For some students this transition is relatively easy and stress free but others can find it troubling, headspace Dubbo clinical lead Ann-Maree Hartley said.

“Returning to school and particularly starting school can be especially hard for some young people as they are faced with the pressure of school work, extra-curricular demands, grades, friendships and social issues like bullying and peer pressure,” Ms Hartley said.

“Then there are those young people who, in addition to this, may be dealing with mental health issues like anxiety and depression, so it’s understandable that this period can be tough.”

Headspace Dubbo will introduce educational groups in 2017 to aid young people in coping with stress.

The early intervention groups will seek to teach young people the skills to be able to deal with the challenges school life can present.

“We need to take this time to reinforce our position as a youth mental health centre that stands by young people and offers a range of services and assistance to help them through this journey,” Ms Hartley said.

“Headspace wants young people to live a happy life and we really urge both young people and their parents alike to come and speak to us about the best way to tackle any problems.”

Anyone aged between 12 and 25 or even a parent with concerns about your child, can visit www.headspace.org.au for more information on how to deal with a wide variety of mental health issues.

Additionally for further information about what educational and vocational services, please contact headspace Dubbo on 5852 1900 or visit the Church Street office.