Next week in Australia is Mental Health Week.

In our literacy calendar it’s also “Odd Socks Day” on Friday 2 October also raising awareness of mental health.

“On Friday pull your odd socks on and help stomp out stigma” ( From Odd Socks website)

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Download a poster and other resources at the Odd Socks website.

What resources are available for families, or Early Educators to discuss mental health issues with children?

A strong contender from Kids Book Review is  My Happy Sad Mummy by Michelle Vasiliu,illustrated by Lucia Masciullo,  JoJo Publishing.

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The reviewer had a parent with a bipolar disorder, and strongly recommends the book.

The publishers site has some full page spreads for an idea of the text.( They also publish books on other sensitive subjects.)

The Children Of Parents with a Mental Illness organisation ( COPMI) has a PDF list of books appropriate from early years -young adults.

The PDF link seems to be broken but you can download it here.

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They are hoping this list will be distributed widely to families,libraries and organisations who would benefit.

Their valuable website is full of information and resources, including  tipsheets on talking with  babies, toddlers and preschoolers, and older children about mental illness. (Downloadable in a wide variety of languages.)

They also have a Facebook page.

Another book recommended by COPMI is:

Why Are You So Sad: A Child’s Book About Parental Depression by Beth Andrews, Nicole Wong illustrator, American Psychological Association,Magination Press.

Magination Press has a wide variety of publications on sensitive subjects and on online catalogue.

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Little Parachutes has a book review explaining the symptoms and treatment for depression,family and children’s emotions  and importantly that “..a child can’t fix depression and its not their job to do so..”

Ask your local children’s librarian if they have any of the books on the COPMI list.

 

We’ll be posting some more posts on sensitive subjects including:

  • Stories for families whose elderly members have Dementia or Azlheimers Disease.
  • Stories about bullying for Preschoolers
  • Stories about family disfunction for Preschoolers

If you have any more recommendations for books that address mental illness, in a supportive way, for young children and families please let us know.

We’ll be wearing odd socks on Friday!

If you, or anyone you know would like support , please contact:

Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800

Lifeline 13 11 14

Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467

Relationships Australia: 1300 364 277

SANE Australia Helpline: 1800 187 263

beyondblue Info Line: 1300 224 636

Mensline Australia: 1300 789 978

Black Dog Institute: 02 9382 2991

Reach Out!: www.reachout.com

Parentline: www.parentline.org.au

headspace: www.headspace.org.au

List thanks to Mental Health begins with  me.