Supporting your child's mental health
Children face many pressures in modern society. Most do fine but some find it
difficult to cope or do not get the support they need to feel safe, happy and confident.
If your child is feeling distressed or troubled, they may express their unhappiness in a number of ways:
Equally, your instincts may tell you there is something wrong.
If you are worried about your child, you could:
difficult to cope or do not get the support they need to feel safe, happy and confident.
If your child is feeling distressed or troubled, they may express their unhappiness in a number of ways:
- unable to concentrate
- behaving out of character - irritable, sad, depressed, loss of interest/enjoyment
- not sleeping, having nightmares, wetting the bed
- becoming disruptive in class
- getting fussy about food, or cleanliness, or developing eating problems
- trying to harm themselves
- having trouble making friends, or finding relationships at home difficult
- becoming fearful and resentful
- getting into fights and becoming aggressive
- increasing alcohol/drug use
Equally, your instincts may tell you there is something wrong.
If you are worried about your child, you could:
- talk to your doctor or health visitor - they may refer you to special services for children, young people and families
- talk to your child's school - the school may be able to help sort out problems, provide extra support and make allowances for your child
- contact social services to find out what support is available for your family
- Find a mental health organisation in your area
- Your local doctor (GP)