A Guide to the Mental Health of Children and Young People
Q&A for Parents, Caregivers and Teachers

An accessible guide for parents, caregivers and teachers looking to understand children and young people's mental health and well-being.

Meinou Simmons (Author)

9781911623915, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 3 November 2022

436 pages
22.8 x 15.1 x 2.3 cm, 0.64 kg

'As a parent or teacher, it is hard to know how best to support children and young people who are experiencing mental health difficulties. It can feel at times like a journey without a map. This book, written by an experienced child and adolescent psychiatrist, fills a gap by providing information about these difficulties, how they develop, what you can expect and what you can do about them. Dr. Simmons is able to convey the complexities of mental health problems in a clear, humane and sensitive way and her practical insights on how to help children and young people will give direction and encouragement to parents, carers and teachers.' Dr Anne Stewart, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Oxford Health and University of Oxford, UK

Supporting the mental health and well-being of children and young people is a top priority for parents, caregivers and teachers, but it can be tricky to find reliable and evidence-based information. Written by an experienced child and adolescent psychiatrist, in a user-friendly question and answer format, this book outlines the mental health challenges facing our children and young people and offers practical advice on how to best support them. The book covers a wide range of topics, including how biological factors and lifestyle factors affect mental health, parenting strategies, managing school, building networks of support, and connecting with children and young people. It gives a broad overview of the most common mental health difficulties and disorders, and considers how they can be managed. A must read for anyone looking to understand what a child or young person may be experiencing and why, and the practical ways in which to effectively support them.

Part I. What Affects Children and Young People's Mental Health? 1. Biological processes affecting mental health
2. Lifestyle factors affecting mental health
3. The impact of relationships on mental health
4. Stressors affecting mental health
5. Vulnerability of special groups
6. Promoting mental health and preventing ill health: a summary
Part II. Strengthening Relationships with Children and Young People and Giving Support: 7. Looking after yourself
8. Connecting with children and young people
9. Supporting partners and co-parents
10. Creating a network of support
11. Positive parenting strategies
12. Helping children and young people to manage school
13. Building resilience and strength
Part III. What are the Common Mental Health Difficulties in Children and Young People and How are They Managed? What Can You Do to Help? 14. Difficulties with mood: depression
mood swings and emotional dysregulation: bipolar disorder
15. Difficulties with worries and anxiety
16. Difficulties with self-harm and suicidal thoughts
17. Difficulties with trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder
18. Difficulties with anger and behaviour
19. Difficulties with attachment
20. Difficulties with autism and neurodevelopmental conditions including tics
21. Difficulties with attention and activity levels
22. Alcohol and drug-related difficulties and disorders
23. Difficulties with eating
24. Difficulties with body image and body dysmorphic disorder
25. Difficulties with perfectionism, obsessions and OCD
26. Difficulties with losing touch with reality (psychosis)
27. First aid for mental health
28. Mental health teams: Who works in them and what are the types of specialist teams?

Subject Areas: Child care & upbringing [VFXC], Psychiatry [MMH], Mental health services [MBPK], Teaching of specific groups & persons with special educational needs [JNS], Education: care & counselling of students [JNH], Child & developmental psychology [JMC], Counselling & advice services [JKSN2]