What is Mental Health?

Mental health includes social, psychological and emotional well-being. Mental health refers to the ability to function and deal with daily life and everything it represents.

The phrase ‘mental health’ is often thought to refer to mental health problems. It is the case, however, that everyone has mental health. People have times when their mental health is good and also times when it isn’t. Mental health can vary over time, just like physical health.

Mental ill health is a phrase used to describe a range of conditions which can lead to changes in feelings or behaviour. These conditions include; anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders and psychosis. This is not an exhaustive list.

One in ten children experience mental ill health and over 50% of mental health illnesses start before the age of 14.

If you have any concerns relating to mental health, you can contact your school’s safeguarding team for support or signposting to additional help.