Heartstopper by Alice Oseman

 

I don't read many comic books/graphic novels but I am addicted to Alice Oseman's Heartstopper comic. It is beautifully drawn and easy to read. It tells the story of Charlie and Nick who go to the same school but being in different years have never really met - Nick is in the year above Charlie. Then one day they have to sit together. They become friends and love begins to blossom. 

The story features an interesting cast of LGBT+  and diverse characters and covers topics familiar to all teenagers - love, friendship, heartbreak. Nor does it shy away from mental health issues: anxiety, depression, eating disorders, homophobia, racism.

Heartstopper has recently been commissioned by Netflix, so read it in its original comic book form before it becomes a live action, eight part TV series.

Heartstopper is available in 3 print volumes (the 4th is due out in May 2021) or read it for free on Tumblr or on Tapas

Children's Mental Health Week

 Below are some fiction books where the characters are dealing with mental health issues.

The goldfish boy by Lisa Thomson (OCD); Thirteen reasons why by Jay Asher (suicide); Are we all lemmings and snowflakes by Holly Bourne (mental health)

Turtles all the way down by John Green (anxiety); All the bright places by Jennifer Niven (bereavement & depression); The unlikely hero of room 13B by Teresa Toten (OCD).

The worry website by Jaqueline Wilson (anxiety); Running on empty by S.S. Durrant (bereavement & anxiety); Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson (anorexia).

Children's Mental Health Week

 It is important to look after your wellbeing especially during the current lockdown when you are not in school and away from your friends. The current spell of bad weather is probably stopping you from getting time outside too. There are many places you can find help and information if you are feeling anxious or upset, below are just a few:

Young Minds  offers advice and mental health support for young people.

Breathing Space   a free telephone advice service, when you need someone to talk to.

B-eat   advice, support and information on all eating disorders.

Winston's wish  online and 'phone bereavement support and advice for young people.

The Mix  essential support for under 25s - from bullying to homelessness and mental health.

Calm Zone  There are lots of ways to feel calmer. This website offers advice and support if you need help. as well as breathing exercises and activities to help you let go of stress.

Children's Mental Health Week

 During these strange times it is more important than ever that we look after ourselves physically and mentally. 1st-7th of February is Children's Mental Health Week. For information and resources visit the website https://www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/

Books for wellbeing

 The Library has a good selection of books that can support your health and well being. If you need help finding a book on a specific subject Mrs Aitken is happy to help.

Daily Reading Challenge

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and the theme for this year is 'kindness'. For today's challenge read the quote by Roald Dahl then do something kind for someone or for yourself. These are challenging times we are living through and an act of kindness however small can make a huge difference to someone's mood. Read a few pages of a book to a member of your family either in person or across a video link. Or simply tidy away your books: less mess =less stress.

Mental Heath Awareness Week

The theme of this year's Mental Health Awareness Week is 'Kindness'. During this difficult time when we are working under very different circumstances little acts of kindness go a long way to helping people feel better about themselves. Be kind to yourself too. If you need some help or advice the websites listed below may be useful.

Young Minds                                      includes help  if you are struggling during lockdown
Calm Zone                                          de-stress ideas from Child Line
Mental Health Foundation                 more ideas to help you through lockdown
Mood Gym                                        online course to identify and overcome MH issues
Breathing Space Scotland                  support if you are feeling depressed, anxious or low   
The Mix                                             Mental Health information for all ages   
See Me Scotland                                aim to end stigma about Mental Health Issues