A newly released study, commissioned by HCF, offers insights into the mental health predicaments facing children of primary school age and their families throughout the country.
The survey exposed a troubling scenario, with over half of the parents (53%) reporting mental health issues in their children within the last year. A significant portion (37%) of these children have received diagnoses for mental health or neurodevelopmental disorders, with ADHD, autism, and anxiety being the most prevalent conditions.
The research identified significant obstacles in obtaining mental health support, revealing that 35% of parents have yet to seek any form of help for their children’s mental health concerns.
Kirrilie Smout – a clinical child psychologist and founder of Calm Kid Central, an online resource that supports children through interactive content and offers parents access to professional advice from child psychologists – emphasised the need for initiatives aimed at enhancing the mental wellness of children and their guardians.
“These statistics underscore the critical need for proactive measures to support the mental health of children and their families,” she said. “Research suggests early intervention is linked with better outcomes for children later in life.”
The survey further revealed that the mental health challenges faced by children have had a profound impact on 85% of the participating families, disrupting parent-child relationships, caregiving duties, and daily routines, while also imposing financial burdens.
HCF head of health and wellbeing Linda Opie stressed the critical role of integrated support networks that encompass mental health care and family assistance.
“By providing comprehensive support systems encompassing mental health services and family support, we can empower families to navigate these challenges effectively,” she said.
The study also indicated that 61% of parents have struggled with their own mental health issues as a consequence of their child’s difficulties, with 12% not seeking any support for themselves.
“Everyone’s mental health journey is different, and often finding where to go for support for yourself or your loved ones can be challenging,” Opie said.
HCF members benefit from complimentary access to several of these services, including Calm Kid Central for kids aged four to 11, yearly mental health consultations with PSYCH2U psychologists, and program rebates from This Way Up, as part of extras cover.
As part of its commitment to improving Australians’ overall health and wellbeing, HCF recently opened applications for its 2024 Health Services Research Grants.
