For many parents, watching your child suffer is worse than suffering yourself.
Matters of mental health can be especially tricky for parents. Knowing how to help, what the signs are, and what the best course of actions is can be difficult to figure out.
It's often the case that adults are hesitant and unsure when it comes to their own mental well-being. The mental health of a child can be difficult to navigate, both for the child and the parent.
Common tips that are regularly given say to be compassionate with the child, show unwavering, non-judgemental support, and keep a close eye on their behaviours to know if they are acting strangely and may need help.
Speaking with mental health professionals, counsellors, psychiatrists, psychologists, may be necessary. Though waiting lists are long, and the expense to see specialists may be too much to bear with the cost-of-living crisis, sometimes finding help is not simple.
Community services are provided by dedicated experts.
Kids Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7 national service for young people. Qualified counsellors work with children who call the service, helping them through any problems they may be having, and offer emotional support. Parentline, in association with Kids Helpline, helps troubled parents when they are feeling overwhelmed with the beautiful, yet exhausting, reality of raising children.
Locally, the Ku-ring-gai Youth Development Service aids our young people. With no formal referrals necessary, KYDS provide counselling from non-judgmental professionals for betterment of mental well-being.
‘Know that there are potentially long wait lists for face-to-face support, so it is important to utilise the accessible free services while you wait such as Parentline, Reach Out, and Kids Help Line,’ says Kim Harper, Parentline Manager.
Kim recommends that parents are careful with their own mental health as they tackle problems with their children. Remaining stable helps the stability of children.
‘It is okay and completely normal to have moments where you are scared and feeling helpless and lost. It is important to access support for yourself during this process, so you continue to have the capacity to be what you need to be for your child,’ says Kim.
Keeping on top of children’s mental health is vital for their care. Letting mental health problems grow, manifest, and deepen harm to our communities.
In an emergency, call Triple 000.
Visit KYDS at www.kyds.org.au
Contact Kids Helpline at kidshelpline.com.au
Contact Parentline NSW at www.parentline.org.au
