Assistant Principal's Report
Mitch Harris
Wellbeing on the School Holidays
Listed below are some tips to continue looking after your mental health and wellbeing during the school holidays.
· Exercise boosts mood and mental health – make it fun!
· Nourish your brain by eating healthily – it will also improve your mood.
· Prioritise sleep to support mental and emotional wellbeing.
· Explore relaxation techniques and coping strategies.
· Stay in touch and catch up with friends and loved ones.
· Make time to do things you enjoy.
· Practice positive self-talk – and remember you are not alone.
Signs that you or a friend may need mental health support -
Keep an eye out and seek professional help for changes that last two or more weeks such as:
· Loss of interest or involvement in activities normally enjoyed.
· Feeling ‘low’, unusually stressed or worried.
· Ordinary things get harder.
· Being easily irritated or angry.
· Taking more dangerous risks, like using alcohol or drugs.
· Withdrawal or feeling overwhelmed.
· Difficulties with concentration and motivation.
· Having a lot of negative thoughts.
· Changes in sleeping and eating patterns.
Supporting your friends
You and your friends are most likely to turn to each other for support before seeking out an adult or service provider.
You can support each other by:
· contacting 000 if a friend needs urgent assistance or is at risk of harming themselves or others.
· reaching out to a friend, offering support and letting them know you care.
· letting your friend know you may need to tell a trusted adult about your concerns.
Having these types of conversations can be difficult. Information on how to support a friend is available on the Headspace website.
Other places to get help
Your local GP is a great place to start
Lifeline - crisis support and suicide prevention for all Australians: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue, online and phone counselling for individuals experiencing depression and anxiety and their families: 1300 224 636
Safe Steps, support for anyone in Victoria who is experiencing or afraid of family violence: 1800 015 188
Reach Out - help with getting a mental health plan.