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Emergency assistanceFor 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!
Life issues
Health & wellbeing
Mental health
Alcohol & other drugs
Work & study
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).
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 depression - for friends & family
Depression is the term used when feelings of sadness, depression and irritability have lasted longer than two weeks, affect most parts of daily life and stop people from taking part in activities that used to be enjoyable.
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What if a young person doesn't want help?
When you think that a young person needs help but doesn't want help, it can leave you feeling frustrated and hopeless. There may be a number of reasons why they don't want help. They might not think there is a problem, they might feel embarrassed or unsure about how to get help or they might think that they can handle the situation on their own. Find out more about how to have a conversation with them and best support them during this tough time.
understanding self harm for families
There are a number of reasons why a young person may self-harm. It may be a way of telling other people about their distress and asking for help, a way of coping with stress or emotional pain, or a symptom of a mental illness like depression.
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.
