Dr Ranj Reacts to Waterloo Road

They're entertaining, but how do BBC TV dramas reflect the real world?

Conversations around mental health and anxiety have become much more common, on and off screen, but according to a poll by Parents' Toolkit and Netmums, 49% of parents still felt that there was stigma around their child having a mental health problem.

To see if this stigma has made its way into the plotlines and characters of drama, presenter and NHS clinician Dr Ranj sat down to react to episode one of hit BBC series Waterloo Road. Let's see what he has to say…

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Starting a new school

In the first clip, Izzy is feeling anxious about her first day at a new school and whether she will make any friends. Her dad, Donte, gives her some reassurance - "It's all part of the adventure, innit?"

Dr Ranj sympathises with Izzy in this situation, "These are completely normal feelings," and encourages parents to remind their children that this is the case - many others will be feeling exactly the same way.

Ranj goes on to suggest that parents might want to take their child on a dummy run before they start school, so they have the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the journey. If they still feel anxious, help them to know the trusted grown ups in school - the teachers, counsellors or nurses who are happy to talk.

And lastly, Ranj stresses the importance of 'checking in'. "What were the good things? What were the fun things? What did you learn? But also, is there anything that’s stressing you out?"

Take a look at our article on school anxiety and refusal for more support.

Being a child post-pandemic

Clip two from Waterloo Road features a boy, Danny, who has been living in the school's boiler room for weeks. He is discovered, then chased and arrested by a police officer. It's revealed that Danny is a former pupil of the school who has run away from home after struggling in lockdown with difficult family relationships.

We heard this time and time again during lockdown - when kids couldn't access school, their sanctuary was taken away from them.
– Dr Ranj

Ranj remembers the first lockdown in 2020 as a relatively beneficial experience in his personal life, but, as it progressed, he began to feel isolated. This will have been true for many of our children - a sense of isolation and perhaps loss or grief. He goes on to say that parents might see a continuing expression of that grief playing out in their child and to be mindful.

As simple as it sounds, reaching out and talking to people if you're struggling and encouraging your child to do the same is the best course of action.

Take a look at this article for parents and carers to help build their child's resilience.

If your child is coping with a loss or grief, this article has support and advice from Child Bereavement UK.

Opening up a conversation

The final clip in the film shows Danny in the lunch hall opening up to his friend Kai about his situation and his family struggles.

Dr Ranj says, "I think that shows a really beautiful connection between two very seemingly different people, who are actually going through quite similar things. I love the fact that he was able to open up because of that."

There are some things that your child is more likely to reveal to a friend or peer than to you, their parent or carer, and, as a result, you might not be completely across everything that they're going through. Because of this, Ranj encourages parents to let their child take the lead - "You can take some of the cues from them."

However, it is important to try and spot the warning signs of something more, such as a significant change in mood, not eating and drinking properly, or not sleeping properly. These are signs that you need to speak to your child yourself and, if necessary, seek professional advice as well.

If you'd like to start a conversation with your child about emotions or mental health, this article has top tips for parents and carers.