A RFDS TAS mental health clinician talks with children

How You Can Support Your Youth's Mental Health

Date published

29 Jan 2025

Our young people are facing challenges never seen before, and we’re here to help them through it.

Big feelings are normal, particularly during times of big change.

But for the youth of Tasmania sometimes those big feelings become overwhelming.

Our Mental Health Team Leader, Meagan Chivers, wants parents of youth to know that open communication is crucial in helping them cope when times get tough.

She says, ‘Being a teen is difficult. It’s a period of transition in so many areas – school and friend groups etc. It’s also natural for kids to want to pull away from their parents and lean more on their peer groups.’

Meagan urges parents to be listeners in this phase of their children’s lives.

They are building their sense of self and learning how to do things on their own. Maintaining communication and being curious about what is going on in their world helps them to know they are not alone, without taking away their ability to act for themselves.

Megan Chivers, RDFS Tasmania Mental Health Team Leader
Megan Chivers, RDFS Tasmania Mental Health Team Leader with youth

For when things get too much, RFDS is there to help.

We provide support and strategies to Tasmania’s young people, aged 8 to 17 years old. Our Youth Mental Health Team are available to talk it through.

Find out if you or your young person eligible to access our mental health services.

Mental Health & Wellbeing Programs