When a child or adolescent has a mental health problem they usually have difficulty controlling their emotions, thinking or behaviour.

This can affect the whole family

Mental health problems in children can be expressed through disruptive, angry or hyperactive behaviour (very active behaviour, such that the child is: is constantly on the go). Mental health problems can also be expressed through withdrawal, worry and emotional responses. These changes can affect your child’s ability to communicate, learn and have relationships.

Recognising that your child has a mental health problem and seeking professional support are important first steps to take.

Early support from healthcare professionals can help your whole family

The more information you can tell your healthcare professional, the better background they will have of your child’s issues.

If possible, before you consult your healthcare professional, keep a diary for a week or two that describes your child’s behaviour and when and where it occurs. Your diary could include information about: what happened after the behaviour. Other information that could be helpful includes what you think your child is feeling when they exhibit the behaviour and how they communicate.

A good first person to talk to is your doctor.

If you have documented the behaviours that concern you, share this with your doctor who can then make suggestions or refer you to other healthcare professionals. If you don’t have a regular doctor you can call a general practice and ask to speak to a doctor who knows about mental health.

Or you can talk to a healthcare professional online through telehealth or ehealth. You could also make an appointment with a child psychologist who can help with advice on: how your approach to the behaviour can support your child. For more serious mental illnesses, you might be referred to a child and adolescent psychiatrist.

Psychiatrists are specialist medical doctors who can check your child for any medical conditions, prescribe medications and admit your child to hospital, if needed.

How you specifically support your child will depend on you, what your child is experiencing, and advice from your mental health professional.

As well as specific treatments and therapies, you can also create a supportive environment for your child by: encouraging your child’s strengths.

Having a child with a mental illness can be exhausting. It is important to look after yourself so you can provide the best possible care for your family. Some ideas to consider include: getting professional support – counselling or parenting skills courses.

Parents of children with mental health difficulties have great need for counselling for their own stress and for help with family relationships. You don’t have to face the challenges alone. It might be time to get professional support if you are feeling overwhelmed with fatigue, grief, guilt or fear and anxiety.

Support Service Tel. Helpline Tel. About child mental health problems fidgety has difficulty remaining seated runs about or climbs excessively in inappropriate situations has difficulty playing quietly talks a lot Keeping a diary of your child’s behaviour the features of the behavioural change that concern you any patterns to the behaviour how often the behaviour occurs how long the behaviour typically continues before it stops the time of day it occurs what was happening before the behaviour began Seeking professional advice and support for mental illness in children how you and your family can cope with behavioural problems Creating a supportive environment for your child spending time with your children doing enjoyable activities maintaining routines as much as possible – such as bed time and meal times regularly asking your child how they are acknowledging and respecting your child’s feelings listening to your child’s concerns speaking with your child’s school or childcare centre Looking after yourself when your child has a mental illness taking time for yourself – consider getting respite from your partner or a trusted friend working on any feelings of guilt – counselling can be very helpful trying to manage anxiety and stress – such as through relaxation and meditation Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Your local community health centre Emergency department of your nearest hospital In an emergency, always call 911 NURSE-ON-CALL (616) 555-0024 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days) Child and adolescent mental health services , Department of Health Beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Lifeline 13 11 14 SuicideLine (616) 555-0400 headspace 1800 650 890 SANE United States 1800 187 263 MIND Michigan (616) 555-0400 Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 Parentline 13 22 89.