Pastoral Care

Mental health and wellbeing 

Brigidine College held an awareness day for RUOK? on Thursday 10 September. RUOK? Day is important to stop and be reminded of the importance of mental health and the impact of simple conversations.

At Brigidine, the SRC gave out yellow ribbons to girls as they entered the gate, and the SRC also ran a bake sale of cookies and other sweet treats, with all funds raised to support RUOK? mental health research. There was also a poster competition for students to design a poster that encouraged ways to reach out and support others. Winners below:

⭐️ Most Creative Design --> Klara James (10B); Jacinta Glass (9B)

⭐️ Most Powerful Message --> Lyla Hills (7D)

⭐️ Best Group Poster --> 11 Winifred 

What is RUOK? all about?

A lot can happen in a year, a month, a week. People you care about go through life’s ups and downs every day. By having regular, meaningful conversations, you build trust and normalise talking about what’s really going on, so when the people in your world find themselves struggling, they know you’re someone they can talk to.

Tips:

1. Ask questions: reach out to someone you know and simply ask, “Are you okay?” Listen actively and be present for them.
2. Create a supportive environment: be ready to listen and encourage open dialogue where others are comfortable sharing their feelings
3. Share tips, resources and links: equip yourself and others with information about mental health resources and organisations like Beyond Blue and Lifeline who offer valuable support.
4. Lead by example: share your own experiences and show vulnerability. This can encourage others to open up about their feelings.
5. Check in again: to make sure your peers are progressing or need further help.

Together, let’s make every day an opportunity to check in and support one another. By fostering genuine connections and showing care, we can create a supportive community where everyone feels valued and heard. Remember, a simple conversation can change a life.

For more information, visit RUOK.org.au.

E-safety Commissioner

Recently there have been some distressing content posted on social media forums that have unfortunately not been censored, and students have been exposed to harmful content. Please visit the E-safety commission website for helpful advice related to online content and behaviours.

The E-safety commission can issue a takedown notice to remove harmful material, so it is essential that harmful content is reported through the E-safety commission. 

However, we also need to respond when students may have first seen this content. The advice is - don’t share it, even if it is to help or raise awareness. It is important to talk to your daughters about what they see online, discuss what they saw and how they felt. Parents can also take precautions through parental controls.

Distressing or violent content | How to get help | eSafety Commissioner

Understanding the Effects of Energy Drinks on Young People

Energy drinks are on the rise in use by young people. With their bright colours, catchy names and marketing, young people see them as a quick fix for fatigue. Whilst they might seem to be an easy way to solve tiredness, the high volume of caffeine can have negative effects on the well-being of young people. 

What’s in an Energy Drink?

The primary active ingredient in most energy drinks is caffeine. A single can can contain anywhere from 80 to over 300 mg of caffeine—the equivalent of one - several cups of coffee. This is often combined with other stimulants like guarana (which contains its own caffeine) and taurine, as well as a high concentration of sugar and other additives. It can result in a powerful jolt to the central nervous system. Whilst the immediate effects might feel positive with a temporary increase in focus and alertness, the “high” is often followed by a crash. This can result in further feelings of exhaustion and irritability when the caffeine is no longer affecting the body. The temporary tiredness can also create a pattern for a solution for that late-night study session or a reliance on these drinks rather than getting an early night sleep. 

The Health Risks: More Than a Buzz

Whilst I am not a doctor, and you are best to consult your own GP if you find your daughter relies on these drinks, the real danger lies in the cumulative and long-term effects of regular energy drink consumption. Health experts have identified several significant risks for young people:

• The high levels of caffeine can put a strain on the cardiovascular system with increased heart rate and blood pressure, heart palpitations and arrhythmias. 
• The stimulating effects of these drinks can exacerbate mental health concerns such as anxiety and stress. Regular consumption can lead to sleep disturbances, which in turn can contribute to mood swings, difficulty concentrating, and increased irritability. The crash that follows the initial high can also intensify feelings of depression and fatigue.
• The high sugar content and acidity (sugar free) of energy drinks can lead to an increased risk of cavities and other dental problems.

A call for awareness

We often find students coming into school with these energy drinks. Whilst you may not purchase or condone the purchase of these drinks, students are potentially purchasing on their way to school. It’s essential that you have these conversations with your daughters about the potential harm of these drinks. 

Furthermore, if your daughter is resorting to these to provide alertness and energy, it is essential to look into why they feel this is needed. Is your daughter having trouble sleeping? Is she up late studying, texting her friends, or online gaming? Is she getting enough energy from nutrition? The drink may itself be masking a greater concern that needs to be addressed. 

See the below article by Paul Dillon from DARTA:

How much caffeine is too much? Can you die from drinking too much caffeine? - DARTA

Recognising the challenges we can be faced with, it is important to keep conversations open with your daughter, share relevant communication with the school and engage in activities to promote positive mental health.

Sarah Charles 

Director of Pastoral Care