Factsheet 2: How to Tell if a Young Person May Have Poor Mental Health Things to Look Out For Across all the everyday spaces where young people gather, we provide them with more than just activities —we build a foundation of belonging. Because of the unique mentorship and trust formed in these environments, trusted adults and leaders are often the first to notice when a young person’s "normal" shifts or when they are struggling internally. Things to look out for might be changes: That seem out of the ordinary for a particular young person, or That persist for more than two weeks, or Seem significantly out of character. Everyone’s experience is unique, but this might help you recognise when a person needs help.
Physical Changes Seem constantly exhausted, look dishevelled. Significant changes in appetite, eating habits or unexplained weight changes. Sleeping too much or too little. A loss of interest in personal appearance and/or hygiene.
Actions Giving away important possessions. Impulsive behaviour. Being reckless or taking risks. Obsessing over grades, appearance, or achievements to feel in control. Demanding perfectionism on themselves and those around them.
It is not always easy to recognise when someone is not mentally well, but you don’t need to be a mental health expert to make a difference. You just need to notice the changes, offer a safe space to talk, and act as a trusted bridge to the right support.
Social Withdrawal Missing sessions, work or distancing themselves from usual people. Staying quiet when they used to be vocal. Quitting activities, they once loved. Withdrawing from friends, family, school, and work. Only communicating via text message and not picking up calls.
If you have noticed a young person is showing any changes in behaviour, ways of communicating or some of the signs of distress mentioned in this factsheet, you may want to start a conversation and check in how they are feeling.