Express Yourself: How we can connect with others and look after our mental health

I was so pleased to be asked to takeover eNurture’s Instagram for Children’s Mental Health Week on 1 - 7 February. This year’s theme was ‘Express Yourself’, which I think is such an important message, particularly during these challenging times it can be difficult to find the time to express ourselves and look after our own well-being.  

I think that expression can come in so many different forms. For some people, talking is a really positive way of opening up to people and helping to make sure that you are not isolated and are able to get your feelings out through speaking to someone you trust. However, in the current climate is can sometimes be difficult to find people that you feel comfortable talking to because we are all so isolated. We’re not able to confide in our friends or peers as much and don’t necessarily have the space to be able to speak to a trusted adult at school. But it’s so important to remember that despite how lonely the world seems at the moment, you are not alone and it’s really important that we continue to use the amazing positive powers of the internet and technology to keep staying connected to people. It could be catching up with your friend each day for a quick check in or speaking to a helpline on the phone or by text, which could make a huge difference just to help feel connected and supported by others outside of your household.

Get creative!

But there are so many different ways to express ourselves and different things work for different people. For me, dance has always really helped me to feel more in control of my own feelings and understand myself better by being able to express and communicate through movement. I am really grateful to have been able to continue dance classes online during this time and there are so many people who are running online classes and workshops to keep your creative juices flowing whilst we’re stuck at home. You may prefer to express yourself through music, art, creative writing or anything which makes you happy and comfortable about expressing  how you feel.

 
Connect

The most important advice I can give to anyone at this time is to not bottle things up and suffer in silence.  I have found that it’s easy to become trapped in our own thoughts and forget about the support networks that we have around us and the simple activities that we can still do which make us happy. Have a look online and see what you can find and try to connect with some more people and communities virtually. Technology can be an amazingly positive tool when used correctly and I think there are ways that we can all use the online world to help support our mental health. Here are some useful sources of support:

Childline: 0800 1111
Papyrus HOPELINEUK: 0800 068 4141 Text: 07860 039 967
Samaritans: 116 123
YoungMinds Crisis Messenger: Text YM to 85258

What can parents do?

In my takeover I also discussed how parents can support children with expressing themselves during lockdown. I think the best advice I could give is to just continue encouraging your child to be creative and find different activities which allow them to express themselves. It might be an online class or a messy paint afternoon! And equally importantly, keep conversations about mental health open in your household. We all have mental health and by keeping conversations open we can help to make sure that more children and young people are receiving the support they need to manage their emotional well-being during such an uncertain time.

 YoungMinds parents’ helpline is a great service which offers extra support and advice to parents. They can be contacted on 0808 802 5544.

Elsa

eNurture Network Youth Panel Member

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