Eight in 10 parents do not feel their child opens up to them about their mental health, according to research from a Bupa survey of parents and children.
The research, which coincides with the insurer launching a guide and videos to assist conversations between parents and children, found around two fifths (39%) of parents worried about their child’s mental health at least once a week.
More than a quarter of parents (28%) worried their child would not tell them how they’re feeling, 24% wished their child would open up more and the same proportion (24%) noticed children open-up less as they get older.
Additionally, 44% of parents suspected their child might have an undiagnosed mental health condition, including anxiety (24%), ADHD (12%) and depression (9%).
One in eight (13%) parents were worried about the risk broaching the topic through fear of getting it wrong and potentially pushing their children further away.
And (16%) felt they did not understand what their children were going through because their child’s life is so different compared to theirs when they were younger.
Censuswide surveyed 3,004 parents, of which 2,078 had at least one child aged 8-18 years old, and also quizzed 2,001 children aged 8-18 for the research.
The research among 8-18 year olds found two-fifths (39%) felt worried every week, including 36% of eight-year-olds and 43% of nine-year-olds. A similar 37% of all children regularly felt stressed.
Conversation starting resources
Bupa has created a parent’s guide to opening up mental health conversations with their children, which it said was to support parents and their children in helping them to break through the bubble and be heard.
It has also produced interactive videos with mental health platform Just Ask a Question (JAAQ) to help parents have these important conversations and highlight what mental health signs to look out for.
Dr Naveen Puri, medical director for Bupa UK Insurance, said: “Breaking through the bubble of isolation is a crucial first step in having an open and honest conversation, both for children and parents.
“For parents, this sense of isolation can be extremely stressful and emotional, especially for those who might think their child is suffering in silence.
“Anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions common in young people are complex. It can be difficult for parents to distinguish between highs and lows and symptoms of mental ill-health.
“This is why it’s so important that parents and children have these open conversations in a safe space. A problem heard early can be a problem halved.
“And by making these conversations feel normal every day, we can help make sure that those who need help receive it.”
Difficult to have open conversations
Musician, presenter, young person’s mentor and mother Myleene Klass is working with the insurer and said she hopes to help parents and children break through and be heard.
Klass said: “I know as a parent, and through past experiences, that it can be difficult to open up about mental health and have open and honest conversations.
“But it is vital to not suffer in silence, either as a parent suspecting your child might be having mental health struggles or as someone suffering themselves.
“As a parent you don’t need to be a trained psychiatrist; it’s just about having those conversations and understanding where your child is at in their journey. Don’t wait until something gets derailed.
“I often try getting out and about with my children, going for a walk and having time and space for those conversations that are hard to start.
“I also try to make sure that they know I am open to difficult conversations and that they can trust me, so when they feel the time is right, they know they can reach out.”