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1. Emotional health and wellbeing

Anxiety, emotional health and wellbeing

Children can experience periods of anxiety, low mood, sadness, loneliness or a loss of confidence. Sometimes these feelings pass, but if they persist or begin to affect your child's everyday life, it is important to seek support.

You may notice that your child:

  • Seems sad, withdrawn or tearful more often.

  • Loses interest in activities they previously enjoyed.

  • Has low confidence or speaks negatively about themselves.

  • Becomes increasingly irritable or emotional.

  • Experiences changes in sleep or appetite.

  • Finds it difficult to enjoy time with friends or family.

Where can I get help?

  • Be U Notts – free early mental health support for children and families.

  • NottAlone – local mental health advice and support.

  • YoungMinds – advice and guidance for parents.

  • NHS – information about childhood depression and when to seek professional help.

  • Family Hub - Dealing with a feeling 

  • CAHMS- For children experiencing more significant, persistent or complex mental health difficulties, including depression that is affecting everyday life.

  • Place2Be- Children's mental health resources and advice for parents

If you are concerned about your child's mental health, speak to your GP. You do not need to wait for symptoms to become severe before asking for help.

 

Emotional regulation and managing big feelings

Some children find it difficult to understand, express or manage their emotions. They may become overwhelmed by feelings such as frustration, disappointment, excitement or sadness.

You might notice:

  • Frequent emotional outbursts.

  • Difficulty calming down after becoming upset.

  • Becoming overwhelmed by small changes or disappointments.

  • Struggling to explain how they feel.

  • Finding transitions or changes in routine difficult.

Where to find support:

Anger and challenging emotions

Anger is a normal emotion, but some children need help understanding what triggers their anger and developing positive ways to express it.

You might notice:

  • Frequent arguments or confrontations.

  • Shouting, hitting or throwing objects.

  • Difficulty accepting boundaries.

  • Becoming frustrated very quickly.

  • Struggling to manage disappointment.

Where to find support:

Self-esteem and confidence

Developing confidence and a positive sense of self is an important part of growing up. Some children may struggle with feeling good about themselves, comparing themselves to others or believing they are capable of achieving things.

You might notice:

  • Frequently putting themselves down.

  • Being afraid of making mistakes.

  • Avoiding new experiences or challenges.

  • Seeking constant reassurance.

  • Struggling to make or maintain friendships.

Where to find support:

  • YoungMinds – advice about confidence and self-esteem.

  • Childline – support for children who need someone to talk to.

  • Be U Notts – emotional wellbeing support.

  • Kidscape – support with confidence, friendships and bullying.

 Bereavement and loss

Children can experience grief following the death of someone important to them. They may also experience feelings of loss following family separation, changes in family circumstances or other significant life events.

Children process grief differently and may need support to understand and express their feelings.

Where to find support:

Childhood trauma and difficult experiences

Children can be affected by difficult or frightening experiences, including domestic abuse, family difficulties, neglect, accidents, witnessing traumatic events or other significant changes in their lives.

Sometimes the impact of these experiences may not become apparent straight away.

You might notice:

  • Changes in behaviour or emotional responses.

  • Increased anxiety or fearfulness.

  • Difficulties sleeping or recurring nightmares.

  • Becoming withdrawn or unusually clingy.

  • Difficulties trusting others.

  • Struggling to concentrate or manage everyday situations.

Where to find support:

Fears and phobias

It is common for children to develop fears as they grow up. These might include fear of the dark, animals, insects, being alone, illness or particular situations. Sometimes fears can become so significant that they affect a child's everyday activities.

You might notice:

  • Avoiding particular situations or activities.

  • Becoming distressed when faced with a specific fear.

  • Physical symptoms such as feeling sick or experiencing tummy aches.

  • Difficulty sleeping because of fears.

  • Needing significant reassurance from adults.

Where to find support:

  • YoungMinds – advice about childhood fears and anxiety.

  • NHS – information about anxiety and phobias.

  • Be U Notts – support with emotional wellbeing.

  • NottAlone – local support and advice.

Worried about your child's emotional wellbeing?

If you are concerned, you can also speak to your child's class teacher or a member of the school's pastoral team. We can listen, offer advice and help you identify appropriate support.

Need urgent support?

If your child is at immediate risk of harm, call 999 or attend A&E. For urgent mental health advice, contact NHS 111 and select the mental health option where available.

Remember

You don't need to have all the answers or wait until things become worse. Seeking advice early is a positive step.

 

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