HEALTH &
WELLBEING CENTRE
News from our counsellor Ms Marijke Keller
and Mrs Sacha Donaldson RN
St Augustine's College Cairns
Your son in Year 12 isn’t sure what’s next?
From Generation Next is an informative article discussing how career uncertainty is common, and, has grown in recent years. The article offers helpful ways to talk this through with your teen and support them through this uncertain time of their life. Read the article on the Generation Next site here.
3 Mental health facts
Kindness releases a happiness chemical
When you share a smile or kind word, your brain releases dopamine – a chemical that makes you feel happy and warm inside.
Spending time with friends calms your brain
Positive interactions release oxytocin, known as the "connection chemical," which lowers stress and makes you feel safe and relaxed.
Being kind boosts your own mood too
Doing something kind for others releases serotonin and dopamine in your own brain – scientists call this the "helper's high".
Men's Health Week – 15 to 21 June
Men's Health Week is a time to raise awareness about the health and wellbeing of men and boys and encourage positive conversations about physical, mental and emotional health.
For young people, staying healthy is about more than just being active and eating well. It's also about managing stress, building positive relationships, getting enough sleep and knowing when to ask for help. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health.
Men's Health Week encourages everyone to check in with themselves and those around them. A simple conversation with a friend, family member, teacher or trusted adult can make a real difference. By supporting one another and speaking openly about wellbeing, we can help create a stronger and more connected school community.
Whether it's joining a sporting activity, spending time outdoors, talking about challenges or learning new ways to manage stress, small actions can have a positive impact on your overall wellbeing.
To learn more about Men's Health Week and to access resources designed to support the health and wellbeing of young people, click here.