THERE is undoubtedly an emergency in children’s mental health right now.
Deirdre Kehoe, co-CEO and director of training and services at YoungMinds, says: “We know from speaking to young people and our own research that the last year has been one of the most difficult for this age group, emerging from the pandemic to more limited prospects.
ShutterstockThere is undoubtedly an emergency in children’s mental health right now[/caption]
“This is coupled with an increase in academic pressure to catch up on lost learning, and the impact of the cost-of-living crisis.”
What you can do
YOU may feel powerless as a parent to help, but you’re not, as Deirdre explains:
SPOT THE SIGNS: Young people are adapting to lots of changes as they grow up, so it’s normal for them to express raw emotions and switch moods quickly.
If your child is consistently struggling, if you see a sustained change in their behaviour, sleeping or eating patterns, or if they seem to be upset over a long period of time, take it seriously.
START A CONVERSATION: Talking to your child about their mental health can be hard, and they might struggle to open up to begin with.
Starting with an activity you both enjoy can help create a relaxed environment.
Visit the YoungMinds website for openers like, “Do you want to talk about what’s going on?’ and, “How can I support you through this?”.
BE THERE: When they do open up, listen in a non-judgmental way. Remind them it’s OK to feel scared or unsure, and try to reassure them.
Remember, you do not need to know all the answers – but talking things through can help them feel calmer.
SEEK PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT: If necessary, speak to their GP and school, and consider whether counselling or therapy might be beneficial.
Research other services, such as local charities, that can provide help while you wait for a referral.
REMEMBER YOU: Make sure you look after yourself too. YoungMinds have a dedicated parents’ helpline you can contact for free advice via phone, email or webchat.
GP couldn’t refer my 12-year-old daughter for help unless she tried to kill herself
KATHLEEN, 38, from Plymouth, is waiting for help from Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services after her 12-year-old daughter Megan’s friends alerted her that she had been talking about suicide.
Kathleen told Sun Health’s Clare O’Reilly: “Meg struggled transitioning to secondary school in 2021 and has suffered with anxiety.
“Things seemed to settle down and we thought Meg was happier, but we had a message from one of her friends last month saying she had been talking about taking her own life.
“She was very specific about how she was thinking of doing it, too.
“I spoke to her that evening and she said she had been thinking about it, so I called the GP and got an emergency phone consultation.
“She told us that unless Meg actually tried to take her own life or was self-harming, she couldn’t refer her – and if she did, the waiting list would be months.
“I was incredulous.
“Because Meg hadn’t shown any other signs of depression, it felt like the doctor thought she was being a teenager and making it all up.
“We felt so dismissed and terrified. Meg had opened up and now we couldn’t help her.
“The school has been very supportive, but we’re stuck in limbo.
“I don’t know what to do. We can’t afford private treatment.
“I’ve accessed help online and spoken to some charities, but I can’t believe the NHS can’t help my daughter sooner.”