Supporting Children's Mental Health: Advice for Parents and Carers

Supporting Children's Mental Health: Advice for Parents and Carers

The mental health and wellbeing of children and young people is just as important as their physical health. Many young people experience periods of anxiety, stress, low mood, or other emotional difficulties and early support can make a significant difference.

Signs Your Child May Be Struggling

Every child is different, but common signs can include:

• Changes in mood or behaviour
• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Loss of interest in hobbies or activities they previously enjoyed
• Changes in sleeping or eating habits
• Increased irritability, anger, or emotional outbursts
• Difficulties concentrating at school
• Talking negatively about themselves or expressing feelings of hopelessness

What Parents and Carers Can Do

✅ Create opportunities for open and honest conversations.

✅ Listen without judgement and reassure your child that they are not alone.

✅ Encourage healthy habits such as regular exercise, good sleep routines, and limiting excessive screen time.

✅ Maintain routines where possible, as consistency can help children feel secure.

✅ Seek help early rather than waiting for problems to worsen.

Where Can You Get Help?

GP (Family Doctor)
Your GP can assess concerns, provide advice, and refer your child to appropriate mental health services if required.

School Support
Many schools have pastoral teams, counsellors, safeguarding staff, or wellbeing leads who can offer support and signpost services.

YoungMinds
A leading UK children's mental health charity providing information, guidance, and a dedicated parent helpline.
Website: www.youngminds.org.uk

Childline
Free, confidential support for children and young people 24 hours a day.
Call: 0800 1111
Website: www.childline.org.uk

NHS Mental Health Services
The NHS provides information, support and access to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).
Website: www.nhs.uk/mental-health

Samaritans
For anyone experiencing emotional distress or needing someone to talk to.
Call: 116 123 (24 hours a day)

When Should You Seek Urgent Help?

If a child or young person:

• Talks about wanting to harm themselves
• Has self-harmed
• Expresses suicidal thoughts
• Appears to be in immediate danger

Seek urgent medical assistance by contacting NHS 111, your GP, attending Accident & Emergency, or calling 999 in an emergency.

When Would the Police Become Involved?

The police are not mental health professionals, but may become involved when there is an immediate risk to life, serious concerns for safety, or where a child is reported missing.

Examples may include:

• Immediate threats of suicide or serious self-harm where emergency assistance is required.
• A vulnerable child going missing.
• Situations where criminal offences are involved, such as exploitation, online grooming, abuse, neglect, or violence.
• Incidents where there is a risk of significant harm to the child or others.

In most situations involving poor mental health, support should be sought through healthcare professionals, schools, social care services, and specialist charities rather than the police.

Remember

No child should have to struggle alone. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. By recognising concerns early and seeking support, parents and carers can play a vital role in helping young people build resilience and recover from difficult periods in their lives.

If you are worried about your child's mental health, speak to someone today. Support is available, and help is never far away.

#MentalHealthAwareness #ChildrensMentalHealth #YouAreNotAlone #ParentSupport #CommunityWellbeing