Parenting Teens and Young Adults with Mental Health Challenges

Parenting adolescents and young adults is a rewarding but sometimes challenging journey. When a young person is experiencing mental health difficulties, parents can feel overwhelmed, anxious, or unsure about how to help. Recognising early signs and seeking support can make a meaningful difference — for your teen and your family.

Recognising Mental Health Challenges

Some behaviours may indicate your teen or young adult needs support:

Emotional and behavioural signs

• Persistent sadness, irritability, or frequent mood swings

• Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities they used to enjoy

• Sharp changes in academic performance or motivation

• Increased risk-taking behaviours or substance use

Physical and daily functioning changes

• Sleep problems or changes in appetite

• Frequent headaches, stomach aches, or fatigue without clear cause

Communication and relationships

• Difficulty expressing emotions

• Conflicts at home or reluctance to engage in family activities

• Talking about feeling hopeless or overwhelmed

These behaviours are more concerning if they persist for weeks or months, or significantly affect daily life.

Real-Life Case Example

Case: Ethan, 16Ethan became withdrawn and frequently complained of stomach aches. His parents initially thought it was a phase, but persistent anxiety and social withdrawal prompted them to seek professional guidance. With assessment and therapy, Ethan learned coping strategies, his anxiety reduced, and he regained confidence at school and with friends.

Trusted Support

Two accessible and reliable support services for young people in Australia are:

• Kids Helpline (1800 551 800) – Free, confidential 24/7 counselling for ages 5–25.

• Headspace – Youth-focused mental health services for ages 12–25, including counselling, online support, and family involvement options. (headspace.org.au)

Supporting Your Teen at Home

Parents play a vital role by:

• Encouraging open, non-judgmental conversations about feelings

• Validating their experience rather than dismissing worries

• Supporting participation in school and enjoyable activities

• Modelling healthy coping strategies and emotional regulation

Creating a safe space for honest conversations is a powerful first step in helping your teen manage mental health challenges.

Warmly,

Amy

Clinical Psychologist