This Bupa survey, published to mark World Mental Health Day (October 10) shows this as as much of a concern that their physical health or academic performance.
Many workplace wellbeing programmes now include assistance for those with mental health problems. Increasingly these are being extended to cover family members too.
Bupa says it has released a new guide for parents to help them talk to their children about mental health.
It says its research shows the vast majority of parents believe that there is greater awareness of children’s mental health than when they were growing up. A total of 72 per cent of working parents claim they talk to their child about their emotional health and wellbeing more than their parents did.
But Bupa says many of these parents still require additional support.
Two in five (38 per cent) of those surveyed say they struggle to talk to their child about their emotional wellbeing, while almost a third (29 per cent) would keep their child’s diagnosis a secret from their employer.
For a child struggling with poor mental health, an early diagnosis and fast access to support can help aid recovery and long term management of their condition.
The research also indicates that it benefits the whole family. The majority (82 per cent) of working parents that have children who have started treatment believe that it has improved their home life.
Bupa UK’s clinical director of mental health Pabli Vandenabeele says: “Our mental health support colleagues talk to many parents who have questions about how to identify if their child may need support with their mental health.
“Our cover gives employees peace of mind that their children can access the right support and care when they need it.
“We’ve created this guide to help any parent, carer or guardian who is concerned that their child may be struggling with a mental health condition.”
The Bupa study also revealed the ‘triggers’ that parents feel are impacting their children’s mental health. The main causes were physical and online bullying, moving to a different school or social circle and pressure to succeed at school.