Mental health and wellbeing

How to support your children and yourself.

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UNICEF South Africa/2019/Sokol

Our mental health is a fundamental part to our overall health and well-being. As a parent, you play a huge role in supporting your child's mental well-being. Nurturing and loving care build a strong foundation, helping your child to develop the social and emotional skills they need to lead a happy, healthy and fulfilled life.   

Here are expert tips and resources to help you support your child's and your own mental health.

 

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Conversation starters
Common conditions explained
Infants to pre-teens | Teenagers | Parents
Guides to big conversations
 

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#OnMyMind: How to talk to your child about mental health

It starts with one moment, one conversation, one question: What’s on your mind?

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0–5 years

Lay the foundation for a lifetime of positive mental health in this period of growth and learning

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Mental health conversation starters: 11–13 years

Physical changes, appearances and friendships – there is much to navigate in this challenging time

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Mental health conversation starters: 14–18 years

How to tackle emotional, behavioural and health risks that could influence the rest of their lives

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Mental health: Common conditions explained

Learn about common mental health terms and conditions and how to support your family’s well-being.

What is depression?

Recognize signs of low mood and depression in children and learn ways to help them feel better

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What is stress?

A common feeling that affects children as much as adults, just differently

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What is anxiety?

Feelings of anxiety among children are preventable and treatable

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What are panic attacks?

Understanding the triggers is the first step to helping your child overcome the condition

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What is self-harm?

Why children hurt themselves and ways to help them overcome the impulse

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What is postpartum depression?

Learn about the signs and how to find support

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Mental health and infants to pre-teens

Help lay the foundation for a lifetime of positive mental health.  

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Mental health and teenagers

Support your child through this time of growth into adulthood.

11 tips for communicating with your teen

How to approach conversations with empathy and understanding

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Four things you can do to support your teen’s mental health

Show your teen love and care, while looking after yourself

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Navigating an unplanned pregnancy in South Africa

Guidance for teens and parents

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How to support your teen during stressful times

Be your child’s partner in navigating tough situations

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Teen mental health and social media

We asked mental health experts how they approach social media in their families

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Teens and risky behaviour

How to support your teen while helping them to stay safe

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When to help your teen find mental health support

Learn about the warning signs and how to guide your child

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3 phrases to support upset teens

Where to start when your teen needs emotional support

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Caregivers and self-care

When we take care of ourselves, we can better take care of our children as well.

Your mental health matters

Getting you the support you need

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Busted: 7 myths about mental health

Separating fact from fiction

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What is postpartum depression?

Learn about the signs and how to find support

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Guides to big conversations

More resources to explore

Psychological First Aid for children, adolescents & families

A guide for first responders

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Protect children and help them heal

Information for parents and caregivers of children who have experienced trauma and abuse

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The little hare (Umvundlana)

This book about a little hare who doesn't feel well, deals with the feelings he experiences in a concrete and understandable manner for the young child.

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Remembering Mommy

A useful starting point for talking to young children about death and grief.

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Look who loves you!

Bheka ukuthi ngubani okuthandayo!

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The Children's Act explained

Three booklets introducing the Children’s Act

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Pamphlet: Child abuse

Depicting various forms of child abuse, outlines safety plans for children and gives advice as to how to respond to child abuse.

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Child sexual abuse

A handbook for parents and caregivers

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