Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices.  Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

What causes mental illness?

There is no single cause for mental illness. A number of factors can contribute to risk for mental illness, such as:

• Adverse Childhood Experiences, such as trauma or a history of abuse (for example, child abuse, sexual assault, witnessing violence, etc.)
• Experiences related to other ongoing (chronic) medical conditions, such as cancer or diabetes
• Biological factors or chemical imbalances in the brain
• Use of alcohol or drugs
• Having feelings of loneliness or isolation

What do we do at Queens’ to support mental health?

• Trained Mental Health Lead 
• Trained Mental Health First Aiders
• Awareness raising in Life Long Learning and form time/assemblies
• Ensure that conversations are open and inclusive. We aim to promote healthy discussion and provide support if a student is struggling with mental health.  
• Taking appropriate action will be taken if we feel a student’s mental health may be a danger to them or others.
• Work with SafeSpace to provide 1:1 counselling for students in school.
• Work with CAHMS and other organisations.
• Signpost students to additional support outside of school.