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Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

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Mental health and emotional wellbeing

There are a variety of influences that make a difference to our mental health and well-being. These include our personality, life experiences and physical well-being.
Our mood, emotions and how we feel can affect our behaviour, learning, relationships and ability to do everyday tasks and activities.

You can find out more about emotions on our emotion regulation page. See our wellbeing and mental health page for more details about services who can support.

Neurodiversity and mental health

Neurodiversity is not a mental health condition in itself, and being neurodiverse does not mean someone will definitely experience mental health difficulties such as anxiety and low mood. However, there are a number of challenges faced by neurodiverse people which can affect mental health and wellbeing.

These include the emotional impact of masking, social exclusion and loneliness, difficulties understanding yourself, and the impact of meltdowns and shutdowns. We know that increased inclusion within society, seeking support from others, and taking steps towards looking after yourself and increasing your understanding of yourself can lead to better emotional wellbeing for neurodiverse people.

Woman putting arm around upset girl.

Resources to support you

Step 1: Information & Signposting

Please click on the following advice and information resources for support on mental health and emotional wellbeing:

More of our resources and information:

Masking

  • Information on masking. A strategy used by some autistic people, consciously or unconsciously, to appear non autistic.

Social Exclusion and Loneliness

We recommend getting in touch with your local parent carer forum for peer support, and for information on local groups and activities. For teenagers, see our page on Friendships, Relationships and Social Inclusion.  The National Autistic Society website also has information and advice on loneliness. 

Meltdown and Shutdowns

See information on our sensory page, if you think that sensory issues could be causing meltdown or shutdowns for your child or young person. Ambitious about Autism also has more information about meltdowns and shutdowns. 

For young people

Social Stories. Hearing other people’s stories can be powerful, not only through providing practical strategies around mental health, but also by helping you to see that you are not alone in your experiences. Here are some personal stories from other neurodivergent young people about their experiences with their mental health and what helped them:

Coping Strategies

  • Complete a “Know Your Normal” toolkit. The “Know Your Normal” toolkit helps you to describe what your normal looks like – things such as how much sleep you get, how much time you spend on your interests and hobbies and how this makes you feel. So if any of these change, it’s easier to explain to people who may not understand your neurodiversity that something feels different. You can download the toolkit for free.
  • Understand the triggers. Keep a diary to help identify the times and situations where you are more anxious or low in mood, and what might make these things worse.
  • Monitor and manage your energy levels. Be aware of your energy levels after social interactions and other events and situations that you may find tiring or difficult.  Recharge by taking time for yourself and doing things you enjoy.
  • Make the environment work . Make adaptations to the environment where possible, for example lower unnatural light if too harsh. Try noise-cancelling headphones to reduce sensory overload.  More information on sensory needs.
  • Self-soothe. Use sensory tools and stimming to reduce anxiety levels, if that works for you. More information on sensory needs.
  • Relaxation and calming activities . Try sensory-friendly relaxation methods such as mindfulness, yoga, listening to calming music, deep pressure, or exercise.
  • Routine. Build a routine to provide structure to your day and reduce uncertainty. Visual schedules that you can tick off can be a helpful way of doing this.
  • Finding Support. Speak with a trusted friend, family member, or professional, such as your GP, about how you are feeling. Connect with others through local support groups.

Step 2: Getting Help

Please click on the following advice and information resources for help on mental health and emotional wellbeing:

  1. Discuss with Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENDCO) if you are concerned about your child’s emotional well-being. Some schools can access resources to support children’s emotional well-being.
  2. Our School Health Nurses can offer support with mild anxiety and worrying.
  3. Schools in Bristol and South Gloucestershire can refer to the Primary Mental Health Specialist teams.
    1. Off the record.
    2. Mental Health Support Team.
    3. Kooth.
    4. ChatHealth.Children over the age of 11 can access:
    5. Creative Youth Network.

Parent Carer Forums

Your local Parent Carer Forum has lots of resources to help you and your child or young person – including information, workshops, coffee mornings, training and other events.
Bristol
North Somerset
South Gloucestershire

Step 3: Getting More Help

Where there is significant concern about a child’s mental health a referral to the CAMHS team can be considered.