Category: Blog

Talking to a child about their mental health can be a difficult subject to raise. A lot of the time, a child may be too young to understand why they might be feeling a certain way or why they might be experiencing different emotions compared to their friends. It can be quite scary for them as well. With the help of Mind, we’ve compiled some tips to help you talk to a child about their mental health in the best way.

Start a conversation

Starting a conversation about their mental health shows the child that it is okay to talk about how you’re feeling. Being honest about your own mental health can also help a child open up if they feel the same way. For a child that might be too young to understand their feelings, try to be open and available to answer any questions they might have.

Check and check again

Once you’ve established that your child might not be feeling like their usual self, you should keep a record of their emotional well-being going forward. You can do this by keeping an eye out for unusual behaviour and talking to them regularly about how they are feeling. A simple way of doing this is to offer them a scale question, for example: “on a scale of 1 – 10, how sad are you feeling?”

Establish what they need

If a child is struggling, establish what they might need in order to make things easier. To do this, you can talk about what they may or may not enjoy at school and whether any stress can be eliminated from this. You can also get involved with the activities they enjoy doing and supporting any friendships they have. You should also always remember to respect their privacy if they need their own space.

It can be hard to talk to a child about their mental well-being. If you feel like you need more help, there are plenty of useful contacts you can use or you can talk to a GP. Always remember that your mental health is a priority too, so make sure you’re looking after yourself as well.

Blue Monday is notoriously known for being one of the worst days of the year. A combination of the cold weather, getting back to work after time off and feelings of low motivation after a long break has seen the third Monday in January crowned the most depressing day in the year. Although this may be the case, it doesn’t have to be for you. Read our top four tips on making Blue Monday a little less blue.

1. Make plans with friends or family members

It’s very common for people to feel worse when they are alone. Making plans to see a friend or family member gives you some company and lifts your mood considerably.

2. Do exercise

Whether it’s having a swim or going for a walk in the park, practising some form of exercise can release feel good hormones that leave you feeling happier, refreshed and calmer.

3. Relax

The start of a new year can be busy and hectic. Taking some time to do something for yourself can have a massive impact on your overall mood and how you feel. Having a bath, reading a book or doing something that you enjoy can help to brighten your day.

4. Be kind to yourself

If you’re feeling a bit under the weather, being kind and understanding of your feelings is one of the best things you can do. Putting less pressure on yourself can relieve some of the stress you may be feeling.

If you are feeling the Blue Monday blues, following some of our top tips may help to lift your mood. If you need more advice for low moods visit the NHS website, or read our blog on how to boost your mental health for the New Year.

A care package can be a unique and well-received gift for someone who is having a tough time. Letting someone know that they are not alone and you care can really help someone’s mental health. Take a look at our top five low-budget care package ideas below and brighten someone’s day today.

1. A handwritten letter

Never underestimate the power of words. A handwritten letter can do so much more than a shop-bought gift. Taking the time to write to someone and explaining how loved they are and all the traits you like about them can boost their day considerably.

2. Coupons

Creating a booklet of coupons can be a fun, alternative gift. You can customise them to suit the type of care package you are sending. For example, for someone who is unwell, you can create a coupon that entitles them to an evening of watching movies with you, or having you make them cups of tea all day!

3. Baked goods

Are you particularly crafty in the kitchen? Baking is a simple, yet effective way of showing someone you care. Whether it’s sweet or savoury, creating a batch of scones or cookies will be much appreciated from the recipient!

4. A photo album

If your loved one is feeling down, reminding them of all the amazing memories they’ve had is a special gift. All you need to do is buy a photo album and print out their favourite pictures for you to go through together. This could also help initiate a conversation and help them to open up about their worries.

5. A good book

We all need some escapism sometimes. What better way is there to do this than to be transported to another world in the form of a good book? Purchase the book you have in mind and even include a note inside explaining why you chose this book for them.

For a lot of people, the Christmas holidays are a time of joy, love and happiness. However, for others, Christmas can be one of the hardest times of the year. Checking up on someone over the Christmas period can mean a lot to someone who’s feeling isolated. Below we have put together four simple ways to be there for someone this festive season.

1. Invite them round for a cuppa

It’s very easy for people to feel lonely over the festive season if they have no loved ones to celebrate with. For somebody going through a tough time, simply being invited out can go a long way to lift their mood. Showing them that you are there for them can not only get them out of the house, but shows them that somebody cares about them and wants to spend time with them.

2. Send them a Christmas card or note

This simple gesture can be very beneficial for somebody feeling the pressure of Christmas time. Receiving a message out of the blue is a pick-me-up for everyone but can mean so much more to someone feeling alone, especially at a time of year where spending time with family and friends is even more common than usual.

3. Make plans with them

At Christmas, there are so many things you and a friend or family member could do! Whether it’s going to a Christmas market or out for dinner you’re still giving them company. Feeling alone at Christmas is very common in those who have nobody else or have had a tough year.

4. Keep in contact

One of the easiest ways to check up on someone is to ask them how they are. If you feel like you want to ask them something different, you could always ask how their day was, or if they have plans for the weekend etc. A simple conversation shows them that you care enough to take the time to reach out to them.

