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

Show All

Technology

Anger

Bullying

Grief and loss

Relationships and sex

Sexuality and gender

a parents guide to their child's sexuality

The term sexuality refers to a person's sexual attractions, experiences of the attraction and sexual preferences.

understanding gender identity - for families

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.

social media advice – for families

A combined headspace and Facebook resource

understanding sexting and image-based abuse - for families

About half of all young people in Australia sext, with most finding it fun. But there are times when intimate relationships go wrong, and sexts can be shared without someone’s knowledge or consent. This is image-based abuse.

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.

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.

back to school

Young people can feel a range of emotions when they're heading back to school, which include feelings of excitement, anticipation and nerves.

a parents guide to school issues and stress

Issues with school can have a major effect on young people and can often leave them feeling overwhelmed or stressed. While this is the case, it's important to note that there are two kinds of stress - good stress and not so helpful stress.