HEADSS assessment

HEADSS Assessment

Home Environment

• Lives with mother, stepfather, and 12 yo half-brother in a rented townhouse. Parents separated 4 yrs ago; sees biological father fortnightly on weekends. Reports frequent verbal arguments with stepfather regarding household chores and curfews, though describes a close, supportive relationship with mother.

Education and Employment

• Year 10 student at local public high school. Grades have recently dropped from B-average to Cs and Ds due to difficulty concentrating. Truant 3 days in the past month. Reports feeling disconnected from teachers and recently drifted apart from primary peer group, though maintains 2 close friends. Works casually at a fast-food restaurant (8 hrs/week), which she enjoys for financial independence.

Activities

• Previously played club netball, quit 3 months ago due to low motivation. Spends 4–5 hrs/day on social media and gaming after school. Socialises in person with best friend on weekends.

Drugs

• Vapes nicotine daily (approx. 1 pod/week) with peers at school. Drinks alcohol (2–3 premixed standard drinks) at social gatherings once a month. Tried cannabis once 2 months ago; denies use of other illicit substances or non-prescribed medications.

Sexuality

• Identifies as heterosexual. In a relationship with a 16 yo male classmate for 4 months. Sexually active (vaginal intercourse); uses condoms inconsistently. Not currently on hormonal contraception. Denies hx of STIs or pregnancy concerns; consents to STI screening and contraception counselling.

Suicide/Depression

• Reports persistent low mood, anhedonia, and initial insomnia over the past 3 months. Admits to superficial cutting on left forearm x 2 episodes last month to relieve emotional distress. Endorses passive suicidal ideation ("wishing I could just go to sleep and not wake up") but denies active intent, plan, or prior attempts. Pmhx significant for childhood anxiety, no current Rx.

Safety

• Feels physically safe at home and work despite verbal conflict with stepfather; denies physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Reports experiencing low-level cyberbullying from former friends via group chats. Always wears a seatbelt in vehicles. Safety plan established regarding DSH.