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!
Life issues
Health & wellbeing
Mental health
Alcohol & other drugs
Work & study
understanding sexuality and sexual identity - for family and friends
The term sexuality refers to a person's sexual attractions, experiences of the attraction and sexual preferences.
understanding gender identity - for family and friends
Gender identity is generally developed very early in life. It's about how you experience or perceive your gender, how you show this to others, and how you want others to treat you.
understanding teenage relationships
The relationships we have with friends, romantic partners, family, teachers and workmates have a significant impact on our mental health and wellbeing. If relationships are positive then they can provide us with a feeling of being respected and cared for.
understanding bullying - for friends and family
Family and friends can play a critical role in supporting young people involved in or experiencing bullying. Positive relationships can help protect young people from the negative consequences associated with being bullied.
PDF factsheet
Tips to get back into life during COVID-19
Spending more time at home may have put additional pressure on already strained family or household relationships, making it challenging for you to find space to look after your wellbeing.
eheadspace Group Chat
Building happy blended families
No family is smooth sailing all the time, but there are dynamics in a stepfamily that can be difficult to navigate. Learn more about how to build positive relationships and how to approach some of the challenges that may come up.
eheadspace Group Chat
eSafety Commissioner
While there are also many benefits, adults supporting young people are often very concerned about the online world. These concerns include how to ensure a young person is safe online, how to ensure they keep up their other skills and hobbies, negotiating boundaries and limits, knowing how to get help if things are becoming risky in some way.
eheadspace Group Chat
Helping your young person develop social skills
Social skills are key to a well functioning community and individuals with good social skills have a vital resource. Some of us easily develop good social skills but often young people will need support and assistance to learn how to relate to others in a constructive way. As a supportive adult you have an important part to play in assisting your young person with these skills.