During Mental Health Month this October, we are sharing stories and information from our partners to help you connect with the people in your life and learn more about managing mental health and wellbeing. We believe in the power of connection to transform and strengthen our communities and make a real and positive difference during challenging times.
Our CARE Foundation partner ReachOut is the most accessed online mental health service for young people and their parents in Australia. Their trusted self-help information, peer-support program and referral tools save lives by helping young people be well and stay well. The information they offer parents makes it easier for them to help their teenagers, too. Accessed by more than 2 million people in Australia each year, ReachOut is a free service that’s available anytime and pretty much anywhere.
If your teen is having challenges right now with managing stress and anxiety, ReachOut is here to help. Have a read of some of the ways you can connect with your teen to support them if they are having a hard time.
Excerpt from ReachOut’s FAQ about teen anxiety for parents
"Many teens – and their parents – experience anxiety and have questions about anxiety. It may be a difficult time, but there are practical things you can do to support your teen. We asked our team of One-on-One Support family professionals for their suggestions in response to some common questions we get from parents."
How can I help my teen navigate through tough times, which increase their anxiety?
Why does my teen makes impulse decisions? Why don’t they ask me for help first?
How can I help my teen with their anxiety, when I’m experiencing anxiety myself?
You can also be a role model for your teen by prioritising care for your own anxiety. Talk to your GP or another mental health professional in the first instance. You could explore additional options for yourself, like meditation, exercise or a creative outlet. There are also many great apps and online videos to support you.’’
You can access the full lists of FAQs and answers here at ReachOut.com. Need more support or information? Try these pages from ReachOut.
How to help your teenager cope with change
How to manage your anxiety and stress
What to do if nothing is working
