headspace experts: ‘visit early when everyday stress gets too much’

In a recent interview, Dr Tamoor Mirza, the Clinical Director at headspace and Merryn Hughes the Clinical Operations Manager from headspace talked about why early intervention and easier access to services are needed to support young people meet their mental health needs.  

“We come across a multitude of presentations,” Tamoor explains, “but mostly we see everyday stress that young people face with peers and school. If we do not intervene early, this can easily turn into depression, anxiety, or even more serious disorders.” In the NT, mental health issues occur at nearly double the national rate, highlighting how urgent it is to address these concerns. 

A childhood with poor mental health can affect a person for their whole lives 

“Most of the major mental illnesses that grown-ups face started during teenage years,” said Tamoor. Merryn adds that headspace supports people from 12 through 25 to help them “navigate the transition to adulthood,” since these years can set the course for one’s future mental wellbeing. 

“We like to think of our services as having ‘no wrong door,’” she said. Still, she admits it can be tough to link families to the right resources. “At times that can be a challenge for us in the industry, I can only imagine how difficult it can be for families who aren’t familiar with the system.” 

Signs of psychosis in young people  

Tamoor points out that psychotic disorders often begin between 14 and 21 and can be triggered by factors like substance use or a family history of mental illness. When combined with social and economic disadvantages, these risks only intensify. 

Not getting help when it’s needed “can have a very negative effect on their development,” he said. headspace offers a specialised psychosis program that is “free and easily accessible,” but access remains limited to central areas. Young people in remote parts of the NT often miss out on this kind of tailored support. 

What do young people in the Territory need? 

Tamoor believes “we need to expand these services beyond the 12–25 age range.” This includes investing in school-based awareness, training teachers to spot early warning signs, and creating more local hubs so that every young person feels there is truly “no wrong door” to get the help they need. 

Head to headspace.org.au to find out how to access their free services.