If you know someone that finds Christmas difficult, or you just want to show someone you care, using one of our simple tips can make the world of difference. For more information on how to help someone you think is struggling, take a look at some further advice from Mind about helping somebody else.

Being a foundation that aims to increase the awareness in mental health, we are always keen to explore how mental health is perceived in other parts of the world.

A new 2018 global mental health report by the Lancet Commission has stated that “all countries can be thought of as developing countries in the context of mental health”.

The report was written by 28 authors who span five different continents.

What was the outcome?

The main outcome of this report was that lower-income communities are receiving less help than others. This is proven by a statistic from the report that only one in every 27 people receiving treatment in developing countries, are receiving adequate treatment for their mental health.

However, the report also showed that in countries doing financially better, the level of mental health didn’t improve substantially.

The level of financial support from assistance groups and governments in both developed and developing countries are “pitifully small” for mental health care and research. When this was compared to other diseases in 2013, the funding allocated to mental health was significantly lower.

At the Seattle launch of the Lancet Commission on Global Mental Health report this month, Ana Mari Cauce, the University of Washington President said “Mental health is health. We still are at a point around the world but including this country where somehow that’s seen as lighter or more trivial or not as important. No-one would say “just pick up our boot straps” if you have cancer, but somehow when we’re talking about mental health issues, they’re viewed through a different lens.”

Why is there a lack of funding?

One reason there is a lack of funding is cultural differences. The report concludes that in countries such as China and Japan, where one third of the population resides, over 80% of people suffering with mental health issues do not seek treatment and even if they did, the level of treatment is very low. Some cultures are not as understanding about mental health compared to others.

Another huge element is the stigma surrounding mental health. Stigma and a lack of understanding is a massive problem in both developed and developing countries.

How can we help?

With the report demonstrating that people with mental health issues are suffering due to a lack of resources across the globe, the best thing we can do is to keep campaigning and raising awareness for mental health.

#ChatwithCharlie is already proving a hit at the University of Essex and we will soon be rolling this out to other universities in the UK.

We have a dream in mind that eventually the whole globe can benefit from our work and projects. And the tide might be turning as mental health was one of the main focuses in the latest budget, with £2 Billion funding from the government.

Our founder, Harry Watkins, recently attended a University of Essex THINK debate. Head over to their Twitter page @THINKUoE for soundbites.

Most people will experience stress or a stressful situation at some point in their lives. Whether it’s brought on by something in either your personal or work life, knowing how to deal with it can be helpful. Take a look at our four top tips on dealing with stress below.

1. Organise your time and set small targets

Time pressure can be a big cause of stress, especially if you have a deadline to work to. If time pressure is something that is making you feel stressed, taking some time to organise what you need to do can be beneficial.

Making a ‘to do’ list will help you outline your priorities as well as giving you a list of smaller and more achievable tasks to do. As well as setting out your tasks, this method can help you see the progress you are making which can stop you from feeling overwhelmed and stressed.

2. Take regular breaks

It’s very common for stress to build up over time. One way to relieve this stress is by taking small and regular breaks. These will help you to relax and refocus before starting on your work or task again. Many people find that after taking a break from a piece of work, they are then able to progress with a clearer way of thinking.

3. Don’t be too hard on yourself

Another very common thing for people to do is to put a lot of pressure on themselves which can often result in stress. While trying not to be stressed can be difficult, being mindful of not being too hard on yourself will relieve some of the stress. Reminding yourself the best you can do is always good enough can help you from feeling as stressed.

4. Spend time with friends and family

Spending time with close friends or family when you’re feeling stressed can help you to relax and take your mind off a certain situation. Socialising is a good way to make your mind busy and take it away from whatever is causing you stress. You may find talking to a friend or family member about feeling stressed helpful and they may be able to offer advice and help you find ways to cope.

Being in a stressful situation is, well, stressful! But there are many ways that you can work to reduce the stress or learn how to cope with it better. For more tips on how to cope with stress visit the NHS website.

Chancellor Philip Hammond has revealed the government’s plans for spending over the next 12 months today, Monday 29th October 2018.

Amongst the planned spend is an extra £2 billion being allocated to mental health services as part of a bid to make care more dedicated.

The services will include special ambulances that look like normal cars to reduce stigma. These will be used to treat mental illnesses and ensures they are treated as seriously as physical ones.

There will also be specialist mental health support available 24/7 in every accident and emergency department in the country.

Schools will receive a dedicated crisis team to support pupils with mild to moderate mental health illnesses.

Mr Hammond also announced that there will be a new 24-hour mental health crisis hotline.

Founder of the Charlie Watkins Foundation, Harry Watkins, has remarked that this is a “huge step forward” for the UK.

“The £2 billion boost to mental health in the country marks a phenomenal change in attitudes towards individuals who suffer on a day-to-day basis.

“Even though there are reports of declining figures in suicide, this does not take into consideration the staggering amounts of people still suffering from issues with their mental health.

