Recognise the problem

Many of these changes are very important for a young person as they lead to the development of essential life skills, for example, social skills and problem solving skills. (For more information about key developmental changes that occur in adolescence/young adulthood click here). When you are worried about someone it is important to consider whether your worries are related to 'normal' changes in a young person, or whether perhaps a mental health problem is developing.

Sometimes working out which is which can be tricky but some things to look for might include: 

• Changes in sleeping patterns: Sleeping too much or not enough
• Changes in mood: Erratic, irrational, moody, over anxious, socially withdrawn
• Changes in behaviour: School grades falling, disrupting family life, using alcohol & drugs, secretive, getting into trouble
• Changes in diet & weight: Becoming overly worried about weight, eating too much or not enough, becoming secretive about food, vomiting after eating

While many of these changes might just be part of the normal ups and downs of life, if they persist for an extended period of time and begin to significantly impact on other aspects of the young person's life then, it is possible that a mental health problem may be developing.

If you do become concerned about a young person it can be useful to do a little research so that you gain a better understanding of mental health problems.  The headspace website is full of information about mental health, and drug and alcohol problems.  Learning more about these problems can help you to better identify what is going on for a young person, but importantly, can also help you to begin to understand what it can be like for someone experiencing a mental health problem. 

Information for parents and carers factsheet helps to outline some key changes in a person's mental health that a young person may be experiencing. It also explains what a mental health problem and illness is, and how you can begin to help a young person you are worried about.  The Something is not quite right: Checklist might also be a helpful tool to use at this stage.