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Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health

Read about Michael’s experiences with behaviour problems at school and how these
affected his levels of tolerance with the demands of school and home life.

Case Study: Michael

My mum said that I was getting ‘out of control’ when I was 14
years old. I was getting suspended for fighting and bunking off
school. Looking back, I was not happy and finding school work
hard. I was having problems with some of the teachers at school.
They said that I was causing trouble and I kept really losing my
temper. I was feeling really frustrated with things and getting
into fights with my dad who I don’t see that much.

It was much better spending time with my friends. I wasn’t going
home when my mum wanted me there. My mum and social worker
told me to go and see someone for help. I went to see someone at
my local clinic who said that we all needed to have some family
work, especially to help us talk better, and get me back on track.
I also met with someone on my own at the clinic and we talked
about my anger and how it was affecting everyone, and where it
was coming from. I started thinking about ways to cope with my
feelings and frustration. I still have good and bad days, but it was
good to see someone who understands.

Source: Royal College of Psychiatrists; www.rcpsych.ac.uk/
healthadvice/parentsandyoungpeople/parentscarers/
behaviouralproblems.aspx#michael

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