Getting help

It can be very difficult for parents and carers to handle family problems and keep everybody happy. Families are complicated and there might be lots of different things going on, including your own feelings and issues. If you think your child is having emotional or behavioural problems due to a family issue, it is worth talking to them, though they may not be able to understand the problem or not want to talk about it at first.

If they do talk, it can be really helpful to think through with them about what is upsetting them, what they would like to be different and if this could be achieved with your support.

If you feel your family needs professional help to deal with the problems, it is a good idea to talk to the GP. You can go without the child if they do not want to come. It can be helpful to write down a list of what has happened recently, how your child has reacted and the effect on the family.

If your child is under 18, your GP may suggest your family could be referred to specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), for some help. Your child may be offered talking therapy. You and other family members may be offered support, either with your child or separately, to help think about what has been happening in the family and how to help move the situation on. You may be offered family therapy.

If your child is over 18 they will need to ask for the help themselves. If they are not willing to do this you can still ask your GP for support for yourself, to help you cope with the situation.

Youth counselling services can also help, and young people can refer themselves to these. Most will see young people between the ages of 13-25.