Wellbeing

In this session, the experts share practical, evidence-based insights into:

• How anxiety and depression present in young people
• Early warning signs to watch out for
• Strategies to support children and adolescents

Missed the SchoolTV webinar, Anxiety and Depression to Foster Resilience? The recording is available until Monday, 4 May via the link below or on the Webinar Series tile on our SchoolTV homepage.

Understanding Anxiety and Depression to Foster Resilience (Part I)

Anxiety is a natural and expected part of growing up. In fact, it plays an important role in helping young people prepare for challenges, stay alert to potential dangers and adapt to new situations. It can motivate them to study for a test, practise before a performance, or tread carefully in unfamiliar settings. However, for many children and adolescents today, anxiety can shift from being a helpful response to becoming intense, persistent and disruptive.

The world young people are growing up in is fast-paced and often demanding. Academic pressures, social expectations, family changes and the constant presence of digital media, can all contribute to heightened stress and worry. When anxiety is left unrecognised or unsupported, it can begin to affect a young person’s wellbeing, learning, friendships and self-confidence. That’s why it’s so important for adult carers to understand how anxiety may present in children. Everyone experiences anxiety differently, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. But with greater awareness, open communication, and the right strategies, families can help young people manage anxiety in healthy ways.

Number 1: Listen without judgement

Give your child your full attention when they share worries. Avoid interrupting or dismissing their feelings. Simply listening can help them feel understood, supported, and less alone in their anxiety.

Number 2: Normalise anxiety

Reassure your child that anxiety is a normal emotion everyone experiences. Let them know it’s okay to talk about it, which helps reduce stigma and encourages healthy, open communication.

Number 3: Teach breathing techniques

Teach your child deep breathing techniques to calm their body’s stress response. Practise together when they’re relaxed so it becomes a natural tool they can use in anxious moments.

Duty of Care for MMCRC staff and students

Dear Parents,

Please take a moment to familiarise yourself with the College’s Duty of Care Policy, available at the following link: https://www.mackillopleongatha.catholic.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/migrated/2021/06/Duty-of-Care-Policy-1.pdf

In particular, we ask that you do not expect students attending off-site sporting excursions to make alternative arrangements with you via mobile phone if doing so may compromise the College’s Duty of Care obligations.

The following excerpt from the policy highlights the responsibilities the College must uphold in order to minimise and manage risk.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

The important issue in all cases will be what precautions MMCRC could reasonably be expected to have taken to prevent the injury from occurring. This will involve consideration of the following factors: 

•  identifying the risk of harm  

•  the probability that the harm would occur if care were not taken  

•  the likely seriousness of the harm  

•  the burden of taking precautions to avoid the risk of harm  

•  the social utility of the activity that creates the risk of harm.