“Dedicated crisis teams in schools in particular are a huge step forward. This will ensure that students’ mental health is supported earlier, and they are not made to feel that they should suffer in silence.”

The announcement comes after Theresa May’s appointed her first ever minister for suicide prevention on World Mental Health Day on 10th October 2018.

An online mental health support service for students is set to be extended to seven days a week from today to mark World Mental Health Day.

Chat with Charlie, which provides confidential support for students at the University of Essex between 6pm and 10pm in the evening, was originally trialled for three days a week when it was launched earlier this year.

Set up in memory of Essex-born Charlie Watkins, a University of York student who took his own life in March 2017 at the age of 22, the scheme has been so successful it will be rolled out all week.

Harry Watkins, Charlie’s twin brother, said:

“We are absolutely thrilled to see Chat with Charlie become a full-time support service,” Harry said. “Helping just one student would have made it all worth it – but to hear it’s helped many more is a phenomenal achievement.

“We’re so excited to see where this will go and we’re immensely proud of this legacy to Charlie.”

Chat with Charlie is a joint enterprise run by the Charlie Watkins Foundation, Mid and North East Essex Mind and the University of Essex and is run from the offices of Mid and North East Essex Mind.

It is the first project to be funded by the Charlie Watkins Foundation – which aims to raise the awareness of mental health in young people – and has secured more than £20,000 in donations on its JustGiving page alone.

Chief Executive of Mid and North East Essex Mind, James McQuiggan, said:

“We’re ecstatic that Chat with Charlie has been such a success and we are immensely proud to be a part of the team behind it.

“Being away from home for the first time can be particularly daunting for students and we hope this platform can provide some comfort while they are doing their studies.”

Angela Jones, Head of Student Support at the University of Essex said:

“Chat with Charlie has been an excellent addition to the services we already have to support students. It was launched here because Charlie was from Essex, but it would be great to see it extended to universities across the country so they can benefit too.”

To find out more about this service, or if you are a student looking to access the service, please visit Mid and North East Essex’s website.

Today is a big day for the Charlie Watkins Foundation.

Today our founder, Harry Watkins has been invited to 10 Downing Street by the Prime Minister to mark World Mental Health Day. This news comes as Theresa May has commemorated this special day by appointing her first ever minister for suicide prevention.

Excited for the day ahead, Harry commented:

“This is a great step forward for the foundation and I am thrilled that we have been recognised by the Prime Minister twice in a month. This shows that the foundation has a lot of momentum at the moment and it is something I want to hone and build upon. I would like to thank everyone for their support. The commitment from people fundraising, volunteering and promoting the foundation has got us to where we are now and I couldn’t be prouder.”

The BBC have reported that today’s meeting will also be attended by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Commenting on the announcement of the appointment of Jackie Doyle-Price as the new suicide prevention minister, Harry Watkins said:

“This is a welcome change made by central government. It is a big step and hopefully one which will create an open conversation between government and organisations like our own, to explore what can be done to prevent more people taking their lives. Even though there are reports of declining figures in suicide, this does not take into consideration the staggering amounts of people still suffering from issues with their mental health. These figures show the risk of what could be and we need to ensure that together, we do all we can to support those who are suffering. There is a long way to go, but I am optimistic that this is a step in the right direction.”

A member of our PR team, Abi Gagen, ran the Great East Run to raise money for the Charlie Watkins Foundation. Read her blog on the experience below.

After signing up to the Great East Run in March and running it in September, it’s about time I put digital ink to paper.

The initial idea for this blog post came late on a Friday night while watching Linkin Park’s memorial gig for Chester Bennington, who took his own life on 20th July 2017.

Why is that important? Because people over the continents and in every corner of this world are suffering with their mental health. It doesn’t just affect one type of person, one personality or one stereotype. We all have mental health and we all need to look after it.

I openly admit that I have suffered with my own mental health in the past and understand how fragile it can be. That’s why I was so moved by Harry Watkins’ story and his inner strength to make the loss of his twin brother into a movement for good.

In so little time, the foundation has been able to make great strides towards their mission and earlier this year, launched an anonymous online chatroom for students at the University of Essex, where they can talk about their concerns and receive advice from trained volunteers. This has been aptly named ‘Chat with Charlie’.

This ‘journey’ has not only been physically straining, but also mentally. I have definitely had my fair share of stumbling blocks over the past seven months. Not only coming to grips with my first half marathon, but trying to overcome injury, grief and digging deep to find the inner strength, not to just take the easy road and give up.

But this cause; to raise awareness of the importance of looking after your mental health and letting people know they don’t have to suffer in silence, was just too important to throw in the towel.

So, while I might not be the fittest person, I may have been injury ridden have my own demons to overcome, I was there at that starting line on Sunday 16th September and I gave it my all.

A message that I want to share, is that no matter how low it can get and no matter how isolated the feeling of depression and anxiety can be, you are not alone.

Sometimes in the moment, when emotions are high, it is hard to find solace in those words, but it’s the quiet moments when the wave of feelings have calmed and you are able to appreciate the people around you and just live in the moment, those words become believable.