HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR CHILD:

Deirdre Kehoe, Director of Training and Services at YoungMinds, says, “It can be hard to know when to be worried about your child’s mental health. Young people are adapting to lots of changes as they grow up, so it’s normal for them to express raw emotions, change moods quickly and have days that they find more difficult than others.

“But parents often instinctively know when their child is going through something, so trust your instinct. Talk to your child about how they are feeling, providing lots of comfort and emotional support. Reassure them that things can get better and that they can talk to you as often and for as long as they need to. If they are struggling to open up to you about how they are feeling, let them know that you are concerned about them, and are there if they need you. And when they do talk, listen carefully, always validate their feelings, whatever it is they are feeling.”

Spotting when they might be struggling with their mental health can be tricky, but there are some things to look out for:

● Your child is consistently struggling, for example if they have a sustained change in their behaviour, sleeping or eating patterns

● Acting out or having angry outbursts

● Finding it difficult to calm down when they’re distressed

● Withdrawing from friends, family, school and activities they usually enjoy

What you can do:

● Dedicate some quality time that you and your child can spend together and do something they enjoy, this is a great way to help them open up and reassure them that you are always there

● Get interested in what your child is doing

● Keep your family routine as consistent as possible – children really benefit from the stability of routine when they are struggling with their feelings or emotions

● Open up conversations about what they’re involved in

● Don’t blame yourself, it’s so easy to do, but it’s not your fault. As a parent you can feel guilty all the time, but what is happening is happening and what’s really important is that you take care of yourself

● Contact your GP or their school about the warning signs if things don’t improve

● Don’t worry if you don’t have a solution, let them know you will help them and ask them what they think would help – they often have good ideas about solving their own problems

● YoungMinds’ dedicated parents’ helpline provides free advice and support to parents and carers worried about the mental health of a young person under 25. They’re free to call Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 4pm on 0808 802 5544. You can also email and use the web chat service at youngminds.org.uk/find-help/ for-parents/