Student Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health

Sometimes, children and young people face different social and emotional challenges that can show up in how they feel or act. For example, some might feel very quiet, want to spend time alone, or seem sad, while others might act out in ways that feel tricky or upsetting. These feelings and actions might be signs of things like anxiety, depression, self-harm, eating problems, or other struggles.

Some children and young people might also be coping with conditions like ADD, ADHD, or finding it hard to build strong attachments with others.

At Leeds West Academy we want every student to feel supported and cared for. That’s why we work hard to make sure no one feels left out. Our school has clear plans and systems to help all students with their feelings and behaviours, so everyone can learn and feel included in a safe and positive environment.

What is Mental Health?

Mental health is about how you feel, think, and connect with others. It’s your emotional, psychological, and social well-being—it affects how you deal with stress, build relationships, and make choices. Some people call it "emotional health" or "well-being," and it’s just as important as your physical health. Everyone has mental health, and it’s something we all need to take care of together.

Having good mental health means you’re generally able to handle life’s ups and downs, enjoy your relationships, and make choices that feel right for you. But it’s totally normal to have times when you feel stressed, anxious, or low. For most people, those feelings pass, but for some—about 1 in 4—they can become more serious and need extra support.

Remember, it’s okay to ask for help if you’re struggling—looking after your mental health is always worth it.

Recognising Early Signs of Mental Health Challenges

It’s important to notice when someone might need extra support. Some early signs of mental health struggles include:

Changes in eating or sleeping habits (too much or too little).
Withdrawing from people and activities you usually enjoy.
Feeling numb or like nothing matters.
Experiencing unexplained aches and pains.
Using substances like alcohol, tobacco, vapes or drugs more than usual.
Struggling with intrusive thoughts or memories you can’t escape.
Thinking about harming yourself or others.

Where to Find Help

If you or a friend are feeling worried about mental health or emotional wellbeing, it’s really important to talk to someone. At Leeds West Academy you can speak to any staff member you trust—they’re there to listen and help you find the right support.

Look out for the Safeguarding Officer poster to see which staff members are always ready to help.

You can also get help from trusted organisations. They have phone numbers and email addresses you can use to ask for advice and support.

Remember: asking for help is a brave thing to do, and there’s always someone who wants to support you.