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Supporting your child's mental health
Good mental health is about much more than the absence of a mental health problem. The World Health Organization describes good mental health as a ‘state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.’ Our kids are increasingly experiencing a range of factors that can impact their ability to enjoy good mental health, including: bullying and relationship breakups, family history of mental health problems, or personality types susceptible to struggles, and
As parents, you can’t protect them from every impact or risk factor, but you can seek to provide a counterbalancing positive impact by supporting them to cope with change and challenges. Luckily, supporting your child involves many steps you likely already do. Try listening, encouraging healthy habits, and learning where to start if they (or you) need more professional help.
ListenStart with showing an interest in your child’s life and being available to listen when they want to talk, whether or not they have a problem. Knowing that you will listen to them share a passion for Minecraft lets them know (even if only subconsciously) that you hear them. Then, if they have a concern, they will feel more comfortable bringing it up.
Spending regular time together allows your child to raise concerns or problems without pressure. Perhaps try: avoiding individual headphones in the car while travelling to and from school or sports practice, washing the dishes together in the evening, or
Regular time together will help your child know you are available without you becoming pushy or having to ask direct questions out of the blue. If they do raise something, listen carefully, without judgement. Acknowledge their feelings and empathise if possible. Ask questions about their experience and what they might need, including whether they are looking for your active help, or simply to talk. Your calm understanding and respectful response will encourage them to continue opening up.
We are increasingly beginning to understand the links between physical and mental health, so keep encouraging a good night’s sleep (8-10 hours a night for your teen), regular movement, time outside, and nutritious foods. It is also helpful to encourage and support your child in positive relationships with others. Their connection to peers as friends is so important as they grow, and so is their relationship with others like their favourite Aunt, soccer coach or their best friend’s parents. The people that support us are wide and varied, and your children’s support network will be too. Know where to go for professional mental health support Knowing your child is great, and it will hopefully help you realise when there is a problem that needs support. But you are not expected to do this alone. There is an ever-growing number of support services available to support you and your child through any mental health challenges that arise, both general and specialist.
Try starting with your GP or local Capital Chemist Pharmacist for localised resources or immediate support and advice. You may also try the following: headspace – National Youth Mental Health Foundation funded by the Australian Government, headspace offers online mental health support from qualified professionals, in-person support at a range of centres around Australia and online resources for parents and youth. Lifeline or Kids Helpline – Trained Crisis Supporters are available 24/7 via phone, text or chat, supporting your young person or you as you support them.
And make sure you let them know how much you love them and are proud of them as often as possible (even if they pretend they don’t care). You may also be interested in the following:
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