Mental Health and Wellbeing

Although we don’t often talk about it, experimenting with drugs and alcohol can happen at any time, and sometimes there’s pressure from people around you - even your friends- to try things you might not want to. It might not be clear what to do, or who can help.

To support our students Christleton High School is working closely with some amazing, friendly people who can provide helpful information about drugs and alcohol so that students are made fully aware of the dangers that come with them.

We’ve teamed up with UK Addiction Treatment Centres (UKAT)- who are experts in this field and are here to help.

UKAT will be at Christleton School for the day during our Enrichment Week in the Summer Term, to interact with students and talk about drugs, alcohol and mental health. They have written a very interesting guide which students and parents can read through and discuss all the topics raised during the session.

Download your copy of the UKAT guide

Self-harm can take many different forms and as an individual act is hard to define. However in general self-harm (also known as self-injury or self-mutilation) is the act of deliberately causing harm to oneself either by causing a physical injury, by putting oneself in dangerous situations and/or self-neglect.

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence describes self harm as:

"Intentional self poisoning or injury, irrespective of the apparent purpose of the act" - NICE 2004

Some forms that self harm can take include:

• Cutting, burning, biting
• Substance abuse
• Head banging and hitting
• Taking personal risks
• Picking and scratching
• Neglecting oneself
• Pulling out hair
• Eating disorders
• Over dosing and self-poisoning

There is no ‘typical’ person who self harms. It can be anyone. An individual who self harms can not and should not be stereotyped; they can be of all ages, any sex, sexuality or ethnicity and of different employment status etc.

Advice for Young People

Sources of support

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If you’re having a moment of stress, panic or worry, here’s a simple coping strategy that may help.

NHS Breathing Exercise

Make yourself as comfortable as you can. If possible, loosen any clothes that restrict your breathing.

If you are lying down, place your arms a little bit away from your sides, with palms facing up. Let your legs be straight, or bend your knees so your feet are flat on the floor.

If you are sitting, rest your hands on the chair’s arms.

If you are sitting or standing, place both feet flat on the ground. Whatever position you are in, place your feet roughly hip-width apart.

Follow the steps below:

1. Let your breath flow as deep down into your belly as is comfortable, without forcing it
2. Try breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth
3. Breathe in gently, and regularly (some people find it helpful to count steadily from 1 to 5. You may not be able to reach 5 at first)
4. Then, without pausing or holding your breath, let it flow out gently, counting from 1 to 5 again
5. Keep doing this for 3 to 5 minutes

You will get the most benefit if you do it regularly as part of your daily routine.