Concerns have been expressed over children’s mental health issues which could spiral into psychiatric problems if not treated, by head teachers in the UK. 
The National Association of Head Teachers says with a fifth of children having a mental health problem before age 11, it is a key concern, the BBC has reported. A snapshot survey of 1,455 English heads suggests two-thirds of primary schools cannot deal with such issues.
Mental health problems affect about 1 in 10 children and young people, says the UK’s Mental Health Foundation. These include depression, anxiety and conduct disorder, and are often a direct response to what is happening in their lives.
Alarmingly, the Foundation adds, 70% of children and young people who experience a mental health problem have not had appropriate interventions at a sufficiently early age.
It adds: “The emotional wellbeing of children is just as important as their physical health. Good mental health allows children and young people to develop the resilience to cope with whatever life throws at them and grow into well-rounded, healthy adults.”
Minister for Mental Health Alistair Burt said: “Young people’s mental health is a priority for me.
“We are investing £1.4bn over this Parliament – that’s one of the largest investments the sector has ever seen. We are getting every area of the country to plan how it will radically improve its youth mental health services and have launched the largest ever national campaign aimed at young people and their parents to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.”
The chief executive of the mental health charity Place2Be, Catherine Roche, said children faced all sorts of challenges, such as coping with parental separation, the illness or death of a loved one, and dealing with substance abuse and domestic violence.
Hypnotherapy works with the subconscious mind to bring about change and has a proven track record in successfully dealing with issues like anxiety, bullying, bad habits and self esteem issues.
Hypnotherapy can help a child resolve something that adults might perceive as unimportant but which are overwhelming to the child. It also means the child does not really have to talk about the problem they have, if they are reluctant to do so.
Given that most children have vivid and strong imaginations, it is relatively easy to reach the subconscious levels and, as children respond well to stories, visualisations, imaginative games and other simple tools, the therapist will use simple methods based on these precepts.
Usually, after sessions with a child, the hypnotherapist will brief parents and give them a summary of the session and suggest how parents can give support this ongoing and non-invasive treatment. Hypnotherapy can help children learn new, more appropriate and empowering coping strategies.
The National Council of Hypnotherapy (NCH) has more than 1800 therapists across the UK, all highly qualified and well trained.
To find an NCH therapist near you, use the body’s directory by clicking here.