Children’s mental health
Let’s make each childhood as happy as we can.
If you’re concerned about a child’s wellbeing, we can help. You don’t need to be a Bupa customer to access the information and advice we offer here.
Why is a child’s mental health important?
As they grow and change, children are constantly reacting to what’s going on around them. Many of those reactions are positive – but sometimes things can feel confusing or upsetting, leading to a change in their behaviour. They may be showing signs of distress, upset, anger, sadness or perhaps wanting to isolate themselves. And that in turn can impact on the child’s wellbeing.
This matters because child’s wellbeing is closely linked to physical, emotional and social development. So we’ve gathered together lots of resources to help you support your child, including children’s wellbeing activities, animations, tools, self-help and more.
How can I help my child’s mental wellbeing?
Keep talking to your child. You may find that they feel more able to open up during art, music or play.
Use children’s wellbeing activities to boost their confidence and distract them from dwelling on any negative thoughts.
Similarly, spend quality time together. A child who’s alone or bored may not know how to express their feelings or understand what’s happening to them.
If you’re really concerned about your child, don’t be afraid to seek expert help. Look for a mental health professional or explore the list of approved charities below.
Our tips on child mental health
Create a comfort kit for your child’s mental wellbeing
If your child is feeling unsure about their thoughts or feelings and is upset, here’s a children’s wellbeing activity that offers some self-help. In this animation, aimed at children aged under seven, Sammy the Snail shows your child how to make a ‘comfort kit’.
I'm scared.
I feel sad.
I feel bad.
Hey, are you okay?
You seem sad.
Shall we make a comfort kit together?
What's a comfort kit?
A comfort kit is a collection of the favourite things that comfort you.
When you feel sad, worried, angry, or upset, you'll need a box or a bag to put your favourite things in.
I know just the thing but I don't know what to put in it.
Try using things that are fun to look at, feel, smell or listen to.
I like my jungle colouring in book.
Great.
Let's put that in your comfort kit, along with some colouring pencils too.
I want to put a picture of my family and friends in there as well.
And remember, you can always ask them for help about anything that's making you feel sad or bad.
I like looking at the colours and . Patterns on my kaleidoscope, woo.
Me too you're getting the hang of this now.
What else do you want to put in your comfort kit?
My Cuddly toys, really soft.
I like this one.
Everyone should have a unicorn to cuddle.
I like the way these flowers smell.
What else shall I put in my comfort kit?
What sounds do you like the best?
I know anything else you'd like to put in?
Oh yes.
I almost forgot I love, I feel a bit better now.
I'm going to do some colouring in.
Awesome.
What will you put in your comfort kit?
Here are some more ideas.
Children and eating difficulties
There are many physical and psychological reasons why children can have eating difficulties. This can make mealtimes stressful for you as well as your child. This video offers ideas to support your child’s wellbeing if they’re struggling with food issues or having eating difficulties.
At Bupa we understand that meal times can sometimes be a stressful experience, especially for children.
We're here to help and to provide guidance on any eating difficulties.
When supporting someone with eating difficulties it is important to know that it is not necessarily always focused around calorie intake and body image. An eating difficulty is when a person struggles with eating.
Which could be for a variety of different reasons.
This could be linked to sensory difficulties.
For example, the taste texture, or even smell.
Another type of difficulty could have stemmed from having had a distressing experience with food such as choking or vomiting or experiencing a significant abdominal pain.
This can be perpetuated within children causing the young person to develop feelings of fear and anxiety around food or eating and lead them to avoiding certain foods or textures.
We understand that meal times can be difficult for both the person who is eating the meal and those supporting them.
Some of the following supportive strategies can be used to help make things a little more manageable during these times.
Planning is key.
Structure and consistency are extremely important for children with eating difficulties.
Planning meal times will help ensure that any last minute changes to meals or meal times are avoided as this can aid in reducing any unnecessary anxiety around eating.
Establish mutual expectations.
Clarifying what is expected of the person eating and the support that is required, and how this will be prompted should it be needed.
Conversations don't always have to be about eating during meal times, as meal times can be difficult enough for the young person.
Introduce open conversations around what would be helpful for your loved one who is struggling eating.
This could be done in a support plan style.
Discuss the following: How do they want to be supported during meal times?
What things will help them and what will they not find helpful?
What distractions can be used during meal times?
Try playing cards, word searches, listening to music or podcasts.
Being open and honest in things that you have observed can be a great way to support a young person with eating difficulties.
Try not to be critical.
Look for things from the young person's point of view.
It's understandable and okay for you to feel frustrated as difficulties around eating may put a strain on the family, regardless of how close a family is.
For a young person eating this could have become their biggest fear.
It is important to seek help and guidance from your GP as a first point of contact with any concerns that you may have with your child in relation to any eating difficulties.
This is to ensure that you can access the correct help and support.
Sharp increase in worries about eating disorders in children
Our research shows that more people have been looking for answers about eating disorders as a result of the pandemic. Eating disorders in children can be a significant cause for concern. That’s why we’ve created a page all about leading types of eating disorder, warning signs to look out for, and advice for parents.
Find Bupa-recognised mental health professionals near you
Our Finder tool lets you browse the directory of Bupa-recognised consultants, psychologists, therapists, counsellors and other professionals.
You don’t need to be a Bupa health insurance customer to see them, just make your own appointment and pay independently.
If you’re in a crisis or just need some help, don’t hesitate. Here are some really helpful organisations that you can turn to for support.
Young Minds
YoungMinds is the UK’s leading charity for children’s and young people's mental health. You can text Crisis Messenger for free 24/7 and get support from trained volunteers who are supervised by experienced clinicians. Texts are free from most major mobile networks.
For urgent help, text YM to 85258
Samaritans
When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. Whoever you are and whatever you’re facing, they won’t judge you or tell you what to do. They’re there to listen so you don’t have to face it alone.
Call free day or night on
116 123 (UK and ROI)
Mind
Mind is a charity dedicated to mental health. They exist to make sure no one has to face a mental health problem alone. They’ll listen to you and offer support and advice.
0300 123 3393
Lines open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays
Mental Health Foundation
This charity helps people understand, protect and sustain their mental health. The ‘Your mental health’ section has lots of useful content, including podcasts about mindfulness and overcoming anxiety.
Rethink Mental Illness
Rethink offers crisis and recovery services, advocacy, online resources, support groups and much more. Each year, they help tens of thousands of people manage their mental wellbeing.
0300 5000 927
Lines open 9:30am to 4pm Monday to Friday
Mental health support as part of Bupa health insurance
I’m already a Bupa health insurance customer
If mental health is included in your Bupa health insurance, we may be able to refer you to a consultant or therapist, and you may not even have to see your GP first†. Or we can put you through to one of our mental health nurses.
0808 296 4375^
^Calls may be recorded and to maintain the quality of our service we may monitor some of our calls, always respecting the confidentiality of the call.
I’m not a Bupa customer, but I’d like to find out more about health insurance
If you’re looking for mental health support as part of a broader health insurance policy, we can look after you, your family, or your business.
†Any onward referrals for consultations, tests or treatment are subject to the benefits and exclusions of your cover. Please check your guide and certificate for further details or contact us to check your availability.
Bupa health insurance is provided by Bupa Insurance Limited. Registered in England and Wales No. 3956433. Bupa Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Arranged and administered by Bupa Insurance Services Limited, which is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales No. 3829851. Registered office: 1 Angel Court, London EC2R 7HZ.
