Early Years
What happens to us in infancy can affect us for years to come. Research shows that poor mental health and wellbeing early in childhood can lead to mental health problems in later childhood, adolescence or adult life. That's why early years mental health is one of our six priority areas
Policies and Frameworks:
We work with departments across the Scottish Government, to make sure that issues of infant mental health and wellbeing are taken into account whenever new work and new legislation is planned.
The National Programme supported the development of the consultation on the Framework for Children and Young People's Mental Health.
HeadsUpScotland
The National Programme funds HeadsUpScotland – a national project that aims to raise the profile and importance of Children and Young People's Mental Health Wellbeing. HeadsUpScotland also supports the activity already underway in Scotland to improve children and young people's mental health.
Early Years Projects:
Starting Well
Starting Well is providing increased support to Glasgow families of young children. Part funded by the National Programme, it offers a programme of activities designed to support families and works to ensure parents and children have access to enhanced community-based resources. For more information, contact Starting Well.
'Beyond the Blues' Postnatal Depression DVD
With funding from the National Programme, Crossreach has produced a free DVD about postnatal depression aimed at parents. The DVD features mothers, partners and others talking about their experience of Postnatal Depression:
This is a common type of depression experienced by mothers soon after giving birth. Up to one in ten mothers encounter postnatal depression in the year following childbirth.
Infant Mental Health Project
The National Programme has funded a three-year project at the Scottish Institute of Human Relations. The project will identify gaps in current training and provide new training to help frontline staff understand the issues around infant mental health, the likely successful interventions, and to be confident in assessing situations and applying practical solutions. Contact SIHR for further information.
Early Years Research:
Mellow Babies
Winner of a Small Research Projects grant, this research is examining ways to improve outcomes for infants with mothers who have Postnatal Depression:
This is a common type of depression experienced by mothers soon after giving birth. Up to one in ten mothers encounter postnatal depression in the year following childbirth.
Short Life Working Group on Infant Mental Health
Dr. Christine Puckering is leading an investigation into best practices to promote mental health and wellbeing in the early years. More
News and Events:
Health Scotland Parenting Resources:
Ready, steady BABY!
A great online resource packed with information and advice on pregnancy, childbirth and early parenthood. Visit the site at www.hebs.com/readysteadybaby/
Cool Dads
Booklet is aimed for fathers exploring how they can involve themselves more, and more positively, with their children. Includes interviews with and drawings by young children from across Scotland.
View online, or download
- cooldads.pdf [1.26Mb]
Click here to find out how to get help now.
View or download the current copy of Well? magazine, join the mailing list, browse our archive.
Real life stories of living with, recovering from and caring for people with mental illness.
Living with Bipolar Disorder (manic depression) Jemma tells it how it is. Updated weekly.
Let us know what you think of Jemma's Diary, email us at wellscotland@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Keep in touch with friends and loved ones
Close relationships have a huge impact on how we feel on a daily basis. A phone call, a couple of emails or a few texts, can help us feel connected to those we love. Or why not meet up for a quick tea or coffee?
For people who are depressed or feeling low, regular social contact can make all the difference - but don't wait for them to get in touch with you.
Even just lifting the phone can be incredibly hard for someone in a low mood. However, the support that person will feel following that phone call, email or text, are well worth the effort.
More top tips ...
