Next steps for your child's mental health

If you have spoken to your child and still feel like something isn’t right it’s a good idea to talk to your family doctor.

You can also check in with other carers who know your child well, for example:

  • teachers
  • trusted relatives
  • coaches
  • close family friends.

Ask if they have noticed any changes in your child behaviours that can help give you more context of what might be happening. This information can also be helpful to share with your doctor.

When to seek professional help

As a parent, you should seek professional help if your child’s strong emotions:

  • last more than 2 weeks
  • are affecting their relationships
  • are stopping them from doing everyday things
  • are causing concern or distress.

What healthcare professionals can help

There are a few health professionals who can support your child’s mental health journey. This includes

  • your family doctor or GP- supports general and mental health
  • a psychologist- helps children understand and manage their feelings
  • a psychiatrist- diagnoses conditions and provides medication
  • a paediatric mental health specialist- supports children with mental health concerns
  • a case manager- coordinates care and support
  • a youth or social worker- supports young people in their daily lives.

Mental health diagnosis

If your child needs a mental health diagnosis, the health professional will examine your child’s signs and symptoms. This usually will include:

  • a complete medical history
  • talking to you and your child
  • feelings of worry or concern in the past
  • any previous traumatic events
  • using questionaries or other tools to understand symptoms.

This will help the doctor make the best decision about what support your child will need.

Treatment of mental health conditions

Treatment for mental health conditions usually fit into two categories:

1. Psychological treatment- this can include:

  • cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)- helping your child find new coping strategies
  • interpersonal therapy- helping your child explore how their relationships affect their thoughts, feelings and behaviours
  • dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)- helping your child accept themselves while managing emotions. Often used in borderline personality disorders.

2. Medication treatment- this can include medicines such as:

  • antidepressants- treating symptoms of depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions
  • antipsychotic medication- treating symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations, delusions and disordered thinking
  • mood stabilisers- helping children control their high and low emotions.

Supporting your child's mental health journey

As a parent or carer, you play a big role in your child’s mental health journey.

You are a trusted part of your child’s life and can help by:

  • learning more about your child’s mental health condition and any treatments, like medication or therapy
  • asking your GP about family counselling or support services
  • finding activities that reduce stress for you and your child
  • stay in contact with your child’s school or any social/sporting clubs they are a part of
  • working with your family doctor to manage difficult behaviours.