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Mental health

Understanding what your child might be going through

Changes in mood, behaviour and energy can be hard to read - it’s not always easy to tell the difference between everyday ups and downs and when more is going on. This space can help you make sense of what you’re seeing and find ways to support them with care and confidence.

   

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MENTAL HEALTH
Talking with kids about Kids Helpline
How to start a conversation about mental health with a child or teen.
A parent comforting a child who is crying.
MENTAL HEALTH
Supporting a child who is thinking of suicide
If your child is having thoughts of suicide, it may feel overwhelming but there are ways you can support them!
A mother and tween on a rollercoaster.
MENTAL HEALTH
Mood swings and puberty
Here’s some ways you can support your child through the emotional rollercoaster ride that is puberty.
Illustration of a girl looking stressed with a black blob representing anxiety behind her.
Mental Health
Anxiety in kids and teens
Parenting a child with anxiety is tough, but you don't have to do it alone. We've got tips that can help you and your family.
Dad looking at daughter wondering if she's sad or depressed
MENTAL HEALTH
Depression in kids and teens
You might be unsure whether your child is just sad or if it’s something more serious like depression.
Girl overwhelmed by worry, stress and life in general
MENTAL HEALTH
Empowering young people to ask for help
Being able to ask for help when you need it is an essential skill. We discuss how to overcome the challenges kids and teens face when asking for help.
Girl pouring dinner into bin, ignoring a note from mum to eat the meal
MENTAL HEALTH
Types of eating disorders explained
Eating disorders are complex and come in many forms. Learn about the most common types and their warning signs.
Illustration of child calling Kids Helpline while mum looks on
Mental Health
How Kids Helpline can help your child
Curious about what Kids Helpline does and how it can help? We've got your questions answered!
Mother comforting sad child in bed
Mental Health
Helping kids identify and express feelings
Learning to identify and express feelings in a positive way helps kids develop the skills they need to manage them effectively.
Parents holding hand of child who self-harmed
Mental Health
Self-harm explained
Finding out a child has been self-harming can be scary and confusing. We explain what self-harm is and suggest things that you can do.
Mental Health
Mental health myths & facts
There's lots of information out there - let's bust some common misconceptions
Photo collage showing a person sitting and looking down at a mobile phone. Behind them are layered, semi‑transparent figures of people in school uniforms walking past, with bold pink and purple graphic shapes in the background.
Mental Health
My child struggles with mental health
It’s hard to know how to help your child when they’re having mental health challenges. We’re here to help.
Mental Health
Should I be worried about gaming addiction?
Gaming addiction can be a concern. Here’s what you need to know.
Mental Health
Social anxiety in kids and teens
Mental Health
Supporting your child following tragic events
When something devastating happens, many parents worry about how it might affect their child
Illustration of a girl lying in bed holding an alarm clock while sitting upright. The clock shows a late‑night time. A small dog lies on the bed nearby, and the bedding and pillows are patterned in purple tones.
Mental Health
What happens when your kids don't get enough sleep
Sleep is important. Find out how much sleep your child needs and the impacts of not getting enough

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Check out our other topics - all written by Kids Helpline counsellors.