For a young adult with CP, these years are a time of great change. You will move from high school to life after school, from parental care to independent control, and from the child to adult health systems, all in the space of a few short years. 

You will also be adapting to your new circumstances, which can include developing new friendships, starting a career, having romantic relationships and considering parenthood.

As well as navigating all this, you may experience stress and anxiety related to concerns about your CP symptoms, including any pain and fatigue you are feeling. Research has shown you can be at increased risk of developing behavioural and mental health issues.

It is clear that, for many people, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected mental health and wellbeing, and social connectedness. For young adults with CP, this has been especially difficult, due to things like separation from friends and family, concerns about employment, and the usual services and support having been difficult to access.

It can all feel overwhelming at times, but there is support available. If you, or the people closest to you, have any concerns about your mental health, talk to your healthcare team. They can refer you to a psychologist, social worker, psychiatrist or other mental health professionals, who can assess you and provide you with a comprehensive plan for treatment, care and advice.

If you feel you are in crisis, seek help immediately.

If you are at risk of or are actively engaging in behaviour that is causing you or others harm, you should immediately contact the ambulance, police or a psychiatric emergency response team, or ask someone to take you to a hospital emergency department for assessment and treatment.

There are also phone and online resources that you can access any time of the day or night to speak to a supportive person for help and advice, including:

• Beyond Blue – for information and support for mental health, call 1300 224 636 or visit beyondblue.org.au 
• Lifeline Australia – for crisis support and suicide prevention, call 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au 
• The Samaritans – for 24/7 anonymous crisis support, call 135 247 or visit thesamaritans.org.au 
• Think Mental Health – for an online mental health check-up tool and free resources, visit thinkmentalhealthwa.com.au

Remember that it is really important to take care of your mental health. Your physical problems can be better managed when your body and mind are supported and balanced – mental health is a key part of this balance.

Some of this information is provided and produced courtesy of The Future Thinking Project, Ability WA.