Wellbeing

The Wellbeing Team send holiday greetings to all the CESC community.

We wish everyone a safe and joyful time reconnecting with family and friends. We hope that you will use this time to recharge, and be invigorated, after the demands of 2020.

Supporting student wellbeing over the school holidays

It’s been a big year and this guide provides tips to continue looking after the mental health and wellbeing of your adolescents over the school holidays, as well as services to reach out to if they need support. 

Tips and actions to support positive mental health over the school holidays

• Exercise boosts mood and mental health – make it fun! 

• Nourish your brain by eating healthily – it will also improve your mood 

• Prioritise sleep to support mental and emotional wellbeing 

• Explore relaxation techniques and coping strategies

Mindfulness strategies including The Smiling Mind app gives you tips on looking after yourself, understanding and managing emotions, being mindful, being kind to yourself, navigating uncertainty and preparing for change. 

• Stay in touch and catch up with friends and loved ones 

• Make time to do things you enjoy 

• Practice positive self-talk – and remember you are not alone 

• Seek professional help if needed. 

You may find that these actions are not enough to look after mental health. Here are some signs you may need some support. 

Signs that your adolescent may need mental health support 

Keep an eye out and seek professional help for changes that last two or more weeks such as: 

• Loss of interest or involvement in activities normally enjoyed 

• Feeling ‘low’, unusually stressed or worried 

• Ordinary things get harder 

• Being easily irritated or angry 

• Taking more dangerous risks, like using alcohol or drugs 

• Withdrawal or feeling overwhelmed 

• Difficulties with concentration and motivation 

• Having a lot of negative thoughts 

• Changing in sleeping and eating

Mental health support 

• Your local GP can provide you with additional support 

• headspace counselling: Victorian Government secondary school students, including those who have just finished schooling, can access counselling services from headspace. During the holidays, you can self-refer by calling your local headspace centre. 

• eheadspace: 1800 650 890 www.headspace.org.au/eheadspace 

• Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 www.kidshelpline.com.au 

• Lifeline: 13 11 14 www.lifeline.org.au 

• Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 www.beyondblue.org.au 

• Head to Help: 1800 595 212 www.headtohelp.org.au

• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au 

• Contacting 000 if you need urgent assistance

Marianne McEwen

Wellbeing Leader