Parents may experience mental health challenges for a range of reasons, including past trauma, existing mental health conditions and the pressures of parenting.
These challenges can affect the wellbeing of the whole family, including children’s emotional, social and long-term mental health.
As trusted first points of contact, GPs play an important role in recognising when children may be affected by parental mental health challenges. They can provide age-appropriate information and support, identify children’s needs and connect families with relevant services.
Useful resources:
- Emerging Minds GP resources
- Emerging Minds general resources
- Mental health training and tools for health professionals
- NSW Intellectual Disability and Mental Health Training Portal
- Resources for disability professionals
- Resources for professionals
This article appeared in Practice Pulse on Wednesday, 28 October 2026. If you are a GP, practice nurse or practice manager in South Western Sydney and do not get the weekly Practice Pulse email, speak to your Practice Support Officer.
