Children's mental health & how vitamin D can help
'The number of children in England needing treatment for serious mental health problems has risen by 39% in a year, official data shows that it is more important than ever to look after children's mental wellbeing and ensure their everyday life promotes a healthy mind.
Luckily there are some simple things you can do to help. 'From 6-12 February 2023, schools, families and communities across the UK will take part in Children’s Mental Health Week. This year’s theme is Let’s Connect.
What can you do to improve your child's mental health?
(1) Check in on them!
Making time to check in and talk to your child one on one helps them normalise talking about their emotions and any difficulties they are having.
(2) Play time is fun time!
Simply encouraging your child to play can help them to express their emotions in a positive way.
(3) Early to bed!
Making sure your child is getting enough sleep can have a huge impact on their mental health.
(4) Make healthy meals together!
A healthy diet, and physical health, has a knock on effect on a child's mental health.
Ensuring children are getting the right amount of nutrients and vitamins in their diet can improve both physical and mental wellbeing.
How does vitamin D improve my child's mental health?
NHS guidance states that 'Children aged 1 to 4 years old should be given a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D throughout the year.
One of the benefits of vitamin D is a reduction in depression symptoms. Not only are you supporting your child's physical health with their recommended vitamin D intake, you are improving their mental wellbeing too.
What options are available for children's vitamin D supplements?
(1) Vitamin D drops
(2) Chewable tablets
(3) Gummies
(4) Low strength vitamin D tablets & capsules
Check out these helpful blogs written around children's health!
