How to support children who are experiencing distress

When it comes to suicidal ideation we are unlikely to think of children as having such distressing thoughts. But some recent research by Wesley Mission Queensland has found that some children under 12 years have negative thoughts which may be the first sign of suicidal ideation. 

In this episode host Alicia talks with Emma, the General Manager, Mental Health Services at Wesley Mission Queensland, and Chloe, a young person with lived experience. Together they have researched the experiences of distress that young people have at an early age. Emma and Chloe help us to understand the signs of suicidal ideation that we can look out for and what we can do to support children who might be experiencing distressing thoughts.

In this episode you will learn:

• what prompted Wesley Mission Queensland’s research into younger children who experience negative thoughts [4:15] 
• about Chloe’s story and how she tried to communicate what she was feeling to the adults in her life [10:40]
• about Wesley Mission Queensland’s ‘Listen. Just Listen.’ campaign [14:45]
• about signs parents can look out for that their child may be experiencing a higher level of emotional distress [23:43]
• ways parents can connect with their children and show they are listening [32:46]

Content warning:

This podcast includes themes of suicidal ideation. If listening to this podcast brings up any difficult feelings for you, please seek help from your mental health professional or one of these crisis or support services.

Lifeline

Kids Help Line

Further information and resources:

Listen. Just listen. campaign – Wesley Mission Queensland

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