Every child and teenager deserves to feel safe, heard, and supported. But for many young people, mental health challenges can feel overwhelming and isolating — especially when they don’t yet have the tools or words to explain how they’re feeling.
With Global Suicide Prevention Day as a reminder, now is the time to have open and honest conversations about mental health — and to learn how we can better support our children and teens at home and beyond.
What to look out for
Mental health challenges don’t always look the same in young people as they do in adults. Here are some signs that may point to a child or teen struggling:
- Withdrawing from family or friends
- Changes in sleep or eating habits
- Drop in school performance
- Irritability, anger, or frequent emotional outbursts
- Excessive worrying or fearfulness
- Loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy
- Talking about feeling hopeless or worthless
- Self-harm or risky behaviour
It’s important to remember that not all signs mean there’s a serious problem, but they are signals worth paying attention to.
What you can do at home
The first step in supporting a child or teen with mental health struggles is to stay connected and create a safe space:
- Talk openly: Let them know it’s okay to feel sad, anxious, or overwhelmed. Avoid judgment and focus on listening
- Stick to routines: Structure helps children feel secure
- Limit pressure: Encourage effort, not perfection. Be gentle with academic and social expectations
- Model healthy coping: Let them see how you manage stress or talk about your feelings — it teaches them to do the same
- Keep communication open: Acknowledge their feelings and avoid dismissing their concerns
Sometimes children won’t talk about how they feel, but they may express it through their behaviour. Stay observant and available.
When to seek professional help
Early support can make a huge difference. Consider reaching out for professional help if:
- Symptoms persist for more than a few weeks
- They talk about harming themselves or others
- Their mental health is affecting school, relationships, or daily life
- You feel overwhelmed or unsure how to help
Mental health challenges can feel heavy — but they are treatable, and no one has to face them alone. Notice the signs, stay connected, and reach out for help, and you can be the lifeline a child or teen needs.
If you or someone in your family needs support, our emergency counsellors at LifeAssist are available, anytime of the day or night — confidential, free, and here for you.
Let’s talk. Let’s listen. And let’s make sure no child or teen feels invisible in their struggle.