Mental health and well being
Mental health problems can affect all children, no matter their age. Good mental health is important for healthy development, and research tells us that recognising and addressing problems early can help improve outcomes.
Often parents don’t feel confident in seeking help for their child’s social, emotional and behavioural wellbeing. It’s important for you and your child to have support. If your child has ongoing issues socialising, controlling feelings appropriately, learning, or meeting milestones, it can be helpful to talk about your concerns with your GP, maternal child health nurse or school or kindergarten teacher.
If you or your child are in an emergency, or at immediate risk of harm, contact emergency services on 000.
Warning signs that your child needs extra support:
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- Not acting like themselves
- Changes in sleeping or eating
- Avoiding people or social situations they used to enjoy
- More emotional than usual – anger, worry, sadness and crying
- They aren’t performing as well at school as they used to
- Lacking energy or motivation to do everyday tasks
- Self-harming
- Drug and alcohol use
- Feeling hopeless about the future
For more information go to: https://kidshelpline.com.au/