Keeping mental health healthy
Here is another resourceful message from Dr Pooky Knightsmith who is always looking for ways that we can keep our mental health healthy so that we can support staff and family.
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Hello all!
I hope this email finds you well and looking forward to a restful Christmas. Remember, you need to look after yourself first, before you look after everyone else. Something that many of us are incredibly bad at. I’ve written a couple of blog posts on this topic recently – there may be some good practices to put in place in the new year here:
Seven Simple Steps to Improving the Mental Health of School Staff
Looking After Yourself When a Loved One has Mental Health Issues
Here are some other resources I’ve either written or collated recently that you may find useful:
Guides:
Eating disorders in young people – a parent’s guide by the Priory
New guide for parents who are coping with their child’s self-harm
Book Reviews:
Self-harm and eating disorders in schools <<I wrote this one
Essential Listening Skills for Busy School Staff <<this is fabulous
Connor the Conker and the Breezy Day – Pilates for Under 8s
Once upon a touch – story massage for children
Creating Children’s Art Games for Emotional Support
The Princess and the FOG – a story about childhood depression <<My 5 year-olds ‘got’ this
Teaching Resources:
New Dove Self-Esteem Project resources
8 Top Tips for Engaging Students in Alcohol Education
Direct Support / Therapeutic ideas:
Depression: 10 Ideas for Making it Through the Darkest Days
4 Strategies for Getting Through Panic Attacks and How to Help a Friend
9 Helpful Things You can Say or Do When a Loved One Has Depression
5 Things Never to Say to a Recovering Anorexic and Some Positive Alternatives
In my new role as Director of the children, young people and school’s programme at the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust I’ll be looking to develop or commission more resources and events which support you all in promoting young people’s mental health – please email me if you there is anything you would like me to consider.
I am currently working on my business plan but have exciting plans afoot including developing online and offline networks for those of us with an interest in young people’s mental health, associated training events and reources. I will share more with you as my plans develop and I will welcome your valuable input to ensure we are being as supportive as possible and spending the trust’s funds well.
If you require training at your school or organisation for young people, staff or parents then please let me know – the trust can provide trainers or speakers on a variety of topics. Again, I will share more specific details at a later date but if you are looking for support in the meantime, please drop me a line and either myself or one of the team will endeavour to help. (There is no charge for training or speaking though we always welcome donations).
I will be back in touch in the new year but in the mean time I hope you have a wonderful, restful break.
Very best wishes,
Pooky
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