Strategies to support youth mental health

Forty per cent of children and young people surveyed about their mental health say the pandemic has had a negative effect on their wellbeing. The National Mental Health Commission carried out the survey and in a report recommends more government support for evidence-based mental health programs in schools.

The first term of the year will begin next week. Source: Getty

The children have been getting back in the swing of things after a series of COVID-19 lockdowns.

Returning to old routines hasn't been an easy task for all primary school-aged children.

Anxiety disorders have made the transition difficult for some.

The coordinator of clinical psychology at Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital is Doctor Alice Morgan.

Almost 11 months after the city exited its last major lockdown her team remains in high demand, helping children with mental health issues.

So, what can carers do to help a child who's experiencing anxiety?

Talking to their teacher or the school welfare officer is a good first step.

Then seeing a G-P.

Doctor Cathy Andronis [[an-DROW-nis]] chairs the Royal Australian College of General Practitioner's Special Interest Group in Psych Medicine.

She says the busy pace of life and the pandemic have given rise to anxiety.