Family support is considered essential to good mental health in children and young people. Unfortunately, reaching out to and engaging young people who may be struggling is perhaps one of the biggest challenges faced by mental health practitioners. Even though there have been significant advances in our understanding and treatment of child and adolescent mental health issues, particularly over the last 15 years in Australia (e.g. the establishment of headspace centres across the country), research still continues to highlight the reality that most young people with mental health issues do not receive any type of mental health treatment or support.
Thus, at Mental Health Matters Counselling, family and friends are considered an important part of the treatment equation. In the first instance, family members are likely to be the ones that notice a change in the young person’s behaviour or emotions that may indicate a bigger problem. They can provide valuable insight into the kinds of challenges the young person is dealing with, and, families and friends are also likely to be the ones who encourage and support the child or young person in taking those first steps towards engaging in treatment.
As significant others, families and friends have the potential to positively impact on the young person’s recovery, by providing them with a sense of safety and continuity, in addition to a sense of belonging and connection to the world. Furthermore, families and friends often have to deal with a range of challenges and concerns, particularly in the early stages of a young persons struggles with their mental health.
At Mental Health Matters Counselling, we agree that it is important to support parents, families and/or friends, not only to care for the young person, but also to care for their own wellbeing. In doing this, we provide useful, practical and supportive information, and always seek to improve communication and strengthen the relationships.
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