There is lots of support available to help you during this time.
Growing up and moving to the adult health care system is a time of change. It might feel daunting at first, but it gets easier.
Remember that this change is an important part of growing up.
Looking after your mental health
If you start to feel anxious, stressed or down for long periods of time, it could be a sign that you need some support.
It's okay to need help from time to time. In fact, it’s an important skill to be able to know when you need help and how you can get it.
If you are feeling this way, often a good first step is to talk to someone that you can trust. This might be a friend, family member, youth worker, school counsellor or your health care team.
There are also lots of online and phone resources to help you too. Find out more below.
Where can I get mental health support?
Helplines. The people on the other end are there to listen and help you find the support that best meets your needs.
- Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (24/7)
- headspace: 1800 650 890
- HeartKids Helpline: 1800 432 785
Online resources. These websites and forums can help you learn more about mental health, connect with experts and meet other young people.
Want to meet other young people with a heart condition?
Growing up with a heart condition, the challenges or feelings you have experienced may have been unique to other people.
Our community often tell us that talking to other young people who know what it’s like to have a heart condition is really helpful.
These groups can help you connect with other young people with CHD:
- @youthzone_heartkids This Instagram is run by young people with CHD, for young people with CHD (supported by HeartKids). Follow youthzone to meet other young people and find out about teen events in your area!
- Young Hearts This Facebook group is run by The Heart Foundation and is for 18 - 45 year olds.
What do other young people say about mental health?
These are some of the things our community have said has helped them.
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Attending HeartKids Teen Camps and getting to meet other young people with similar heart conditions was an absolute game-changer for me when I was growing up."
Sam - 22 years, Melbourne
Listen to Sam's story
If I'm feeling down and out or anxious about anything, I turn to my support network immediately. For me that's mainly my mum, my family and my partner."
Kennedy
22 years, Sydney