Spot the Warning Signs of Poor Mental Health

Children rarely announce that they're struggling. More often it shows sideways: a tummy ache that turns up before every maths lesson, long sleeves on a hot day, a hobby they loved and suddenly drop.

You'll learn a short list of warning signs of poor mental health that adults can pick up in everyday life, and what each one might mean. Some are easy to miss because they look like good news, like the child who throws everything into schoolwork or sport and can't forgive themselves a single mistake.

Above all, look for change in how a child looks, behaves, performs or turns up. When you're not sure whether to worry, ask how long it has gone on and what impact it's having on their life. Checking in with a child never does any harm.