Tag Archives: mental wellbeing

February @ Castlemilk High School Library

Children’s Mental Health Week takes place from 5–11 February 2024. This year’s theme is ‘My Voice Matters’, which is all about empowering children and young people to express themselves.

To mark the week, this month in school we’re highlighting books from our ‘shelf help’ collection. School libraries have a great range of mental health and well being books available for pupils. These titles are chosen to support young people in building resilience and self-esteem, as well as managing anxiety and overall mental health.

You have the power : find your strength and believe you can/ Leah Williamson

Join Lioness Leah Williamson, Arsenal and England women’s football player, as she shows girls that they can be a leader at any age, and that huge things can happen when they believe in themselves!

Dare to be you / Matthew Sayid

What would you dare to try if you stopped worrying about fitting in?
When you stop doubting yourself, embrace change and let your kindness loose, you become your own action hero. This groundbreaking, practical and positive book will help kids develop the inner confidence to grow into happy adults who know – and, more importantly, LIKE – themselves.

Banish your self-esteem thief : a cognitive behavioural therapy workbook/ Kate Collins-Donnelly

Packed with activities and real-life stories, this imaginative workbook will show you what self-esteem is, how it develops, the impact it can have and how all this applies to your own self-esteem

Yes you can : ace school without losing your mind / Natasha Devon

Secondary school can seem overwhelming – but it doesn’t have to be. Natasha Devon uses her expertise to show you how to navigate school and stay calm in the face of exams. Learn how your brain works, what kind of learner you are, and how to deal with exam days with the help of mindfulness.

A better day : your positive mental health handbook/ Alex George

A positive, accessible and practical toolkit guiding young readers in how they can care for their mental health with confidence.From peer pressure and exam stress to online trolls and anxiety, life is full of ups and downs. But there are ways we can stay on top of our mental health – including overcoming stigma, talking about our feelings, developing resilience and switching our mindset.

Fighting invisible tigers : stress management for teens/ Earl Hipp

This book offers proven techniques that teens can use to deal with stressful situations in school, at home, and among friends. They’ll find current information on how stress affects health and decision making and learn stress-management skills to handle stress in positive ways—including assertiveness, positive self-talk, time management, relaxation exercises, and much more. Filled with interesting facts, student quotes, and fun activities, this book is a great resource for any teen who’s said, “I’m stressed out!”

The mental health and wellbeing workout for teens

Informed by the experiences of teens themselves, this friendly guide gives practical tips and strategies on how to overcome everyday stresses and ditch negative thinking ‘frenemies’ before they develop into more serious issues. Teens will be better equipped to recognise negative thoughts and emotions, monitor their mood and behaviour, and flex their positive thinking muscles in order to combat the mental health blips we all face sometimes.

You can browse for more books in the ‘mental health and well being’ section of our school library book lists.

New Beginnings: Cultivating Mental Wellness Workshop

January and The Art of New Beginnings: Mental Wellbeing in School

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As we bid farewell to the past year and step into a new one, January heralds a season of fresh starts and new beginnings. While many of us set resolutions related to physical health and personal achievements, it’s crucial not to overlook the significance of mental health and wellbeing in this journey of self-improvement.

January, with its symbolic transition into a new calendar year, serves as a powerful reminder to prioritise our mental health. The pressures of modern life, coupled with the challenges brought on by the global pandemic, have underscored the importance of maintaining a resilient and balanced mind.

Taking care of our mental wellbeing is not just a trend or a passing phase—it’s a lifelong commitment to living a fulfilling and meaningful existence. Whether you’re struggling with a particular mental health concern, or looking for ways to improve your emotional intelligence and adaptability, read on for some recommendations from our Shelf Help section.

Wired Differently by Joe Wells

This illustrated portrait collection honours 30 influential neurodivergent individuals for their recent remarkable achievements. The book’s extraordinary stories emphasise that their accomplishments, creations, and inspiration stem not despite their differences but because of them. Encompassing politicians, activists, journalists, YouTubers, DJs, and poets, it showcases diverse career paths, offering neurodivergent readers a spectrum of exciting possibilities.

How to Say No by Michelle Elman

Empower yourself by saying NO to demanding friends, unwanted parties, phone distractions, and unwelcome hugs. This essential guide, suitable for readers aged 9+, navigates the challenges of growing up with humour and insight. Authored by Michelle Elman, a life coach and activist, it teaches the strength, confidence, and self-worth that come with setting boundaries. From friendships to phones and family, this playful and empowering book offers a one-stop guide to creating your life’s rules and knowing when it’s okay to say NO!

Failosophy for Teens by Elizabeth Day

A guide for navigating life’s challenges, “Failosophy For Teens” by Elizabeth Day uses personal experiences and stories from her podcast, “How to Fail,” to empower teens facing setbacks. Embracing failure becomes the key to happiness, success, and self-acceptance. Learn to openly discuss failure, turn it into success, build resilience, and reframe negative thoughts. Failing better leads to growth, learning, and embracing your awesome self. This inspiring handbook will transform your self-perception and life.

Fighting Invisible Tigers by Earl Hipp

“Fighting Invisible Tigers” provides teens with practical advice on stress management, anxiety reduction, and digital well-being. Stress among adolescents is a growing concern, impacting their daily lives. This updated guide teaches proven techniques for handling stressors like school, friendships, and social media. It offers valuable insights on decision-making, assertiveness, relaxation exercises, time management, and more. Empowering teens to control their stress response promotes healthier relationships, better decisions, and enhanced well-being.

A Better Day by Dr Alex George

Discover a positive approach to mental health with Youth Mental Health Ambassador Dr. Alex George’s empowering handbook, “A Better Day.” Addressing challenges like peer pressure, exam stress, and online trolls, this practical toolkit guides young readers in caring for their mental health. From overcoming stigma to developing resilience, the book provides scaffolding and techniques to stay optimistic. With insights on talking about feelings and shifting mindset, it offers hope for a brighter future despite life’s ups and downs.

As we embrace the spirit of new beginnings this January, let’s not overlook the importance of mental health. By recognising the interconnectedness of mind and body, we can lay the foundation for a year filled with personal growth, resilience, and overall wellbeing. Remember, taking care of your mental health is not just a resolution—it’s a commitment to a healthier, happier you.