Free mental health programmes aim to help anxious children in Cork

The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC) is offering three free mental health programmes to families with children and teens suffering from anxiety across Cork.

The complimentary programmes are offered in a digital capacity, with two available to parents and carers of either anxious children or teens, and the third aimed at teenagers experiencing low to moderate levels of anxiety.

Based on the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), the programmes are available to all children and teens, regardless of whether they are currently on a waiting list to be assessed by Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).

The programmes include interactive tools, activities, mood monitors, and journals to encourage users to apply CBT to their own lives. 

Users have 12 weeks to complete the programme under the guidance of a volunteer and can avail of an unsupported version of the programme for one year after this time.

Susan Nicholson, a mother who completed the ISPCC’s supporting an anxious child programme, said that the course was invaluable after her GP recommended that her daughter Lauren attend CAMHS.

“I wanted to do something that would help our family to support Lauren,” said Ms Nicholson.

“The programme encouraged me to look at the positives, rather than focusing on the effects of her anxiety.

“Going through the programme, you could see what other parents were going through and you’re able to relate to their challenges.

“To know that other people are going through [it too] is very helpful — as a parent, you’re supposed to know all the answers, and it’s scary.

“Starting the programme was such an easy process — I liked the fact that it was anonymous, nobody knew me, and I didn’t have to go to a meeting in person.

“It was such a personal experience — in a good way.

“I didn’t feel like I was just another number.”

Dee Higgins, an ISPCC volunteer who works on the digital mental health and well-being programmes, said: “It gives parents and young people a chance to deal with their anxieties before it becomes a huge issue.

“If parents can understand what their child is going through, that’s a huge step.”

For more information on the ISPCC digital mental health and well-being programmes, visit: www.ispcc.ie/guided-digital-programmes/.