🆘 Parents' Emergency Guide: When Your Child is Having a Mental Health Crisis

🚨 If your child is in immediate danger of self-harm, call 000 right now.
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (your child can call this 24/7)

🚨 IMMEDIATE ACTION FOR MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS

Signs Your Child Needs Help RIGHT NOW

Call 000 immediately if your child:

• Has hurt themselves or is threatening to
• Is talking about dying or suicide
• Has taken an overdose or is threatening to
• Is completely out of touch with reality
• Is violent towards themselves or others

Call Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 or take to Emergency Department if your child:

• Says they want to die
• Has stopped eating/drinking for several days
• Is having panic attacks that won't stop
• Is hearing voices or seeing things
• Won't come out of their room for days
• Has completely stopped communicating

📞 IMMEDIATE HELP NUMBERS FOR PARENTS

Crisis Support (24/7)

• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (ages 5-25)
• Lifeline: 13 11 14 (anyone, including parents)
• Parentline: Varies by state (see state guide below)
• 000 - Emergency services

Mental Health Crisis Lines

• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
• SANE Australia: 1800 18 7263
• Mental Health Crisis Teams: See state-specific numbers below

🏥 EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS WITH CHILD MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

NSW

• Sydney Children's Hospital (Randwick) - 9382 1111
• Children's Hospital at Westmead - 9845 0000
• John Hunter Children's Hospital (Newcastle) - 4921 3000
• Royal Prince Alfred (emergency department) - 9515 6111

VIC

• Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne - 9345 5522
• Monash Children's Hospital (Clayton) - 9594 6666
• Sunshine Hospital (emergency department) - 8345 1333

QLD

• Queensland Children's Hospital (Brisbane) - 3068 1111
• Townsville University Hospital - 4433 1111
• Gold Coast University Hospital - 5687 8888

WA

• Perth Children's Hospital - 6456 2222
• Fiona Stanley Hospital - 6152 2222

SA

• Women's and Children's Hospital (Adelaide) - 8161 7000
• Flinders Medical Centre - 8204 5511

TAS

• Royal Hobart Hospital - 6222 8308
• Launceston General Hospital - 6777 6777

ACT

• Canberra Hospital - 5124 0000

NT

• Royal Darwin Hospital - 8922 8888

🔍 WARNING SIGNS BY AGE GROUP

Ages 5-8: Early Warning Signs

Emotional Changes:

• Excessive crying or tantrums
• Extreme fears or worries
• Regression (bedwetting, baby talk)
• Separation anxiety

Behavioural Changes:

• Aggressive behaviour at home/school
• Withdrawal from family activities
• Changes in eating or sleeping
• Loss of interest in play

Physical Signs:

• Frequent headaches or stomach aches
• Difficulty sitting still or concentrating
• Unexplained injuries

Ages 9-12: Pre-teen Indicators

Academic Changes:

• Sudden drop in grades
• School refusal or frequent absences
• Problems with teachers
• Loss of concentration

Social Changes:

• Loss of friendships
• Bullying (being bullied or bullying others)
• Isolation from peers
• Online behaviour changes

Emotional Signs:

• Extreme mood swings
• Expressions of worthlessness
• Fear of making mistakes
• Perfectionism or giving up entirely

Ages 13-18: Teenage Crisis Signs

High-Risk Behaviours:

• Self-harm (cutting, burning, hitting)
• Substance use (alcohol, drugs, vaping)
• Risky sexual behaviour
• Dangerous driving or risk-taking

Mental Health Red Flags:

• Talk of suicide or death
• Giving away possessions
• Writing goodbye letters
• Research into suicide methods
• Previous suicide attempts

Personality Changes:

• Complete personality change
• Loss of hope for the future
• Withdrawal from all activities
• Extreme anger or irritability

🏥 WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

When You Arrive

1. Triage: Nurse will assess urgency (mental health crises are usually high priority)
2. Medical Check: Doctor will check physical health first
3. Mental Health Assessment: Child psychiatrist or social worker will evaluate
4. Safety Assessment: They'll determine if it's safe for your child to go home

Assessment Process

They Will Ask About:

