Psychologists Open Up On Mental Health Awareness Day

Today marks the 25^th annual Mental Health Awareness Day, and to illustrate the mental health issues faced by young people today, Year 12 psychology students led the lower school assembly on that theme.

Six pupils from Year 12 led this morning’s Lower School assembly to highlight the mental health issues that may, at some point, challenge our students. The Psychology students started by reading a testimony of someone suffering from depression, and went on to explain the reality of mental health.

“Our mental health is just as important as our physical wellbeing; both need exercise and care. Mental illness affects many of us at some point in our lives and is therefore very important that we take advantage of the fantastic pastoral support we have at Shiplake”

As an eye-opening demonstration, the speakers asked all of the Year 9 pupils in the chapel to stand up. Of the 200 pupils in the church, the 65 Year 9s represented the proportion of the population who will experience mental health problems at some point in their lives. 

Here are some of the statistics they shared:

-In 2013, almost 4 million cases of mood disorders were reported in the UK

-Worldwide, as many as 615 million people suffer with anxiety and depression

-5,668 suicides were reported in the UK in 2016, 75% of which were committed by males

-10% of children aged 5 to 16 years old have a mental health problem. 70% of these children and adolescents have not received help yet

-More than 1 in 10 people will have a mental health condition in their lifetime.

So what can we do to prevent these conditions, or what can be done to help people who are already suffering? The most helpful thing you can do for someone who is struggling with their mental health is to talk to them, and to listen to them. Invite them to take a walk with you; fresh air and sunshine does the world of good for someone, for example, with depression, who may not feel capable of doing anything more than staying in bed. The charity mentalhealth.org.uk offers ways of boosting awareness and recommends ways of helping. They offer ‘Tea and Talk’ sessions in which people suffering with mental health issues are encouraged to attend to talk to other people, who may also be struggling, over a nice cup of tea.

If you feel you may be struggling with your mental health, talk to any of the pastoral or teaching staff here at Shiplake College. Not only will they offer an ear, but they can also give some amazing advice. The school also offers an amazing counselling service which has already helped many pupils, boys and girls, to open up about their feelings and in turn has helped their mental well-being.