For children and young people with CP, stress and anxiety can be related to concerns about their symptoms, including any pain and fatigue they experience. Research has shown they are also at increased risk of developing behavioural and mental health issues.
For children and young people with CP, stress and anxiety can be related to concerns about their symptoms, including any pain and fatigue they experience. Research has shown they are also at increased risk of developing behavioural and mental health issues.
It can also be challenging to adapt to new situations, such as school. Issues like bullying and peer pressure can have an impact for children and young people with CP. Encourage them to talk to you about how they feel and what is going on when they are in different environments. Reach out to your support network, other parents or healthcare professionals for advice about ways to build your child or young person’s resilience and self-esteem.
If you have any concerns about your child or young person’s mental health, talk to their healthcare team. They can refer you both to a psychologist, social worker, psychiatrist or other mental health professionals, who can assess your child or young person, and provide a comprehensive plan for treatment and support.
If you think your child or young person is in crisis, seek help immediately.
If you suspect your child or young person is at risk or is actively engaging in behaviour that is causing you or others harm, you should immediately contact the ambulance, police or a psychiatric emergency response team, or take them to a hospital emergency department for assessment and treatment.
There are also phone and online resources that you can access any time of the day or night to speak to a supportive person for help and advice, including:
- Beyond Blue – for information and support for mental health, call 1300 224 636 or visit www.beyondblue.org.au
- Lifeline Australia – for crisis support and suicide prevention, call 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au
- The Samaritans – for 24/7 anonymous crisis support, call 135 247 or visit www.thesamaritans.org.au
- Think Mental Health – for an online mental health check-up tool and free resources, visit www.thinkmentalhealthwa.com.au
Remember that as a family member or carer of a child or young person with CP, it is really important to take care of your own mental health. Talk to your GP about the best way to access support for your mental health.
Some of this information is provided and produced courtesy of The Future Thinking Project, Ability WA.