• Current symptoms and behaviours
• Any thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• Family mental health history
• Recent stressors or trauma
• Current medications
• Substance use (for teens)

Your Child Will Be:

• Interviewed separately from you (usually)
• Asked to complete mental health questionnaires
• Given privacy to speak honestly
• Treated with respect and without judgment

Possible Outcomes

1. Discharged Home with follow-up appointments
2. Crisis Team Follow-up (within 24-48 hours)
3. Day Program referral for intensive support
4. Hospital Admission if at immediate risk

🏠 IMMEDIATE SAFETY AT HOME

Making Your Home Safe

Remove Access to Harmful Items

• Medications: Lock away all medications, including over-the-counter
• Sharp Objects: Secure knives, razors, scissors
• Cleaning Products: Lock away toxic substances
• Ropes/Cords: Remove potential ligatures
• Alcohol: Remove from accessible areas

Create a Safety Plan

With Your Child, Identify:

1. Warning signs they're feeling unsafe
2. Coping strategies that have worked before
3. People they can talk to
4. Safe places in the house
5. Reasons for living/things to look forward to

Supervision Guidelines

High Risk Period (After Crisis):

• Don't leave your child alone
• Arrange for family/friends to help with supervision
• Remove all potentially harmful items
• Sleep in the same room if necessary
• Consider taking time off work

Medium Risk:

• Check in every hour when home
• Know where they are at all times
• Have them check in regularly when out
• Monitor internet and phone use
• Ensure they're taking prescribed medications

📱 TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIAL MEDIA SAFETY

Online Risk Assessment

Check Your Child's:

• Search history for suicide/self-harm content
• Social media for concerning posts
• Messages for cyberbullying
• Apps used (some promote self-harm)
• Online gaming behaviour

Dangerous Online Communities

Be Aware of:

• Pro-suicide forums
• Self-harm communities
• Ana/Mia (eating disorder) communities
• Bullying through gaming platforms
• Inappropriate adult contact

Digital Safety Plan

1. Parental Controls: Set up appropriate filtering
2. Open Communication: Regular check-ins about online experiences
3. Monitoring: Check devices regularly (explain why)
4. Safe Reporting: Teach them to report concerning contact
5. Screen-Free Times: Especially before bed and during family time

🎒 SCHOOL-RELATED MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

School Refusal and Anxiety

When Your Child Won't Go to School

Steps to Take:

1. Contact the school counsellor immediately
2. Arrange meeting with teachers and counsellor
3. Discuss modified attendance (part days, safe spaces)
4. Get mental health professional involved
5. Consider whether bullying is a factor

School's Responsibilities:

• Provide safe learning environment
• Accommodate mental health needs
• Report bullying incidents
• Refer to school psychologist
• Develop individual learning plans if needed

Working with Schools

Information to Share:

• Mental health diagnosis (if comfortable)
• Triggers and warning signs
• Strategies that help your child
• Emergency contact information
• Any safety concerns

What Schools Can Provide:

• Counselling services
• Modified assessments
• Safe spaces during breaks
• Peer support programs
• Teacher awareness training

Bullying Response Plan

If Your Child is Being Bullied:

1. Document all incidents (dates, witnesses, evidence)
2. Report to school immediately
3. Request written response from school
4. Follow up if no action taken
5. Contact Department of Education if needed
6. Support your child's emotional recovery

🍎 EATING DISORDERS: EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Warning Signs of Eating Disorders

Physical:

• Significant weight loss or gain
• Fainting or dizziness
• Hair loss
• Cold hands and feet
• Dental problems

Behavioural:

• Avoiding meals or eating alone
• Obsessive calorie counting
• Excessive exercise
• Hiding food or lying about eating
• Using diet pills or laxatives

When It's a Medical Emergency

Call 000 if:

• Your child collapses or faints repeatedly
• Heart rate is very slow or irregular
• They're severely dehydrated
• They're having chest pains
• They refuse to drink fluids

Eating Disorder Support Services

National Eating Disorders Collaboration: 1800 ED HOPE (1800 33 4673)

State Services:

