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Wellbeing

At Welling School, we are passionate about the wellbeing and mental health of our school community.  Our fundamental priority is to establish communications with pupils and parents whilst pupils are working remotely from home.  Our pastoral team is committed to ensuring that all pupils are coping with the challenges that being a young person brings.  

We all need a bit of help sometimes. It can be difficult to know how, or who, to ask. On this page you can find frequently asked questions from children and young people in Bexley.

What is mental health and how do I know if I am having mental health problems?

Just as your body can become unwell, your mind can become unwell too. Just like with physical illnesses there is treatment and support available. There are many different types of mental health problems, these are the most common:

Anxiety - Anxiety is a normal, human feeling of fear or panic. When we face stressful situations, it can set off our brain’s in-built alarm bell system, which tells us something isn’t right. Most of us worry sometimes – about things like friendships or money – and feel anxious when we’re under stress, like at exam time. But afterwards we usually calm down and feel better. But when you’re not in a stressful situation, and you still feel worried or panicky, that’s when anxiety can become a problem.

Find out more about anxiety:

Young Minds Anxiety

Depression - We all feel low or down at times, but if your negative emotions last a long time or feel very severe, you may have depression. Depression is a mood disorder where you feel very down all the time. Depression can happen as a reaction to something like bullying, but it can also run in families. Depression often develops alongside anxiety. 

Find out more about depression:

Young Minds Depression

I am feeling really low, who can I speak to?

Talking about your mental health with the people you trust is often the first step to feeling better. It’s important you tell those closest to you, so they can be aware and be there to support you.

You might find the conversation tough and it can feel difficult to know what to say. If you’re struggling with your feelings, you're not alone. You can talk to:

  • A family member, such as your mum, dad, sister, brother or grandparents
  • A friend - this could be a friend at school, or where you live or at a club you go to
  • Your teacher or form tutor - find a quiet time to tell your teacher how you are feeling, they will be able to help.
  • Your care and guidance or ATL.
  • A member of the safeguarding team. 
  • Other children of a similar age on a moderated forum such as KOOTH

A professional service such as Child Line, or The Mix

I am not very good at talking, can I just text or web chat with someone?

Yes of course, some people do not like talking on a telephone or meeting someone face to face. There are services that can support you by web chat (via the websites) or text message.

SHOUT Young Minds - text messenger service - If you are aged under 25 and struggling to cope, text YM to 85258 for free, 24/7 support. Shout offers free text messaging support. If you feel unable to cope or need to get something off your chest, Shout's trained volunteers will listen. They can help you take steps towards you feeling better.

KOOTH - free web chat service - If you are aged under 25, then register on the website and webchat with a trained counsellor for free. The service is completely anonymous so you do not have to give your name. You can have a 'one off' chat, or ask if you can check in with the same counsellor again at a later date.

Childline - free web chat service - If you are aged under 19, chat with a counsellor online about whatever's worrying you. It's confidential - you don't need to give us your email address or real name.

The Mix  - free web chat and text messenger service -  If you are aged under 25, our crisis messenger text service provides free, 24/7 crisis support. If you’re experiencing painful emotions or are in a crisis, you can text THEMIX to 85258. Our Telephone and Webchat counselling service is also available. Our counsellors aim to support by listening to your problems and helping you find ways to cope in a confidential, safe space.