Children's mental health is crucial for their overall well-being, impacting their physical health, relationships, and education. Early negative experiences, like abuse or neglect, can negatively affect a child's mental health. It's important to recognize the signs of mental health challenges in children and provide appropriate suppor
Early intervention and support are vital
Mental Health
Children's mental health is crucial for their overall well-being and future success, encompassing emotional, social, and cognitive development. Early intervention and support are vital, as mental health issues can have long-lasting effects if left unaddressed.
Help with Neurodivergence and Mental Health
Nip in the Bud Resources
Article: How to talk to your child about mental health
By creating an open, ongoing dialogue, we can encourage children to develop a healthy and informed view of mental health.
Published: 14th Jul 2020
Updated: 31st May 2026
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Updated: 31st May 2026
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Factsheet: School Anxiety: Practical Strategies for Parents
Here are some suggestions for parents if children are struggling to go to school, feeling anxious in the lead-up to returning after holidays, or worried…
Video: Children's voices about coronavirus
Made during the COVID-19 lockdown of 2020, this film remains relevant today because children's anxiety about global events like pandemics or wars, and…
Published: 29th May 2020
Updated: 31st May 2026
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Updated: 31st May 2026
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Article: Managing children's anxiety about coronavirus
This article was posted at the height of the Covid pandemic but still has useful tips for helping children cope with the anxiety that global health events…
Published: 20th Apr 2020
Updated: 31st May 2026
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Updated: 31st May 2026
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Conduct Disorder
When a child shows the above behaviours, as well as more extreme behaviours (including violence, use of weapons, stealing, lying, fire-setting, and cruelty…
Published: 27th Jun 2026
Updated: 27th Jun 2026
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Updated: 27th Jun 2026
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Anxiety
Fears and worries are a normal part of a child's development, but anxiety can become a concern when it significantly impacts a child's daily functioning…
Published: 27th Jun 2026
Updated: 27th Jun 2026
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Updated: 27th Jun 2026
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Trauma
Understanding trauma and adopting trauma-informed approaches can transform how we support vulnerable children. Rather than asking "What's wrong with this…
Published: 27th Jun 2026
Updated: 27th Jun 2026
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Updated: 27th Jun 2026
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Factsheet: ARFID Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
ARFID is a restrictive feeding and eating disorder, involving avoiding certain foods, restricting overall intake, or both, leading to nutritional or psychosocial…
Article: Fine at school, falling apart at home: autism, masking and PDA
On one side, a child who appears calm and compliant. On the other, the pressure of a day spent hiding how much they are struggling — a pressure that can,…
Eating Disorders
If you are concerned about your child’s behaviour around food, or they have been diagnosed with an eating disorder, you are not alone. On this page, you…
Published: 27th Jun 2026
Updated: 27th Jun 2026
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Updated: 27th Jun 2026
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PTSD
This collection of films provides expert guidance on identifying PTSD symptoms, creating safe and supportive environments, managing difficult behaviours…
Published: 27th Jun 2026
Updated: 27th Jun 2026
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Updated: 27th Jun 2026
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Self Harm
It can be distressing to learn that your child is self-harming. Learn more about what self-harm is, the signs of self-harm, and what you can do to support…
Published: 27th Jun 2026
Updated: 27th Jun 2026
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Updated: 27th Jun 2026
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OCD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in children is characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions)…
Published: 27th Jun 2026
Updated: 27th Jun 2026
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Updated: 27th Jun 2026
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Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is an anxiety-related mental health condition in which a child or adult becomes preoccupied with one or more perceived flaws…
Published: 27th Jun 2026
Updated: 27th Jun 2026
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Updated: 27th Jun 2026
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Depression
Symptoms of depression in children can include persistent sadness, irritability, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep or appetite, fatigue,…
Published: 27th Jun 2026
Updated: 27th Jun 2026
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Updated: 27th Jun 2026
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Factsheet: What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)?
What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)?
This article was reviewed and enriched with expert insights from Dr Sean Cavanagh – Academic Clinical Fellow, National…
Published: 15th Jun 2021
Updated: 8th May 2026
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Updated: 8th May 2026
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Factsheet: Self-Harm: Facts, Signs and Support
Designed for adults supporting young people, this guide explains self-harm behaviours, risk factors, referral pathways, and everyday strategies to reduce…
Published: 1st May 2026
Updated: 1st May 2026
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Updated: 1st May 2026
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Factsheet: Self-harm in children: what you need to know
Self-harm in children can be frightening to discover and difficult to understand. Knowing what drives it — and what actually helps — makes it easier to…
Published: 15th Jun 2022
Updated: 16th Apr 2026
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Updated: 16th Apr 2026
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Factsheet: My child is self harming - help for parents
Finding out your child is self-harming can feel overwhelming. It's important to know that with the right support, children can learn healthier ways to…
Published: 15th Jun 2022
Updated: 16th Apr 2026
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Updated: 16th Apr 2026
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Factsheet: Disordered Eating in Children: Signs, Types and Support
Disordered eating can affect children of any age, and the signs aren't always obvious. Understanding what to look for - and knowing when to act - can make…
Video: What is trauma-focused CBT?
Trained therapists can deliver specialist trauma-focused CBT to help face the trauma and control horrible thoughts.
Published: 7th Dec 2022
Updated: 16th Apr 2026
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Updated: 16th Apr 2026
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Video: What is post traumatic stress disorder?
Nip in the Bud has been given permission by the UK Trauma Council to share this series of four short animations, which they have produced on the topic…
Published: 7th Dec 2022
Updated: 14th Apr 2026
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Updated: 14th Apr 2026
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Video: Children and the trauma of the Grenfell tragedy
Dr Sian Williams and Dr David Trickey talk about the trauma suffered by children who witnessed the Grenfell tower fire.
Published: 30th Jan 2023
Updated: 14th Apr 2026
Nip in the Bud with Dr David Trickey Dr Sian Williams
Updated: 14th Apr 2026
Nip in the Bud with Dr David Trickey Dr Sian Williams
Video: PTSD in the classroom - Tips for Teachers
In this 4-minute film, Dr Sian Williams gives Tips for Teachers who either have a child or children in their class who are experiencing symptoms of Post-Traumatic…