Meinou Simmons is an experienced Consultant NHS child and adolescent psychiatrist working in Oxford, UK, and Training Programme Director in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry for Thames Valley, as well as a parent of three. Dr Simmons qualified as a doctor from the University of Cambridge in 2004, then specialised in child and adolescent psychiatry and has worked with many hundreds of families with a broad range of mental health difficulties. She has a special interest in medical education and training and has taught and published on a range of topics. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge of children and young people's mental health.

Part I. What Affects Children and Young People's Mental Health? 1. Biological processes affecting mental health; 2. Lifestyle factors affecting mental health; 3. The impact of relationships on mental health; 4. Stressors affecting mental health; 5. Vulnerability of special groups; 6. Promoting mental health and preventing ill health: a summary; Part II. Strengthening Relationships with Children and Young People and Giving Support: 7. Looking after yourself; 8. Connecting with children and young people; 9. Supporting partners and co-parents; 10. Creating a network of support; 11. Positive parenting strategies; 12. Helping children and young people to manage school; 13. Building resilience and strength; Part III. What are the Common Mental Health Difficulties in Children and Young People and How are They Managed? What Can You Do to Help? 14. Difficulties with mood: depression; mood swings and emotional dysregulation: bipolar disorder; 15. Difficulties with worries and anxiety; 16. Difficulties with self-harm and suicidal thoughts; 17. Difficulties with trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder; 18. Difficulties with anger and behaviour; 19. Difficulties with attachment; 20. Difficulties with autism and neurodevelopmental conditions including tics; 21. Difficulties with attention and activity levels; 22. Alcohol and drug-related difficulties and disorders; 23. Difficulties with eating; 24. Difficulties with body image and body dysmorphic disorder; 25. Difficulties with perfectionism, obsessions and OCD; 26. Difficulties with losing touch with reality (psychosis); 27. First aid for mental health; 28. Mental health teams: Who works in them and what are the types of specialist teams?