wellbeing@gec

Identifying early signs of anxiety

It is common for students to feel anxious from time to time; but it could become a problem if the anxiety becomes ongoing and it affects a student’s health, daily life, or relationships with others. 

Here are some common early signs/symptoms of anxiety: 

• finding it hard not to worry
• feeling restless
• having trouble relaxing or sleeping
• having trouble concentrating
• getting frustrated
• feeling your heart racing.

Parents, if you see your child display the above symptoms seeking professional help is important. Making an appointment with your family doctor, counsellor, or a member of our well-being team is a great first step.

You may also visit Headspace, Reachout and Beyondblue websites; all contain helpful information on managing stress and anxiety:

https://headspace.org.au/young-people/what-is-anxiety-and-the-effects-on-mental-health/

https://au.reachout.com/articles/how-to-manage-your-anxiety-and-stress

https://healthyfamilies.beyondblue.org.au/age-13/mental-health-conditions-in-young-people/anxiety

We want our students to be proactive in seeking help when they are feeling that anxiety has become an issue that negatively impacts their learning. Building their capacity to self-regulate whenever possible is key, and to reach out for help when more support is needed.

Stanley Cheng                                                    

Mental Health Practitioner                            

Jenny Sanchez

Wellbeing Leader 

Preventative Information About Vaping

We would like to share some preventative information about vaping. We are seeing more incidents involving vaping and are concerned about the potential impact on our young people’s health.

What are e-cigarettes?

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are battery-powered devices that come in many forms. They all heat liquids, called e-liquids, into an aerosol that users breathe in. They may contain nicotine, flavourings and a range of harmful and toxic chemicals. Many e-liquids come in flavours that are attractive to young people, such as mango, lime and mint. The e-cigarette heat may also produce toxic substances.

They are also known as e-cigs, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), electronic non-nicotine delivery systems (ENNDS), alternative nicotine delivery systems (ANDS), personal vaporisers, e-hookahs, mods, vape pens, vapes and juuls (pronounced ‘jewels’).

Using e-cigarettes is often called ‘vaping’. It is sometimes referred to as ‘juuling’.

What are the health risks of e-cigarettes?

Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive especially for teens. E-cigarettes and e-cigarette liquid may contain nicotine, even if they have been labelled ‘nicotine free’. One e-liquid pod can contain as much nicotine as a packet of cigarettes.

Nicotine exposure during the teenage years can harm brain development, which continues until about age 25. It can impact learning, memory and attention, and increase risk for future addiction to other drugs. Young people who use e-cigarettes may be more likely to go on to use regular cigarettes.

E-liquids can poison children and adults through swallowing or skin contact. Symptoms of nicotine poisoning include sweating, dizziness, vomiting and increased heart rate.

What do e-cigarettes look like?

E-cigarette devices come in many different shapes and sizes. They can look like traditional cigarettes, cigars or pipes. Some look like everyday items commonly used by young people, such as pens or memory sticks (USBs). Some are even disguised as medical devices or concealed within clothing.

Are e-cigarettes and e-liquids safe?

The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has not safety tested e-cigarettes or e-liquids, so they should not be considered a safe product.

As always, the health and safety of our students is our top priority and partnering with parents and guardians is the best way to help students make positive decisions. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Additional info about vaping and e-cigarettes can be found here .

Christalia Formoso                    

Adolescent Health Nurse 

Resources: The Royal Children’s Hospital National Child Health Poll, Respiratory and Adolescent Medicine Departments. 

Kids Health Information by The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation.