Keys to good mental health in children

Psychologists have found that children and young people with positive self-esteem, an optimistic outlook on life and good coping skills are less likely to develop mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety.

The Raising Children Network, an Australian parenting website, has fact sheets that include tips for developing and maintaining your child's good mental health:

• Self-esteem (0 to 8 year olds)
• Positive attention and your child (0 to 8 year olds)
• Anxiety and fears (0 to 8 year olds)
• Praise, encouragement and rewards (1 to 15 year olds)
• Connecting with your preschooler (3 to 5 year olds)
• Trauma: supporting your child (3 to 15 year olds)
• Pre-teen and teenage mental health (9 to 18 year olds).

Key contacts about mental illness for children and young people

• Clarence Street—a Brisbane-based service for young people who have a substance abuse issue
• headspace—online help, support and information about young people and mental health
• Kids Helpline—24 hour phone counselling for children, teens and young adults: phone 1800 551 800
• Queensland Health child psychological services—check the online directory for a mental health service near you
• Youth mental health support and counselling—online information about young people and mental health
• Reach Out—improve your understanding of the issues that relate to your and other people's mental health and wellbeing
• Youthbeyondblue—24 hour information and referral about depression and anxiety: phone 1300 224 636.