Mental Health
Young people may become homeless as a result of a mental health issue of their own or that of a parent or carer. Young people may also develop mental health issues once they become homeless, due to stress, related substance abuse or other factors. It is also not uncommon for young people to experience both mental health and substance abuse issues at the same time, commonly referred to as dual diagnosis.
Here you will find information and links to common mental health conditions in young people as well as programs and services you may wish to refer young people to.
Headspace
Headspace provides mental and health wellbeing support, information and services to young people aged 12-25 and their families across Australia. Its primary focus is the mental health of young Australians. Headspace has a range of youth friendly health professionals who can help with:
- General health
- Mental health and counselling
- Education, employment and other services
- Alcohol and other drug services
Check out the website for a site in your area and information on services.
Orygen Youth Health
Orygen Youth Health (OYH) is Australia’s largest youth-focused mental health organisation. OYH is:
- a specialised youth mental health clinical service
- an internationally renowned youth mental health research centre and;
- a youth mental health training and communications program.
For quick and easy access to fact sheets on mental health conditions and how they affect young people, go to OYH’s home page, click on Education and Information, click on Factsheets.
You can find information about dual diagnosis - a term used when a person has both a mental illness and an alcohol and drug issue – at the Drug Info Clearinghouse at www.druginfo.adf.org.au
