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Your child’s mental health and wellbeing

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    It’s important to get help early if you think your child's mental health is at risk. Mental health issues can affect a child's education and learning.

    Learn about health professionals that can help you and your children.

    Immediate help

    In an emergency call 000 for medical advice, ambulance or police.

    Free services – available anytime

    These free and confidential services operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They are available to support, listen and help when you need.

    Lifeline

    A free, confidential phone and online personal crisis support line and suicide prevention service.
    Phone: 13 11 14
    lifeline.org.au

    Kids helpline

    A free, private and confidential phone and online counselling service. For 5 to 25 year olds.
    Phone: 1800 551 800
    kidshelpline.com.au

    Beyond Blue

    Information and mental health support. All calls are with a qualified Mental Health Counsellor.
    Phone: 1300 22 4636
    beyondblue.org.au/get-support/talk-to-a-counsellor

    Suicide Call Back Service

    Immediate telephone counselling and support in a crisis.
    Phone: 1300 659 467
    suicidecallbackservice.org.au/

    1800RESPECT

    Available for anyone who experiences sexual assault or domestic and family violence. It's available for all ages.
    Phone: 1800 737 732
    1800respect.org.au

    How you can help your child

    You could talk to:

    Talking to the school or preschool can help because they might have noticed changes in your child's behaviour and moods.

    To get help and advice you can:

    • call a phone help line
    • use an online counselling service
    • talk to a Doctor, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, Social Worker or other Mental Health Professional
    • call Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) Connect on 1300 222 647
    • talk to a youth health service.

    You can also get information and support from:

    Support from schools and preschools

    If your child has a mental health issue, it’s a good idea to let the school or preschool know.

    It’s important that you know that education staff are not trained health professionals. They cannot diagnose mental health conditions or provide therapy.

    Schools and preschools can:

    • offer learning opportunities that promote wellbeing and mental health
    • support you with referrals to therapeutic services
    • talk to you about any changes they notice in your child’s behaviour or moods
    • develop a Your Plan to support your child’s engagement in learning.

    Looking after yourself

    When caring for others we sometimes forget to care for ourselves. If you have concerns about your own mental health a good place to start is to talk to your local doctor. They can advise on available services. They can also create a mental health plan that provides subsidised access to private psychologists.

    The 5 ways to wellbeing are simple ways to improve your mental and social wellbeing:

    • connect
    • be active
    • take notice
    • keep learning
    • give.

    Incorporating the 5 ways into your daily routine is easy, free, and can be done anywhere and in a way that suits you. For more information visit Wellbeing SA – 5 ways to wellbeing.

    Engagement and Wellbeing

    Email: education.wellbeing [at] sa.gov.au