If a child is in immediate danger, call 000. For 24/7 support, call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
10 October is World Mental Health Day, and October is Mental Health Month in Australia. It's a good time to think about children's mental health: what it looks like, the signs a child may be struggling, and where families can find help. Most children who are struggling can feel better, especially with early support.
What is children's mental health?
Mental health is about how children think, feel and manage day-to-day life. Good mental health helps a child learn, make friends, handle stress and enjoy things. Difficulties like anxiety, low mood or trouble managing big feelings are common, and they're not a sign of weakness or bad parenting. Help is available.
Signs a child may be struggling
Every child feels worried or sad sometimes, and change is part of growing up. It may be time to reach out if you notice changes that last more than a couple of weeks, such as:
- pulling away from friends or activities they used to enjoy
- changes in sleep, appetite or energy
- seeming sad, worried, flat, angry or more irritable than usual
- struggling at school or not wanting to go
- being very clingy or anxious about separating from you
- headaches or tummy aches with no clear physical cause
- trouble concentrating
- talking about being worthless, a burden or wishing they weren't here.
You know your child best. If you're worried, it's worth checking in.
Where to start
A GP is a good first step. They can:
- check for physical causes such as illness or poor sleep
- listen to what's happening at home and school
- where appropriate, prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Under the Better Access initiative, this can give access to Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual sessions a calendar year with an eligible mental health professional
- refer to a paediatrician, psychologist or other specialist if needed.
Free support for children and families
- Kids Helpline, 1800 55 1800. Free, confidential counselling for young people aged 5 to 25, by phone or webchat, 24/7.
- Lifeline, 13 11 14. 24/7 crisis support for anyone.
- 13YARN, 13 92 76. 24/7 crisis support run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
- Parentline Victoria, 13 22 89. Phone support for parents and carers of children up to 18.
- Emerging Minds. Free resources for parents and carers about children's mental health at emergingminds.com.au.
If a child talks about suicide or self-harm
Take it seriously. Stay calm, stay with them and get help straight away by calling 000, Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) or Lifeline (13 11 14). Even if they seem okay soon after, keep checking in and keep supporting them to get help.
Looking after yourself as a parent or carer
Supporting a child through a hard time can be draining, and it can bring up your own worries and guilt. It's okay to get support for yourself too. Parents and carers can call Lifeline (13 11 14) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636).
How Nhanya Foundation can help
Nhanya Foundation runs programs for children and young people in Melbourne's west, including Youth Strength and Recovery Workshops and school holiday programs. Our Assertive Outreach and Stabilisation Program works with young people who have become disconnected from services. We're not a crisis service, but if you're worried about a child and not sure where to start, we can help you connect with the right support. Call 03 8595 9012 or make a referral.
Worried about a child and not sure where to start? Call Nhanya Foundation on 03 8595 9012 or make a referral. For urgent help, call 000 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.