• NSW: Sydney Children's Hospital Eating Disorder Program
• VIC: Royal Children's Hospital Eating Disorder Program
• QLD: Queensland Children's Hospital Eating Disorder Service
• WA: Perth Children's Hospital Eating Disorder Service
• SA: Women's and Children's Hospital Eating Disorder Unit

💊 MEDICATION AND TREATMENT OPTIONS

Child Mental Health Medications

Common Medications:

• Antidepressants (SSRIs like sertraline, fluoxetine)
• Anti-anxiety medications (usually short-term)
• ADHD medications (stimulants and non-stimulants)
• Mood stabilisers (for bipolar disorder)

Important Notes:

• Medication in children requires specialist psychiatric assessment
• Side effects must be carefully monitored
• Some antidepressants can increase suicide risk initially
• Never stop medication suddenly
• Regular follow-up appointments essential

Therapy Options for Children

Evidence-Based Treatments:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Ages 6+
• Helps identify and change negative thought patterns
• Usually 12-16 sessions
• Good for anxiety and depression

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

• Usually ages 12+
• Teaches emotional regulation skills
• Good for self-harm and emotional instability
• Group and individual sessions

Family Therapy

• Involves whole family in treatment
• Addresses family dynamics
• Teaches communication skills
• Helps parents support recovery

🏥 MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES BY STATE

NSW

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

• Phone: Contact local health district
• Services: Assessment, counselling, psychiatry, family therapy

Headspace Centres (ages 12-25)

• Phone: 1800 650 890
• Services: Mental health, physical health, drug/alcohol, vocational support

VIC

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)

• Phone: Contact local area mental health service
• Orygen Youth Mental Health (ages 15-25): 9966 9100

QLD

Child and Youth Mental Health Service (CYMHS)

• Phone: 13 HEALTH (13 43 2584)

WA

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)

• Phone: 9340 8255
• Crisis Team: 1800 676 822

SA

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

• Phone: 13 14 65
• Crisis Team: 13 14 65

TAS

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

• Phone: 1800 332 388

ACT

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

• Phone: 5124 9977

NT

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

• Darwin: 8922 7156
• Alice Springs: 8951 6777

💰 COSTS AND MEDICARE SUPPORT

Medicare Coverage for Child Mental Health

What's Covered:

• GP consultations and Mental Health Care Plans
• Psychiatrist appointments (with referral)
• Psychologist sessions (up to 20 per year with referral)
• Some specialist services

How to Access:

1. See your GP for Mental Health Care Plan
2. Get referrals to specialists
3. Check psychologist is registered with Medicare
4. Keep receipts for claiming

Private Health Insurance

May Cover:

• Private psychiatrist consultations
• Private hospital admission
• Some therapy programs
• Faster access to services

Cost-Free Services

• Headspace: Free for ages 12-25
• Public hospital emergency departments
• Community health centres
• School counselling services
• Kids Helpline: Free counselling

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 SUPPORTING THE WHOLE FAMILY

Impact on Parents

Common Parental Feelings:

• Guilt and self-blame
• Fear and anxiety
• Exhaustion and stress
• Helplessness
• Anger and frustration

Parent Support Services:

• Parentline: See state numbers below
• ARAFMI (families affected by mental illness)
• Parent support groups through mental health services
• Family therapy including parents

Supporting Siblings

How Mental Health Crisis Affects Siblings:

• May feel neglected or forgotten
• Fear for their sibling's safety
• Don't understand what's happening
• May blame themselves

Strategies:

• Age-appropriate explanations
• Individual attention and activities
• Professional support if needed
• Maintain normal routines where possible

Parentline Numbers by State

NSW: 1300 1300 52
VIC: 13 22 89
QLD: 1300 30 1300
WA: 1800 654 432
SA: 1300 364 100
TAS: 1800 808 178
ACT: 6287 3833
NT: 1300 301 300

🏫 MENTAL HEALTH IN SCHOOLS: YOUR RIGHTS

Your Child's Rights at School

• Right to education despite mental health condition
• Right to reasonable adjustments
• Right to confidentiality
• Right to be free from discrimination
• Right to access support services

