Children's Mental Health Week: How to Support a Child or Young Person with Their Mental Health

Introduction

Children’s Mental Health Week (9th-15th February 2026)  is a great opportunity to reflect on how we support the emotional wellbeing of children and young people in our care, whether this be at home, in schools, or in our communities.

At First Response First Aid, we work with professionals who support young people every day — teachers, carers, youth workers, coaches, and parents — many of whom are the first to step in when there is a medical emergency, but despite wanting to help, aren’t always sure how to respond when a child is struggling mentally.

Feeling comfortable talking to young people about their mental health starts with knowing what to look out for, how to begin those conversations, and when it’s time to seek further support.

 

Why Children’s Mental Health Needs Our Attention

Mental health challenges can affect people of all ages, and many don't realise this includes children too. Anxiety, low mood, stress, and emotional distress don’t always look the same in young people as they do in adults, and they’re often misunderstood or overlooked due to their age.

Some children may struggle to put their feelings into words, while others may express distress through changes in behaviour, like lashing out or becoming distant. Without early support, these difficulties can escalate and begin to affect a child’s education, relationships, and confidence.

Early intervention matters with mental health struggles, and the adults around a child play a crucial role.

 

Signs a Child or Young Person May Be Struggling

While every child is different, some common warning signs include:

• Sudden changes in behaviour or mood
• Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities they usually enjoy
• Increased irritability, anger, or emotional outbursts
• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Difficulty concentrating or declining school performance
• Physical complaints such as headaches or stomach aches with no clear cause

Spotting these signs early allows for supportive conversations before problems escalate into something more serious.

 

How to Help a Child with Their Mental Health

1. Create a Safe Space to Talk

Children are more likely to open up when they feel listened to rather than judged. Choose a calm environment, give them your full attention, and let them speak at their own pace. 

Being the one to open up the conversation often helps children feel like they're invited to share. Simple phrases like “I’ve noticed you seem a bit quieter lately” or “Do you want to talk about what’s been on your mind?” can help them start to think about their feelings and put them into words.

 

2. Listen Without Rushing to Fix the Problem

When it comes to caring for the people in your life, It’s natural to want to solve problems quickly. Most often however, children just want to feel heard. Avoid interrupting, dismissing feelings, or minimising their experience — even if it seems small to an adult. You need to realise that the problems children face may not be relatable to you right now, such as being bullied at school, or having a difficult relationship with a parent, but this doesn't make their feelings any less real.

Validating feelings doesn’t necessarily mean agreeing with everything; it means acknowledging how they feel.

 

3. Encourage Healthy Coping Strategies

Help children explore ways to manage emotions safely, such as:

• Talking to a trusted adult
• Creative activities like drawing or writing
• Physical movement and outdoor play
• Relaxation techniques like breathing exercises

Every child is different, and it might take some trial and error in helping a child find the best coping strategy suited to them. Small, consistent habits can have a powerful impact on emotional wellbeing.

 

4. Know When to Seek Additional Support

The most important step, as a trusted adult, is knowing when you need extra help. If concerns persist or worsen, it’s important to involve appropriate support — whether that’s school pastoral teams, healthcare professionals, or mental health services.

You should consider seeking further help if:

• Feelings persist or worsen 
• Their behaviour changes signficantly 
• Daily life is affected - struggling to attend school, avoiding activities, losing friendships etc.
• Physical symptoms are present too - headaches, stomach aches, unexplained pains and aches can often be linked to emotional distress
• Expression of hopelessness or overwhelming distress - phrases like 'I can't cope anymore' or 'Nothing will ever get better' should be immediate red flags.

Knowing when and how to escalate concerns is just as important as knowing how to listen.

 

The Importance of Mental Health First Aid Training for Youth Settings

Many adults work closely with children but receive little to no training on mental health. This can leave people feeling unsure, anxious, or worried about saying the wrong thing.

Our First Aid for Youth Mental Health Level 2 Award is designed to give adults the confidence and practical skills to:

• Recognise signs of mental health challenges in young people
• Start supportive, age-appropriate conversations
• Provide initial help and reassurance
• Understand safeguarding responsibilities
• Know when and where to refer for further support

The course is ideal for anyone working with or caring for children and young people, including schools, colleges, sports organisations, youth groups, and parents.

 

A Shared Responsibility

Children’s mental health is not something we can afford to ignore. By increasing awareness this Children's Mental Health Week, improving confidence, and equipping adults with the right skills, we can create safer, more supportive environments for young people to grow and learn.

If you are around children, in your professional or personal life, and want to feel more confident in supporting their mental health, please enquire about our First Aid for Youth Mental Health course today.

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