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You’re probably viewing this because your child scored high on the domain of mood in My Mind Check.

First, My Mind Check does not make a diagnosis. There are many reasons that a young person might report more concerns about their mood on any single check-in. There’s no reason to be alarmed, but it might be useful to know a little more about mood to help you to decide about further actions.  

Children and young people often have brief periods of feeling sad and down. This may be a result of various life events, such as challenges with friendships or peer relationships, difficulties with learning, not being selected for sports teams or leadership roles, or any other stressful period at school. Their response to these life events can be understandable and there may be no need to worry.  

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Here are a few things to consider if you’re concerned about your child’s low mood: 
  • sleep
  • attention
  • difficulties with learning 
  • suspected or existing neurodiversity 
  • medical issues needing a review with your child’s GP

Although mood may fluctuate from time to time, your child or young person may experience more ongoing low mood or depression. Feeling down, irritable, and being withdrawn for longer periods of time, and losing interest in their appearance and usual enjoyable activities could signify a depressive disorder.  

Primary School ipad

Fact sheets

Understanding depression

For family and friends: Information on the signs and types of depression, and how you can help
12-25 years
headspace.org.au

Depression in teenagers

Causes and symptoms of depression in young people and how to look after yourself as a caregiver
12-19 years
parents.au.reachout.com

Depression in children aged 5-8 years

Signs, symptoms and ways to support your child at home
5-8 years
raisingchildren.net.au

Programs

This Way Up Teen Worry and Sadness Program

Therapist-supported online treatment program designed to teach teens how to manage feelings of stress, anxiety, worry and low mood

Referral required

Yes

Costs
Free (with prescription)

Ages 12-17
thiswayup.org.au

Moodgym

Therapist-supported online treatment program designed to teach teens how to manage feelings of stress, anxiety, worry and low mood

Referral required
No

Costs
Free

 

14+ years
moodgym.com.au

BiteBack

An online positive psychology program designed to improve overall wellbeing and resilience

Referral required
No

Costs
Free

12-18 years
blackdoginstitute.org.au

Service finders

Head to Health

Provides resources to help your child understand and manage what they’re feeling and connect them to mental health support

headtohealth.gov.au

Headspace

Find a Headspace centre for your teenager. Headspace centres are located throughout Australia and are staffed with people who are trained and ready to help

headspace.org.au

Headspace Regional Phone Counselling Service

Provides support to teenagers living in areas with less accessibility to mental health services by providing digital mental health support via credentialled clinicians during school hours

headspace.org.au

Find a GP (General Practitioner)

Find a GP suitable for your child’s needs, with options to search for bulk billing practices, opening hours, access needs, and location

healthdirect.gov.au

Find a Psychologist

Find a psychologist suitable for your child’s needs, with options to search by issue and location. Your child may wish to see a GP prior to making an appointment with a psychologist, to gain a referral or Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from the GP

psychology.org.au

Need urgent help?

Triple Zero (000)

Emergency assistance

Call 13 11 14

Lifeline 24/7 crisis support

Need support now?

More information