Welcome Parents from the batyr forum!

[taokat]

Absolutely! I do apologise, I know it was out of context for our chat night here 

[Ngaio-RO]

No not at all @taokat !! It's just to keep in line with the contact sharing guidelines. Your question was absolutely fine!!

[Ngaio-RO]

Ok, we're starting.

I'm going to ask @dom-batyr the first question from a parent who couldn't make it.

1. What kind of signs should I be on the lookout for? What sort of things are clues that my teenager has a mental health difficulty?

[taziness]

Helloo

Happy to be here Just did an interview with Rural Mental Health team at UTAS today on the experiences of young people accessing services. It felt so good to share some of the hurdles we encountered knowing it was actually being 'herd' as a parent!

[dom-batyr]

Thanks @Ngaio-RO

In terms of 'Looking Out' we tend to talk about changes in behaviour. For example if your child is generally quite outgoing / extroverted and then for a period of time (say at least 2 weeks) they're withdrawing, isolating themselves and not engaging in their normal behaviour (Footy, Netball, family dinners) then this can usually be a good indication that something is up.

Another big one to look out for is sleeping patterns. If your child is over sleeping, spending a lot of time in bed and overly lethargic then that could also be a good cue.

Does this help as a start?

[dom-batyr]

Sounds awesome!

Glad you felt like you were being 'herd'

[dougs]

Hi @dom-batyr - oversleeping and lethargic could describe normal teenage behaviour on a good day so I can see the dilemma in spotting a "real" issue. Any other signs to be aware of? thanks

[taziness]

What is the context for tonight by the way? I understand that a forum was just held? (Just got the email brief this evening!)

[Ngaio-RO]

That's a great tip @dom-batyr  And something I hear parents talk about a bit.

Does that apply to the other way around? As in, if they start sleeping much less?

@taziness and @taokat What have your experiences been with sleep patterns?

[taokat]

A very good start @dom-batyr. It was the sudden change in my daughter's behaviour that told me there was something wrong. She was always happy, social, outgoing and loved school, then became the opposite!