Supporting Mental Health in Children and Adolescents
Mental health is an essential part of a child’s health. Growing up is a period of emotional and physical change. At times, the emotional and physical developments experienced by children and youth can be too much. If mental health issues are reported among children early enough, the children can seek the help they need.
At the Molonglo Valley Medical Centre, our concern and passion are to assist and help our young patients understand and feel safe and supported when talking about issues affecting their mental health and wellbeing.
Why Mental Health in Children Matters
"Mental health can affect how children think, feel, and act. It can affect how children learn, make friends, or handle problems or pressure. Children are not always able to say how they are feeling. They might show how they are feeling in their behavior instead."
Some children may be silent or shy. Others might feel irritable, worried, or sad more often than normal. They might have difficulty sleeping, trouble focusing at school, or altered eating habits.
Early visits with a certified mental health physician can also ensure your minor concerns don't become major ones as you progress through life.
Introduction
Mental health disorders have emerged as the most significant and rising challenge for adolescents worldwide.
There are a lot of pressures on teenagers: school work, exams, friendships, and social media. The hormonal changes of this life phase can also make emotions feel stronger and harder to manage.
Feeling stressed or low from time to time is common among teenagers. However, ongoing anxiety, low mood, or emotional distress should not be ignored. A trusted mental health GP in Canberra will help the teenager to make sense of their feelings and learn healthy ways of coping.
A safe space to talk to can make all the difference.
Mental & Preventive Health for Young People
Mental and preventive health involves early care. It's about getting support before problems become serious. Regular GP visits give the family an opportunity to talk about emotional wellbeing, not just physical symptoms.
Preventive mental health care may include:
- Emotional health check-ins
- Stress management advice
- Sleep and lifestyle counseling
- Early referrals when necessary
This approach helps a child develop quite strong emotional muscles that can be used effectively right through adulthood.
How a GP Mental Health Plan Assists
A GP mental health plan has been developed to help individuals with additional mental health needs. This plan can be helpful to children and teenagers.
At Molonglo Valley Medical Centre, we have GPs who listen to your concerns. They will understand your emotional needs through careful attention. Your GP will develop a patient-specific plan. It may help obtain access to psychology through Medicare through a GP mental health plan.
Such an approach provides opportunities for children and families to receive continuing support.
Care Support at Molonglo Valley Medical Centre
We recognize that each child is unique. There’s no one size fits all approach to the delivery of mental health services. We offer compassionate, considerate, and confidential service to children and families.
As a trustworthy mental health GP in Canberra clinic, our focus is on providing overall child well-being outcomes in the long term while being considerate of the parent/carer alongside their child but also being considerate of the child's comfort and desire for privacy.
The aim behind this is that children should feel confident, secure, and emotionally strong.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are some of the signs of mental health problems in children?
Such as change of mood, sleep problems, anxiety, anger, or involvement in less activity. A mental health doctor can assist in the assessment thereof.
2. When should I see a mental health GP for my child?
However, if the emotional/behavior change lasts more than a few weeks or impairs daily life activities, the best thing to do is consult a mental health doctor in Canberra.
3. What is a GP mental health plan?
A GP mental health plan is a care plan arranged by a GP. It facilitates access to mental health care services, including a psychologist.
4. Can teenagers talk to a GP privately?
Yes. A teenager may talk to a doctor in confidence. Parents play an appropriate and helpful role.
5. Is mental health care just for serious problems?
Not really. Mental and preventive health is more on the issues of early care and emotions, not sickness itself.
Contact
Help: If you have a concern about the mental health of a child or young person.
Molonglo Valley Medical Centre
Phone us now or make an appointment online with an experienced mental health doctor to discuss a child GP mental health plan with them.
