Young people
“To be honest, I didn't know how to bring it up in person. So I sent him a message and asked him what was going on cause he wasn't himself and I was starting to get really worried about him. He started, you know, not really talking to anyone or hanging out with our normal friendship group and not being himself in class. So yeah, I felt something was up and sure enough, it was.” Ashleigh speaks about the importance of reaching out in Lifeline's Holding on to Hope podcast – Oliver’s story
Many mental health issues start in youth and early adulthood
Due to all the changes young people experience it can sometimes be difficult to know when to be concerned or how to manage.
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Signs that you or someone you care about may need support
It is important to remember that there are things we can do to get through tough times and we don’t have to go through it alone. Difficult times can be easier to manage with the right help and support.
Signs can include:
Feeling as though no one understands
Feeling helpless or worthless
Showing signs or thoughts of self-harm
Drastic mood changes
Engaging in risk-taking behaviour such as using alcohol and other substances
Rapid changes in performance at school or university
Bullying
Relationship difficulties with friends and/or family
Describing feelings of being lost, unsure of themselves and their identity
Previous suicide attempts or suicidal ideation
Expressing negative thoughts, such as ‘people would be better off without me’
If you, or someone you care for is in need of support, please call Lifeline to speak to a trained Crisis Supporter on 13 11 14 (24 hours / 7 days) or text Lifeline on 0477 13 11 14 (24 hours / 7 days) or chat online (24 hours / 7 days).
We are here to listen.
Support services
Your GP
Seeing a GP can be a great start in getting professional help and creating a mental health plan, with Medicare rebates available. If you need to find a GP, use our Service Finder.
Kids Helpline
Kids Helpline is Australia’s only free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.
Headspace
Headspace provides tailored and holistic mental health support to 12 - 25 year olds. With a focus on early intervention, they work with young people to provide support at a crucial time in their lives – to help get them back on track and strengthen their ability to manage their mental health in the future.
Reach Out
Reachout provides online mental health support, tools and resources for young people and their parents.
Community perspectives
While suicide can affect any of us, there are a range of factors that can make it harder for people in some communities to seek and access support.
We’re here for you
Get confidential one-to-one support from a trained Lifeline crisis supporter whenever you need.
If life is in danger, call Triple Zero (000)