Children’s Mental Health Week: Supporting Young Minds (and the People Who Care for Them) | Skin Shield Scrubs

Children’s Mental Health Week is a dedicated time to spotlight the importance of emotional wellbeing for children and young people — and to recognise the families, teachers, clinicians, and carers who support them every day. At Skin Shield Scrubs, we want to add our voice to that message: mental health matters, early support makes a difference, and the adults around children need support too.

In this blog, we’ll share practical ways to support children’s mental health, signs to look out for, and how healthcare professionals and educators can protect their own wellbeing while caring for others.

Children’s mental health statistics (UK + global)

These numbers help show why awareness and early action are so important:

• In England, about 1 in 5 children and young people aged 8–25 had a “probable mental disorder” in 2023.

• Breakdown from the same survey: 20.3% (ages 8–16) and 23.3% (ages 17–19) had a probable mental disorder in 2023.

• The UK Parliament research briefing highlights the long-term rise: 8–16s increased from 12% (2017) to 20% (2023), and 17–19s from ~10% (2017) to ~23% (2023).

• Many mental health difficulties begin early: around 50% are established by age 14 and 75% by age 24.

• Globally, 1 in 7 adolescents (10–19) experiences a mental disorder, according to the World Health Organization.

What is Children’s Mental Health Week?

Children’s Mental Health Week is an annual awareness week that encourages open conversations about children and young people’s mental health. It helps parents, schools, healthcare teams, and communities focus on early intervention, emotional literacy, and creating safe spaces where children feel heard.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, school nurse, paediatric healthcare worker, or part of a wider support network — this week is a reminder that small actions can have a big impact.

Why children’s mental health matters

A child’s mental health affects how they:

• learn and concentrate

• build friendships and handle conflict

• cope with change, stress, and setbacks

• develop confidence and self-esteem

Just like physical health, mental health can fluctuate. And children don’t always have the words to explain what they’re feeling — they often show it through behaviour, sleep patterns, or changes in mood.

Common signs a child may be struggling

Every child is different, but some common signs include:

Emotional signs

• persistent sadness or tearfulness

• heightened worry, fear, or panic

• low self-esteem or excessive self-criticism

• frequent irritability or anger

Behavioural signs

• withdrawing from friends or activities

• changes at school (attendance, grades, behaviour)

• increased clinginess or separation anxiety

• acting “out of character” for a prolonged period

Physical signs

• headaches or stomach aches without a clear medical cause

• changes in sleep (nightmares, insomnia, oversleeping)

• changes in appetite

• fatigue or low energy

If these signs persist, or you’re worried about a child’s safety, it’s important to seek professional support.

10 practical ways to support children’s mental health

These are supportive, everyday approaches that can help children feel safer, calmer, and more connected:

1) Name feelings in normal moments

Try: “You seem frustrated — is that right?”
This builds emotional vocabulary without pressure.

2) Make connection the priority

Even 10 minutes of uninterrupted time (no phones, no multitasking) can help a child feel secure.

3) Keep routines steady

Routines reduce stress. Consistency around bedtime, meals, and school mornings can be grounding.

4) Validate before you problem-solve

Instead of “You’re fine,” try: “That sounds really hard.”
Validation helps kids feel understood.

5) Encourage movement and outdoor time

Regular movement supports mood, sleep, and stress regulation — especially when it’s playful, not forced.

6) Support healthy sleep habits

A calming bedtime routine, lower screens before bed, and a consistent sleep schedule can help.

7) Model coping skills out loud

Say things like: “I’m feeling stressed, so I’m going to take a few slow breaths.”
Kids learn by watching adults.

8) Help them feel capable

Praise effort, not perfection. Small responsibilities can build confidence and control.

9) Reduce shame around asking for help

Let them know it’s brave to talk and that everyone needs support sometimes.

10) Reach out early

You don’t need to wait until things feel “serious.” Early support is often the most effective.

Supporting children in healthcare and school settings

For nurses, clinicians, allied health professionals, school staff, and support workers, Children’s Mental Health Week can be a chance to strengthen everyday wellbeing practices:

• Use calm, predictable communication (especially for anxious children)

• Offer choices where possible (“Would you like to sit here or there?”)

• Explain what’s happening in child-friendly language

• Notice sensory needs (noise, lights, overwhelm)

• Create micro-moments of safety — a warm tone, a patient pause, a friendly check-in

These small actions reduce distress and build trust — and trust is often the foundation for better outcomes.

The wellbeing of caregivers matters too

When you care for children — professionally or at home — your own wellbeing is part of the picture. Compassion fatigue and burnout are real, especially in high-pressure environments.

At Skin Shield Scrubs, we recognise the hidden load carried by healthcare teams and carers: long shifts, emotional demands, and constant responsibility. Protecting your mental health isn’t selfish — it’s sustainable care.

Quick wellbeing reset ideas for busy shifts

• 60 seconds of slow breathing between tasks

• drink water before your first caffeine

• step outside for fresh air when possible

• debrief with a trusted colleague after tough moments

• set a small boundary each day (even one)

If you’re running on empty, you deserve support — just like the people you care for.

When to seek professional help

If a child’s distress is persistent, worsening, or impacting daily life (school, sleep, relationships), consider speaking to:

• a GP

• school pastoral support

• a counsellor or psychologist

• local children and young people’s mental health services

If there is immediate risk of harm, seek urgent help right away through local emergency services.

Skin Shield Scrubs: recognising Children’s Mental Health Week

Children’s Mental Health Week is a reminder that early support, empathy, and safe environments can change a child’s path. We’re proud to recognise the week — and to support the healthcare professionals, school staff, and carers who show up for children daily.

Because protecting children’s wellbeing starts with community — and community starts with care.

FAQs: Children’s mental health

What causes mental health issues in children?
It’s usually a combination of factors: genetics, life events, school pressures, family stress, trauma, physical health issues, and social challenges.

How can I talk to a child about mental health?
Keep it simple and calm. Ask open questions, reflect back what you hear, and avoid rushing to “fix it.” Listening is powerful.

What are the earliest signs of anxiety in children?
Worry, reassurance-seeking, tummy aches, sleep problems, avoidance, clinginess, irritability, and perfectionism can all be signs.