Social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH)
Social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) refers to a broad array of special educational needs based on a child or young person’s difficulty regulating emotions and behaviour.
Individual experiences of SEMH vary widely, as they arise for different reasons. Life events, trauma, genetic factors, family dynamics and various environments contribute to these difficulties and should all be considered as potential underlying causes.
Children and young people with SEMH may struggle to build and maintain relationships and find it difficult to engage positively in educational settings like the classroom. A child or young person’s distress may be shown in changes in behaviour, for example sleeping, eating, playing and interacting with others. This can affect their emotional wellbeing and ability to learn. Every child or young person’s experience and response to SEMH are unique, requiring a personalised approach.
If you are worried about child or young person’s social, emotional or mental health needs please speak with the registered GP, health visitor or education setting SENCO to explore how they can best be supported.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
ADHD can affect a person's behaviour and is one diagnosis that can impact on a child or young person’s social, emotional and mental health needs. It can make children hyperactive, impulsive, and easily distracted.
Signs of ADHD include:
- having a short attention span or getting easily distracted
- feeling restless, always moving, or being too active
- being impulsive
All children can behave in this way at times, particularly when they are anxious or excited. Acting this way doesn't always mean they have ADHD.
The difference with ADHD is that these symptoms occur over a long period and across different settings. This could be when they're at school, at home or out and about.
ADHD is more commonly diagnosed in boys than in girls, although it is not yet understood why this is.
Support for ADHD
If you have any concerns about ADHD, talk to your child or young person’s school, Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENDCO) or registered GP.
For more information about ADHD visit the NHS website.
Local organisations offering support
- Camden MOSAIC – offering teams including child psychotherapist, clinical psychologist, child psychiatrist and family therapist
- Open Minded – Camden Mental Health Services
- Mind Camden - offering support for young people experiencing challenges with mental health and wellbeing
- The Hive – offering mental health support for young people aged 16-24