Stress & Depression in Children

Stress & Depression in children has rarely been out of the news in the last few years with the BMA reporting that one in ten children, aged one to 15, have a mental health problem. These can include extreme anxiety, depression, and young people self‐harming or having an eating disorder. Because of the current state of the economy the onset of depression may also affect parents’ health and increase difficulties for children.

Recent work by TJB Cymru in two areas in North Wales has highlighted a number of factors that affect the wellbeing of children. They:

• are bullied

• are isolated

• feel under pressure due to school work

• are worried about their parents – especially in these difficult financial times

• are worried about gangs

• are worried about drugs & alcohol

Children & Young people’s stress & depression is often over looked as they have difficulties in articulating their problems. Stress/depression related behaviour is mistakenly assumed to be bad behaviour or an unwillingness to do things.
There are a number of initiatives now being put in place to support children once they have problems but what if we were able to give them some skills to avoid becoming ill in the first place?

TJB Cymru have developed and tested a training programme which helps children to:

· Recognise and understand the way they feel

· Link feelings to what is happening to their body

· Link feelings to the way they think and the way they behave.

· Recognise when they are stressed

· Learn a variety of simple exercises designed to reduce stress

· Understand that when they are sad it is important to talk about it

· Develop strategies to help them feel in control.

· Develop strategies to help them feel safe
The training courses are tailored for parents, childcare workers and, of course children and young people themselves. We also have a course for families in which parents and children learn about stress and depression together. They are available in both languages, English and Welsh.
Contact Gareth Thomas, TJB Cymru Cyf on 01766 770015 for more information about the courses they are currently delivering