What do we mean by mental health?
We all have mental health. It affects how we think, feel and behave, and determines how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices. Our mental health can change over time. In the same way that sometimes we get physically sick with a cold or flu, sometimes we get mentally ill too.
You might also hear mental health called emotional health or wellbeing. Talking about how we feel can help others speak out.
What good mental health in children looks like
Children with good mental health feel loved, safe and secure in their environments.
They also feel happy and positive about themselves most of the time.
They’re kind to themselves during tough times or when things don’t go the way they expect.
This means they feel OK about trying new or challenging things.
They enjoy life, learn well and get along well with family and friends.
And they can manage sad, worrying or angry feelings and bounce back from tough times.
Anna Freud - National Centre for Children and Families
Talking Mental Health Animation aims to give children:
- An understanding of what mental health is and the difference between every day small feelings and a big feeling
- Consistent and accessible language to talk about mental health
- An understanding of how to be a good listener
