Counsellors' Corner
The end of term is usually associated with stress due to completing assignments and exams. Stress can be more difficult to manage when people are feeling tired and run down after a long term. While short-term stress is normal and can be helpful, it’s important to recognise when symptoms are pervasive and indicative of poor mental health. Some warning signs that your young person may be experiencing mental health difficulties are:
- Disturbed sleep (eg difficulties falling asleep, waking throughout the night, or increased reports of fatigue);
- Disturbed appetite (increase or decrease);
- Decreased energy or lethargy; and/or
- Withdrawal from usual activities or peers (eg less focus on their learning compared to normal, decreased engagement in hobbies or social interaction).
If you notice any of these symptoms in your young person, it would be helpful to have a conversation with them about their mood and what is going on for them. This can strengthen your parent-child relationship and help to assess what support they might need. For some young people, simply having your support and having their feelings validated can be enough to help them pull through their day. Some young people may not be aware of why they are feeling the way they are or may not feel comfortable sharing with you. Sitting with your young person and letting them know you’re there when they’re ready to talk can help to build trust and reassurance.
However, the aforementioned warning signs may also be indicators of something more significant. Other signs that more significant issues are occurring may be:
- Difficulties or refusal to attend school;
- Increased time spent in the bathroom (this could be indicative of body dysmorphia, eating-related issues, or self-injury);
- Inappropriate clothing choices (eg wearing a jumper during warmer months);
- Unusual scratches, cuts, or marks;
- Increased self-doubt and self-deprivation; and/or
- References to thoughts about death or suicide.
If you notice any of the above warning signs, it is important that you seek immediate support through your GP. They can refer you to external services (eg psychologists, psychiatrists, or emergency departments if needed). Given that the school holidays are quickly approaching, students will be without their usual routines and without their school support networks. Therefore, seeking external support is imperative.
To support your young person throughout the remainder of the term and the break, communicating with them regularly and reminding them of your support is essential. It is helpful to guide your young person in balancing their technology use. Creating and enforcing boundaries around technology (eg technology out of the bedroom at night) can be part of this guidance. Encouraging your young person to self-regulate is vital. If they are unable to self-regulate, as parents you need to be able to model this for them on an ongoingbasis. If you are concerned, monitor your young person closely and seek advice and support.
Ellie Keane and Emma Moore
School Psychologists
