What is mental health in kids?

Mental health in kids refers to a child’s social and emotional wellbeing.

A child’s mental health can vary from feeling good to facing challenges or being diagnosed with a mental health condition. About 1 in 10 Australian children aged 4 – 11 have a mental health disorder. The most common disorders are attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety.

It is estimated that half of all adult mental health disorders start before the age of 14.

Why is kids' mental health important?

Having good mental health is key to healthy child development and wellbeing.

Kids need good mental health so they can:

• effectively deal with challenges
• adapt to change
• express and regulate their emotions
• feel good about themselves
• build healthy relationships with others
• enjoy life

What can affect my child’s mental health?

Kids can struggle with a range of issues as they grow up.

A child’s mental health can be affected by many things, including:

• family history and genetics
• problems at school
• relationship problems with family or friends
• life events
• physical injury, illness or pain
• sleep problems
• bullying (including cyberbullying) or abuse

When should my child see a doctor?

Everyone feels sad, angry or upset sometimes — including children. But if your child feels like this most of the time, it’s a sign they may need help.

Other signs include:

• difficulty coping with life events
• not getting on with or avoiding others
• losing interest in activities
• changes in sleep or eating
• feeling hopeless about the future
• feeling stressed, worried or anxious
• self-harm or talking about suicide

If you, or someone you know, is having suicidal thoughts and is in immediate danger, call triple zero (000). To talk to someone now, call Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

If you are worried about your child’s mental health, it’s important to seek help early. You can speak to:

• your doctor
• a psychologist
• a school counsellor

How can I improve my child’s mental health?

There are plenty of things you can do to improve your child’s wellbeing and help prevent mental health issues from developing. For example, encouraging them to:

• get enough sleep
• eat well
• get regular physical activity
• connect with others

A safe and supportive relationship between you and your child is one of the most influential factors in your child’s development.

As a parent or carer, there are some simple steps you can take to support your child’s mental health. Tips you can try:

• Take an active interest in your child.
• Encourage them to talk about what’s happening in their life, without pushing them.
• Be aware of changes in their behaviour.
• Learn more about mental health in children and young people.

Resources and support

If you’d like to find out more, or talk to someone, here are some organisations that can help:

• Kids Helpline — telephone and online counselling for people aged 5 – 25. Call 1800 55 1800.
• Lifeline — support for anyone having a personal crisis. Call 13 11 14.
• Call Parentline in your state or territory for counselling and support for parents and carers.
• headspace to chat online.
• Medicare Mental Health — for advice and to get connected to local mental health services, you can call 1800 595 212. Check the operating times.
• SANE Australia — for people living with a mental illness and their carers, call 1800 187 263.
• ReachOut.com — youth mental health service. Visit the website for info or use the online forum.
• Beyond Blue — if you need to talk to someone about your mental health, call 1300 22 4636 or chat online with a trained mental health professional.

Other languages

Do you speak a language other than English?

• Transcultural Mental Health Centre has many resources about wellbeing and mental health in different languages.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders

This information has been developed for indigenous communities:

• Yarn Safe has mental health and wellbeing information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
• Wellmob has more mental health information and resources Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.