The Brigidine Broadcast

Pastoral Care

"We have to nourish in order to flourish" 

—  anon.

As part of the Pastoral Care focus, we are ensuring that there is holistic support for students. We have been introducing each grade to the BRAVE acronym, with a focus on one aspect per grade: Believe (Year 7), Respect (Year 8), Achieve (Year 9), Voice (Year 10), Empower (Year 11) and bringing together all components in Year 12. We have also heard from Elevate Education study skills, engaged in Peer Support for years 7 and 11, whilst also undertaking gratitude and blessings through reflections in the school diaries. The aim of these components is to support students’ academic development and progress and ensure that students can flourish as a student; academically, socially, and mentally. 

 

Building resilience 

It is also important to develop strategies to build positive mental health and by empowering students in such strategies, we can build resilience. Furthermore, encourage your daughter to utilise strategies during challenging times. 

Use the format proposed by RUOK? to encourage girls to open dialogue. Some of these include the 5 Senses Strategy, the Alphabet Strategy and Box Breathing, to name a few. It is important to recognise when we need to reflect, take a break and employ these strategies to overcome challenges. 

 

Self Care 

Amidst life's demands, we encourage you to support your daughters in prioritising self-care as an essential component of mental health maintenance. Whether it involves dedicating time for hobbies, practising relaxation techniques, or disconnecting from screens, small acts of self-care can yield significant benefits for overall well-being. 

 

Mental health noticing signs and symptoms 

Things don’t always go to plan, and at times, students’ mental health can decline. However, we consider mental health as being in a continuum, rather than a spectrum. This framework describes different aspects of one’s mental health, ranging from thriving to surviving, struggling, and crisis. It represents a dynamic state that can fluctuate. It is helpful to understand this continuum, and if you do have concerns about a young person’s mental health, you need to take action. It is key to look out for significant changes in mood, behaviour or functioning such as withdrawal, changes in sleep and/or eating habits, difficulty concentrating and with focus. 

Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Issues in Young People:

  • Changes in Mood: 

    • Persistent sadness or low mood 

    • Irritability or excessive mood swings 

    • Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed 

  • Changes in Behavior: 

    • Withdrawal from friends, family, and activities 

    • Increased social isolation

    • Changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or excessive sleep) 

    • Changes in eating habits (loss of appetite or overeating) 

    • Difficulty concentrating or focusing 

    • Unusual or risky behaviors 

    • Agitation or restlessness 

    • Changes in personal hygiene or appearance 

  • Changes in Functioning: 

    • Difficulty with schoolwork or work performance 

    • Trouble managing responsibilities 

    • Loss of motivation or initiative 

    • Increased sensitivity to sights, sounds, or touch

    • Unusual or illogical thinking

  • Other Potential Indicators: 

    • Talking about death or suicide

    • Self-harm or thoughts of self-harm 

    • Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that others don't) 

    • Frequent physical complaints (headaches, stomachaches) 

What to Do If You Suspect a Mental Health Issue:

  • Talk to the Young Person: 

    • Approach them in a calm and supportive manner 

    • Express your concerns and listen to their perspective 

    • Encourage them to talk about how they are feeling 

  • Seek Professional Help: 

    • Encourage the young person to see a doctor, psychologist, or other mental health professional 

    • ReachOut Parents website suggests seeing a doctor can help with understanding what they're going through 

  • Connect with Resources: 

    • Beyond Blue offers information, resources, and support for young people with depression or anxiety

    • Headspace is a national youth mental health foundation 

    • Lifeline provides crisis support and suicide prevention services 

    • Kids Helpline offers confidential support for young people 

    • Head to Health provides information, advice, and links to free and low-cost mental health services 

    • If you or someone close to you is in crisis, or is at immediate risk of harm, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance. 

  • Be Patient and Supportive: 

    • Remember that recovery from mental health issues takes time 

    • Encourage the young person to continue doing the things they enjoy 

Focusing on supporting your daughter and being there to listen is what she needs. As we approach these holidays, be sure to check in with your daughter’s wellbeing and encourage her to focus on, and acknowledge the daily blessings in her life. 

 

Sarah Charles 

Director of Pastoral Care