How do I know if I have depression? 6 signs you should know about

Everyone feels low from time to time, so it’s not always easy to know when these feelings are part of daily life and when it’s time to seek help. In most cases, low mood is short-term and goes away on its own. If you find yourself asking, “How do I know if I have depression?” it’s important to know the signs that you m...

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Clinically reviewed

  • Dr Paige Fujiu-Baird

What is the impact of social media on children and young people's mental health?

Social media has fast become a part of everyday life with many of us now seeing it entering our children’s routines. While it offers benefits, social media can also present challenges that we’re becoming more aware of to young people’s mental health and wellbeing. The National Parent Survey found that around 44% of parents are con...

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Clinically reviewed

  • Dr Paige Fujiu‑Baird

How parents can prepare children with ADHD for school

The stress of a new school term for parents is something we understand, especially when you’re trying to help a child with ADHD focus in school. Having the right approach for your child’s needs can be the difference between a positive school experience, and one that’s a struggle. Academic success may be key to your child’s c...

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Clinically reviewed

  • Amy Mowson

Supporting ADHD in schools: Advice to help students

ADHD affects behaviours such as hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattentiveness. This can lead to difficulties with everyday functioning and completing tasks. As someone working in education, there are lots of things you can do to help your students with ADHD get the most out of school life. With their natural curiosity, children and young people...

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Clinically reviewed

  • Amy Mowson

How to explain autism to your family and friends

For many people, receiving an autism diagnosis helps explain lifelong experiences and patterns they've noticed in themselves. It can help them understand how they perceive and interact with the world. When you decide to tell family and friends about your diagnosis, they might have questions. Some may have outdated ideas about what autism is. This i...

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Clinically reviewed

  • Leanne Cooper‑Brown

Should I get an autism assessment?

If you identify with the characteristics of autism, you might be wondering if you should get an autism assessment. An autism diagnosis may allow those with the condition to better understand the feelings and behaviours they have. It may also lead to better support and assistance in the workplace or educational setting. In this article, we hear from...

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Clinically reviewed

  • Leanne Cooper-Brown

How is ADHD managed?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is generally treated through a combination of methods that can be tailored to suit each person. Treatment for ADHD can help with the challenges of the condition and make day-to-day life easier. In this article, we outline the most common treatments and how they can improve life for those with ADHD, es...

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Clinically reviewed

  • Amy Mowson

Understanding separation anxiety in children: causes, signs, and when to seek support

It's normal for a child to feel distressed or upset when separated from their parents or caregivers, so to an extent, separation anxiety is a normal part of development. However, in some cases, it can become a problem that requires professional help. This article looks at the causes of separation anxiety, the signs to look out for and when to seek ...

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Understanding OCD: symptoms, identification and support

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, is a mental health condition that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. It is a type of anxiety disorder that causes persistent, unwanted thoughts or compulsions that interfere with daily life. OCD can manifest in many ways, but some common symptoms can help identify it. Symptoms of OCD OCD symptoms can ...

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Providing treatment for behavioural issues in children and teenagers

Behavioural problems, such as stealing or aggressive behaviour, can often be a way a child or teenager communicates difficulties they are having in another area of their life – for instance, issues at school or with their self-esteem. All children develop differently, making it hard for parents to distinguish whether a child’s behaviour...

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Why do children develop behavioural problems?

As a parent, it's natural to want to understand the reasons behind your child's behaviour and how to support them positively. Whether it's due to another condition or conduct disorder, it's normal for children and teenagers to experience behavioural challenges. It can be incredibly overwhelming to navigate the complexities of your child's behaviour...

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Support with children stealing and lying - recognising underlying issues and when to seek help

While it's normal for young children to lie because they can't distinguish between reality and fantasy, persistent lying can be a sign of an underlying issue. Child and adolescent lying can result from multiple factors, including high parental expectations, fear of consequences, attention seeking, or low self-esteem. If your child frequently lies a...

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Understanding conduct disorders in children and teenagers

As a parent, it can be hard to determine when your child's behaviour is just a phase or if there's an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. If you are worried about a child or teenager exhibiting patterns of behaviour that go against social norms and are not in line with their age, it's important to seek help. What is a conduct disorder? A c...

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Support to help with anger, aggression and violence in children and teenagers

As a parent, it's natural to feel concerned when your child or teenager displays angry, aggressive, or violent behaviour. However, it's important to know that help is available to support you and your family through this difficult time. The causes of anger, aggression, and tantrums in young children For young children, anger and aggression can stem...

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The causes of anxiety in children and how you can help

One of the key causes of anxiety in children is stress, which can stem from various sources, including school pressure, exams, or changes in family circumstances. Children may also experience anxiety due to a lack of routine or underlying medical conditions such as ADHD or OCD. In order to effectively support children who are experiencing anxiety, ...

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How to get help for anxiety

We all feel anxious at times in response to everyday events. However, when these feelings persist, or if they prevent you from completing daily tasks and enjoying life, it may indicate an anxiety disorder. The first step to getting help for anxiety is understanding and acknowledging that you have a problem, and it's essential to educate yourself ab...

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How can CBT help children and teenagers?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective form of talking therapy that has gained great popularity in treating mental health issues in children and teenagers. It empowers children and teenagers to identify and challenge negative thoughts and behaviours and replace them with positive, healthy ones and is commonly used to treat condit...

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How to spot the symptoms of bipolar disorder in children

Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition that can affect a child's mood, energy levels and activity levels. Spotting the signs of bipolar disorder in children and teenagers can be challenging, as the symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for normal adolescent behaviour. However, early recognition is the first step in providing support to ...

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What is performance anxiety? Causes, symptoms & treatments

If you're feeling nervous or apprehensive about a performance, know that you're not alone. Performance anxiety is a common issue that affects many people, but it doesn't have to control your life. Feeling nervous before an event or performance is a feeling that most people can relate to. Whether it's a sporting event, acting or public speaking, it'...

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What is EMDR therapy and how can it help?

What is EMDR therapy? Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a recognised and effective treatment option for anxiety, PTSD and other conditions. It was developed in the 1980’s by a psychologist interested in how our brains could be ‘reprogrammed’ to overcome distressing memories and thoughts. Today, it's r...

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