COLLEGE COUNSELLOR

Coping with Change

When the COVID-19 pandemic was taking hold and lots of changes were being made every day to the rules and the question of when schools would shut was hanging in the air… that was, for most people, a time of very high stress. Australia, by world standards, has done an excellent job controlling the COVID-19 outbreak. This has come with a cost however and many are suffering with the loss of jobs or businesses and are still facing lots of uncertainty about what the future might hold.

As we start to see some restrictions being lifted we are faced with more uncertainty and change and this will be another time of stress and anxiety. This might seem counterintuitive as the relaxing of restrictions should be a very positive thing for most of us but change can be stress inducing even when it is positive. We all need to be looking after each other and our own mental health during this time.

In almost every situation there are things that can be enjoyed. Make sure you are making the most of the opportunities this unique time offers and enjoying yourself as much as you can. Balance your schoolwork (or work) with other activities, taking breaks when needed. Here are some nice ideas from the AIS NSW:

Wellbeing Website

The TRAC Wellbeing Website is up and running and has all sorts of helpful information to help you to keep mentally healthy in these unusual circumstances.

There are sections covering:

• Staying Mentally Healthy
• Sleep
• Eating
• Exercise
• Covid 19
• Coping with anxiety during uncertain times

And many more with new sections being added each day. Check it out and if there are any other topics you would like to see covered or questions you have please fill in the google forms on the website or email me directly.

Lastly a big “Welcome back!” to Term two.

Michael Lance | College Counsellor