KEEPING IT REAL

Mental health issues may be on the rise, but Beyond Blue’s Dr Grant Blashki is careful not to over-medicalise everyday challenges.

“If you’ve just broken up with your boyfriend or girlfriend, that’s sadness – not depression. Or if you’re worried about your upcoming exams because you haven’t prepared, that’s worry – not anxiety.”

With instant access to limitless online information about mental health, teenagers can be quick to label themselves with a problem they may or may not have.

“I’m very cautious not to jump on a diagnosis unless it’s really warranted and not to medicalise the normal ups and downs of the human experience,” Dr Blashki says. “There are disappointments, there are relationship break-ups, people get worried or sad about things and not all that is mental illness.”

Parents who are supporting a teen through a difficult time can feel overwhelmed at not being able to fix it.

“It’s hard to imagine anything more stressful for parents than when one of the kids is going through a mental health crisis,” Dr Blashki says. “It can be a bit of a marathon so make sure you’re looking after yourself and pacing yourself. Manage your expectations because these things can take some months or longer to get sorted out.”

Seeking out high-quality advice and getting a good team together is key – a good GP, psychologist and, for more serious mental health issues, a psychiatrist may be necessary as well. Involving the school counsellor can be helpful too, Dr Blashki says.