Depression and anxiety problems are the most common mental health conditions in young people. These kinds of problems can be distressing for the whole family, especially when parents feel like nothing they do seems to help. Sometimes, children can refuse to go to school and can experience social problems and difficulty forming or maintaining friendships. Other times, they can experience intense anger or engage in disruptive behaviour at home or at school. They may lack motivation and stop receiving enjoyment from things they would usually enjoy.

If you’re noticing signs that your child might be experiencing mental health problems, a psychological assessment could help provide some clarity and determine whether psychological treatment will help them. Look for signs such as:

• School refusal
• Bed-wetting
• A decrease in communication
• Acting unusually clingy
• Isolating themselves from friends and/or family
• Change in appetite
• Thoughts of death