More than a quarter of UK girls show signs of depression
International Day of The Girl
International Day of the Girl is celebrated each year on October 11th. The day was established by the United Nations in 2011, highlighting the girl child and celebrating the potential of girls and young women internationally in the face of threats, discrimination, and the issues of their well-being.
BBC report shows a crisis point in mental-ill health among UK girls
Recently the BBC reported that a quarter of girls in the UK ‘have signs of depression’. A government-funded study of over 10,000 young people revealed that a quarter of girls, and nearly one in ten boys, show signs of, not the clinical diagnosis of, depression.
Anna Feuchtwang, Chief Executive of the National Children’s Bureau, said: “This study of thousands of children gives us the most compelling evidence available about the extent of mental ill-health among children in the UK. With a quarter of 14-year-old girls showing signs of depression, it’s now beyond doubt that this problem is reaching crisis point.
“The new research also suggests that signs of depression are generally more common among children from poorer families. We know that mental health doesn’t exist in a vacuum and as the government prepares to publish its plans to improve children’s wellbeing, it must address the overlap with other aspects of disadvantage.”
The health benefits of dance
Dancing has numerous benefits, from increasing exercise and physical fitness, to making new friends and improving self-confidence and self-esteem. Dancing provides an opportunity to express yourself, learn something new and have fun.
In 2012, Swedish scientists found that girls who enrolled in a couple of dancing lessons each week had better mental health ratings than those who didn’t take classes. According to the report published in the journal Archives of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, improvements were long-term, lasting many months after the classes had finished.
The team of researchers said: “It can provide a supportive environment and an opportunity to enhance low body attitudes and physical self-perceptions.” The study was made with112 girls, aged between 13 and 18, who had “internalising problems” such as depression, low-self worth or persistent feelings of tiredness. This study points out the role of joyful social physical activity in influencing health.”
Ludus Dance offers regular dance sessions to give improved physical health, flexibility and stamina and to help your child work as part of team, gaining in confidence, developing social and communication skills and making new friends.
