Many mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, have their onset during adolescence. The brain changes that are happening at this time means that teenage brains can be vulnerable, so it’s a really important time for supporting healthy strategies to manage complicated emotions.

Mindfulness, the practice of stabilising attention, by being present in the moment, is currently being investigated as a possible way of encouraging wellbeing in students. The MYRIAD project is studying the effect of incorporating mindfulness into the school day on teenagers’ resilience in the face of difficulties. Early evidence for this approach is promising but the large-scale MYRIAD project will provide more answers about whether or not this technique can help to protect against mental health problems. What strategies or resources do you give students to help them manage their emotions?

Resources:
1. Information from the NHS about child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) can be found on their website: CAMHS.
2. YoungMinds offers further information for those who are concerned about an individual or want to find out more about mental health: YoungMinds.
3. MindEd provides information on supporting teenagers’ wellbeing: MindEd.

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Click on the topics below to find out more about the science in the film.

Sleep      ***      Hormonal Changes      ***      Prefrontal Changes
Inhibitory Control      ***      Mental Time Travel      ***      Limbic Changes
Sensation Seeking       ***       Risk taking       ***       Social Development
Theories of Adolescence      ***     Evolution      ***      Mental Health
Neuroconstructivism      ***     Educational Neuroscience
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