Dos this topic exist in Primary ed?

[Mattcassells]

Hello all,

I was just wondering if the basics of mental health issues are touched on in primary school? I am becomming more aware that there is a huge stigma around this issue and is there a way to help it.

I would appreciate anyones input as to what books your young ones have read through school (if any) that touch on this issue.

If this doesnt make sense, let me know and I will rephrase :)

Thank you all,

Matt

[Goblinchild]

It would be covered under the umbrella of PSHCE.
Didn't Jacqueline Wilson's book, The Illustrated Mum deal with MH in a fictional context?

[Mattcassells]

I'm not sure. I will check it out.

I am sure the topic of mental health is covered, wellbeing, happiness etc. But introduced mental health problems to some level is something I am not sure about.

[Goblinchild]

Why are you asking? We have children that have parents with MH issues, and children with them too, often linked to anxiety and depression.
Literature seems to work less effectively that activities and discussion/circle time lessons.

[Mattcassells]

Thank you all for writing back, Goblin, I was asking because I would like to see if there is a way to raise awareness of this and somehow tackle the stigma that surrounds these issues.

It is not only literature I was looking for but it was a good starter for me to see whats already there.

Forgive what may seem personal questions to some. I do not have children but I am a youth worker. I am trying to get input fromothers to see if changes can be tried or if I am missing things :)
M

[Mattcassells]

Verity, I know some great ones m,yself. However, I think highschool age may beto late to introduce this topic... I work alot with 11-25 year olds and their attitude towards using words that would offend people in this category is unnerving.

Do you think it should be covered more in schools? Anyone else think so?

[kickingking]

It will be covered, of sorts, in a PSHE context.

SEAL (Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning) is the PSHE programme many schools are using now. I don't know it that well myself (p/t and haven't taught PSHE for a while) but it covers change, coping strategies, when to ask for help with a problem, etc.

[Mattcassells]

King,

Thank you for posting, I will go and look into SEAL now. I have been into 8 primary schools in the past few weeks and it is barely being touched within them as they are still being converted to do PSHE as it was very much an optional topic before. Curriculum for excellence changed that though.

Thanks again for your input!