What is mental health in kids?

Mental health in children refers to a child's social and emotional wellbeing. A child's mental health affects how they feel, think and act.

A child's mental health can vary from feeling good to facing challenges or being diagnosed with a mental health condition. The most common mental health concerns are:

• attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• anxiety
• conduct (behaviour) disorders
• depression

Many adults with a mental health disorders show symptoms before 14 years of age.

Why is children's mental health important?

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

Children 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
• learn and develop in line with their peers

Mental health challenges can begin during childhood. Supporting a child to develop the tools to cope with these challenges can improve their mental health and wellbeing as they grow.

What can affect my child's mental health?

Children 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, including a parent or carer with a mental health condition
• problems at school
• relationship problems with family or friends
• life events
• living with physical injury, disability, chronic 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.

It is important to understand the difference between a frustrated child and a child with a mental health disorder. Feelings of anger, irritability and anxiety are common during a child's development. Your doctor can help you understand what is typical and what may be a sign your child needs support.

If your child has ongoing mental health challenges, you may notice that they start behaving differently. Signs that your child is struggling with their mental health may include:

• difficulty coping with life events
• not getting on with or avoiding others
• losing interest in activities
• changes in sleep or eating patterns
• feeling stressed, worried or hopeless about the future
• tantrums or destructive behaviour
• behaving younger than expected for their age

You may also notice physical symptoms such as:

• being tearful
• avoiding eye contact
• headaches
• stomach upsets
• bedwetting
• school refusal

Your child may talk about self-harm or suicide.

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. This can help prevent mental health issues from developing. For example, encouraging them to:

• get enough sleep
• eat well
• get regular physical activity
• have a safe and nurturing home environment
• connect with others, such as through team sports or group activities
• build self-esteem through praise, encouragement and practising gratitude
• spend regular time together, both individually and as a family

A safe and supportive relationship between you and your child is one of the most influential factors in your child's development. You can help your child learn to talk about their feelings in a safe space with no judgment.

As a parent or carer, there are some simple steps you can take to support your child's mental health. Here are some 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.
• Look after your own mental health — be a strong role model to best support your child.
• Learn more about mental health in children and young people.

Resources and support

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 to 25 years. Call 1800 55 1800.
• Share your experiences on My Circle — a free social platform for people aged between 12 and 25 years, and supported by Kids Helpline counsellors.
• 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 — chat online or access youth mental health services. They also have resources and example questions to help you talk to your child about their mental health.
• Medicare Mental Health — for advice and to get connected to local mental health services, you can call 1800 595 212. Check the operating times.
• 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.
• Transcultural Mental Health Centre has many resources about wellbeing and mental health in different languages.

If you are worried about depression in a child aged 5 years or younger, call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available from 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week (including public holidays).

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

Yarn Safe has mental health and wellbeing information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Wellmob provides mental health information and resources for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.