For friends & family

Raising sensitive issues and working to resolve problems that arise along the way can be challenging. It can also be hard as a parent to know the difference between normal behaviour, such as moodiness, irritability and withdrawal, and an emerging mental health problem. This section is designed to help you.

Do you have a few minutes to spare? If you are a family member or friend supporting a young person who is seeking support at a headspace centre, we would love to hear from you! Please fill out our survey here.

Life issues

Health & wellbeing

Mental health

Alcohol & other drugs

Work & study

Life issues

Health & wellbeing

Mental health

Alcohol & other drugs

Work & study

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Depression

Body image

Anxiety

Eating disorders

Self harm

Trauma

Psychosis

Bipolar disorder

understanding eating disorders - for friends and family

We all have times in their lives when we experience unhealthy eating habits. Some people may try the latest fad or detox diet to shed a few kilos, others might occasionally feel like they’ve eaten more than they needed to.

supporting your child after a natural disaster

Information for parents/family members/friends of a child, adolescent or young person who has experienced a natural disaster.

understanding body image - for friends and family

Adolescence is a time of growth and development and can cause worries for lots of young people. Because of this rapid physical change and growth, it's normal for young people's body weight to go up and down during this time.

understanding grief and loss – for friends and family

It’s normal to experience sadness and to grieve after loss. But that doesn’t make it easy. Some people say grief is the most powerful thing that can be experienced in everyday life.

understanding psychosis – for families

It is often frightening for the person and confronting for others, but psychosis can be treated and recovery is possible. Without treatment, psychosis can seriously disrupt a young person's life and development.

understanding trauma: supporting your child after a natural disaster

A traumatic event is something that threatens your life or safety, or the lives of people around you. It is an experience that is stressful and has a significant impact on your emotional state.

understanding anxiety - for friends & family

People experiencing an anxiety disorder find that their anxiety gets in the way of their daily life and stops them from achieving their full potential. Anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental health problems experienced by young people

understanding bipolar - for friends & family

Bipolar disorder is a type of mood disorder in which people have prolonged episodes of low mood (major depression) and of abnormally ‘high’ or elevated mood (mania or hypomania).