Mental Health Awareness Week
This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week was centred around the theme of ‘Anxiety’ and ran from the 15th to the 21st of May. It aimed to highlight the impact that anxiety can have on individuals and society as a whole. Anxiety can be a normal reaction to any challenging situation, but for some individuals, feelings of anxiety can be persistent and excessive, leading to significant distress. In the UK, rates of anxiety disorders in young people have trebled over the past three decades. By the age of 18, about one in three young people will have developed an anxiety disorder and the median age of onset for an anxiety disorder is 11.
During Mental Health Awareness Week, Tellmi shared educational posters and cards which explained useful grounding techniques that can help students calm down during a panic attack. A form time quiz provided students with a better understanding of anxiety and showed them what they can do to help themselves and each other. Because lots of young people in the Tellmi app post about hiding in the toilets when they feel anxious, we asked schools to hang the posters in toilet cubicles where they could help students who were struggling.
These are examples of posts from real users on the Tellmi app:
‘I had a panic attack at school yesterday. There was no one to speak to and there are only a few people that I trust.’
‘I’m starting a new school tomorrow, it’s only 3 days a week but I am so anxious at the moment to the point that I am feeling really sick and scared.’
‘I came into school late today as the bus was late. When I got to school I was supposed to be in an assembly but instead I had to hide in the toilets because I mentally and physically was unable to walk into a quiet room full of people.’
Tellmi also ran assemblies and workshops at Epsom College and Forest School based on the theme of the week and peer support which is at the heart of the Tellmi app. At Epsom College, Tellmi had a stall in the quad where students could ask questions and learn more about the amazing work we do.
Here are tips for anxiety from Epsom College students themselves:
Talk to somebody.
Listen to music.
Take a breath.
And this is how they choose to relax:
Listen to music
Among Us
Read
Relax
Fortnite with friends
Sleep
TV
Movies
Opening bronze packs
Football
Sports
Just Dance
Phone
If you would like to find out more or get a quote for commissioning Tellmi in your area or school please contact us and we will be in touch.
