Don’t dismiss children’s distress. ‘Listen. Just Listen’

Wesley Mission Queensland (WMQ) has launched its Just Listen campaign in response to a concerning increase in children under 12 years old presenting with distressing behaviours, including suicidal thoughts. The campaign emphasises the simple yet powerful act of listening to support children experiencing high levels of distress.

Recent findings from WMQ’s various mental health services have revealed a troubling trend of children under 12 struggling with a range of mental health challenges, from anxiety to suicidal thoughts. This highlights the urgent need for proactive intervention and support.

Data reveals that in Australia, 1 in 7 young people aged 4 to 17 years old, experience a mental health condition each year. Furthermore, 50% of all adult mental health conditions start before the age of 14 years old.

Emma Ashe, General Manager, Mental Health, said, “We are seeing a substantial surge in demand for our services and across the mental health sector. Isolation caused by pandemic lockdowns, family separations, changes in the home or at school, has seen an increase in young children struggling with their mental health.

“We have identified a critical gap in support and resources for parents of young children, and the time to act is now,” Ms Ashe said.

WMQ’s research found that one of the primary issues children identified when seeking help, was having their concerns dismissed when they have tried to explain their distress.

Chloe, a young person who struggled with mental health issues as a child, says her feelings were often dismissed and overlooked:

I was told that I had no real reason to be distressed, and that I was being too sensitive. Although it was not my parent’s intention, I learnt that I had to process all of my heavy emotions alone, which left me feeling like I was not important enough to ask for help.

This campaign aims to create happy, healthy and thriving families that can identify the signs and appropriately support their children.

Ms Ashe suggests that it’s not about having all the answers, it’s about the need to listen:

Be alert to your child’s feelings. Their feelings valid and real to them. You can help them by listening. Please listen. Just Listen. This is more than a campaign. This is a call to action.

WMQ is inviting parents, caregivers, and members of the community to help spread the message of Just Listen where every child feels valued, heard, and empowered to seek help when needed. More information can be found at www.wmq.org.au/justlisten.