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You’re probably viewing this because you rated high on the domain of Attention/Activity in My Mind Check.

First, My Mind Check does not make a diagnosis relating to your attention. This is best done by a health professional. But it can tell us if you have expressed concerns about your concentration when you did the check-in.

Things to know about attention 

  • Attention relates to how you maintain focus on tasks (for example, schoolwork) without being distracted.
  • It includes how you can switch your attention between tasks (for example, different classroom activities or your homework).  
  • Each young person is unique and has different attention spans. 
  • Many students can find it difficult to concentrate for long periods at school or may become restless throughout the day.  This can be normal, especially when you’re doing something that you find boring.  
  • You might need to take more breaks when working to stay interested.
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When young people have difficulties with attention, it’s a good idea to think about whether any of the following also relates to them: 
  • anxiety
  • sleep problems
  • adjusting to change (for example, moving house; parent separation; changing schools, teachers or academic year) 
  • ADHD or a learning difficulty 
  • medical issues needing a review with your doctor

If you’re reading this, it may mean that you believe that you are experiencing greater difficulty with concentration, compared with your friends and others you know. If so, this may be having a significant impact on your learning and day-to-day life including your academic progress, ability to connect with friends and peers, co-curricular activities, and confidence and self-esteem.  

Candid portrait of three boys in school playground with arms around each other

Fact sheets

What is ADHD in young people?

Information about ADHD – causes, types and how it impacts young people. Helpful tips on how to get a diagnosis and how to manage symptoms
12-25 years
headspace.org.au

ADHD: everything you need to know

What are the signs, symptoms and types of ADHD; getting help, medications, and practical strategies

All ages
au.reachout.com

5 ways to tame your social media use

Learn how to reduce time spent on social media in order to spend time on others things that help you be more focused

All ages
au.reachout.com

Tips for students with attention and planning difficulties and disabilities

Support and strategies for e-learning

Secondary School
psychology.org.au

Service finders

Head to Health

Provides resources to help you understand and manage what you’re feeling and connect you to mental health support

headtohealth.gov.au

Headspace

Find a headspace centre for you. Headspace centres are located throughout Australia and are staffed with people who are trained and ready to help

headspace.org.au

Headspace Regional Phone Counselling Service

Provides support to students living in areas with less accessibility to mental health services by providing digital mental health support via credentialled clinicians during school hours

headspace.org.au

Find a GP (General Practitioner)

Find a GP suitable for your needs, with options to search for bulk billing practices, opening hours, access needs, and location

healthdirect.gov.au

Find a Psychologist

Find a psychologist suitable for your needs, with options to search by issue and location. You may wish to see a GP prior to making an appointment with a psychologist, to gain a referral or Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your GP

psychology.org.au

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