School Accommodations for Mental Health

Academic Adjustments:

• Extended deadlines
• Alternative assessment methods
• Reduced workload during crisis
• Attendance flexibility
• Access to quiet spaces

Support Services:

• School counsellor access
• Peer support programs
• Teacher awareness training
• Crisis response plans
• Re-entry planning after hospitalization

When Schools Don't Provide Adequate Support

1. Document everything (emails, meetings, incidents)
2. Request meetings with principal and guidance counsellor
3. Involve mental health professionals in planning
4. Contact Department of Education if needed
5. Consider formal disability complaint if discrimination occurs

🌟 BUILDING LONG-TERM RESILIENCE

Creating a Mental Health-Friendly Home

Daily Strategies:

• Regular family check-ins about feelings
• Celebrate small improvements
• Maintain routines and structure
• Limit family stress where possible
• Model healthy coping strategies

Communication Tips:

• Listen without trying to fix
• Validate their feelings
• Ask how you can help
• Avoid phrases like "just think positive"
• Share your own struggles appropriately

Recovery Expectations

Recovery is Usually:

• Not linear (ups and downs are normal)
• Gradual (small improvements over time)
• Different for everyone
• Possible with proper support
• A family journey, not just individual

Signs of Improvement:

• Better sleep patterns
• Increased appetite
• Engagement with activities
• Improved school attendance
• Better mood regulation
• Future planning

🚨 CRISIS PREVENTION STRATEGIES

Building Your Family Crisis Plan

Include:

1. Warning signs for each family member
2. Professional contacts and phone numbers
3. Preferred hospital/treatment centre
4. Insurance and Medicare information
5. Current medications list
6. Family support network contacts

Early Intervention Signs

Seek Help When:

• Changes in sleep or appetite persist
• School performance drops significantly
• Social withdrawal continues
• Mood changes are extreme
• Physical complaints increase
• Risk-taking behaviour starts

Building Professional Support Team

Your Team Should Include:

• Family GP
• Child psychologist or psychiatrist
• School counsellor
• Crisis support services contact
• Trusted family friend or relative

📞 QUICK REFERENCE: SAVE THESE NUMBERS

Emergency Mental Health Numbers:

• 000 - Emergency services
• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
• Parentline: [Your state number]
• Local Emergency Department: [Find your local hospital]
• Family GP: [Your family doctor]
• Child's Mental Health Professional: [If you have one]

💪 REMEMBER: HOPE AND HEALING

For Parents in Crisis

• You are not to blame for your child's mental health condition
• Seeking help shows strength, not failure
• Recovery is possible with proper support
• You don't have to handle this alone
• Taking care of yourself is essential too

For Your Child

• Mental health conditions are treatable
• Many successful people have overcome similar challenges
• Their life has value and meaning
• Help is available and it works
• You love them unconditionally

Recovery Statistics

• 80% of young people with depression recover with treatment
• Early intervention significantly improves outcomes
• Most young people with mental health conditions go on to live fulfilling lives
• Family support is one of the strongest predictors of recovery

🔄 WHAT TO DO RIGHT NOW

If your child is currently in crisis:

1. ✅ Ensure immediate safety (remove harmful items)
2. ✅ Call crisis line or take to emergency department
3. ✅ Don't leave them alone
4. ✅ Get professional help immediately
5. ✅ Contact their school to inform them

If you're concerned about your child's mental health:

1. ✅ Have an open conversation with your child
2. ✅ Make appointment with GP for Mental Health Care Plan
3. ✅ Contact school counsellor
4. ✅ Research mental health services in your area
5. ✅ Build your support network

For ongoing support:

1. ✅ Attend all appointments with mental health professionals
2. ✅ Maintain communication with school
3. ✅ Look after your own mental health
4. ✅ Connect with other parents in similar situations
5. ✅ Celebrate small improvements and progress

Remember: You are your child's best advocate. Trust your instincts, seek professional help, and don't give up hope. Recovery is possible.

Last Updated: August 28, 2025
Service Information Last Verified: August 2025

This guide provides general information only. Always consult with healthcare professionals for personalised advice about your child's mental health.