on. Through our comprehensive MIS, we provide tools to monitor and support student wellbeing effectively.
Our Behaviour and Wellbeing module, Chronicle, enables schools to track student behaviour and mental health in real-time, creating a customised and responsive support system. Automatic communications and wellbeing alerts ensure that no child slips through the cracks. And the ability to set triggers for interventions means that teachers can respond swiftly to emerging issues and provide timely support.
Creating a Supportive Environment for Every Child
While the statistics paint a concerning picture of children’s mental health, it’s the stories behind these numbers that truly resonate. Compass is dedicated to partnering with schools to create environments where every child’s mental health is monitored, supported, and nurtured. Together, we can move beyond the numbers to ensure that no child faces these challenges alone.
For all your MIS needs and support in implementing these strategies, reach out to Compass Education. Our team of experts can provide tailored solutions to help your school create a nurturing and supportive environment for student success.
