Andersons Creek Primary School Newsletter

Chaplain's Corner

Hi Everyone! 

It is extremely important in this year of Covid 19 that we take care of each other and ‘check in’ on how they are ‘travelling’, especially mentally.  Mental health problems are often not evident until they reach crisis point.  It is often called the ‘Hidden Pandemic’.  SO I ENCOURAGE YOU TO APPROACH YOUR FAMILY (ADULTS & CHILDREN), RELATIVES, FRIENDS, NEIGHBOURS, ETC AND ASK ‘RU OK’?

IF YOU ARE HAVING DIFFICULTIES WITH YOUR OWN MENTAL HEALTH, I ENCOURAGE YOU TO SPEAK TO SOMEONE YOU TRUST AND/OR TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP.  THERE IS AN OLD SAYING, ‘A PROBLEM SHARED, IS A PROBLEM HALVED’.

I believe that many animals and young children are very perceptive when knowing how we feel.

Five tips for responding to someone who is doing it tough

  1. A simple, ‘I’m sorry to hear that’ is a good response. You might follow this up with, ‘would you like to talk about it?’ to open up the conversation if the time and situation is appropriate. If not, agree on a more suitable time to talk.
  2. Sometimes it can help to mention any changes you’ve seen that have caused concern. 
  3. There is great comfort to be given by simply listening and caring. Sometimes, too, people find it easier to talk when doing something like going for a walk, rather than sitting across a table from someone.
  4. Focus on asking questions rather than trying to provide answers. Giving people a chance to share their experiences and voice their concerns without judgement is of great benefit. It helps people to feel less alone and more hopeful. Remember that responsibility for finding solutions does not lie with you. The best solutions are generally reached by the person themselves.
  5. Check whether they are connected to professional support.  

Let them know that you are always available should they want to talk. It's worth sending them an email or text a few hours later reiterating your support. 

Remember a conversation could change a life and the simple gesture of compassion can have a profound effect on someone who is going through tough times.

Sometimes it’s hard to express your feelings to the people around you. Not because you’re afraid of what they’ll say, but because our culture doesn’t seem to be very keen on being honest about their pains. It’s okay to admit that you’re hurting, broken or even confused about your current spot in life. It’s okay

1. IT’S OKAY TO CRY. Crying has been known to help regulate depression, anxiety and even stress.

2. IT’S OKAY TO GET FRUSTRATED. It’s ok to not know the answer, solution, or reason for things that have taken place. Sometimes frustration is the breeding ground of change.

3. IT’S OKAY TO GET STRESSED. Let’s face it, stress is unavoidable. It’s ok to be stressed sometimes, just don’t let stress become who you are.

4. IT’S OKAY TO NOT UNDERSTAND. Not everything is going to have an answer. Sometimes admitting that you don’t know is the first step in finding peace and comfort in your situation. 

For more details see https://www.ruok.org.au/ 

Need help? – Beyond Blue - 13 22 4636 https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

                         Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800 https://kidshelpline.com.au/

                         Lifeline Australia  - 13 11 14 -  https://www.lifeline.org.au   

MAKE EVERY DAY ‘R U OK? DAY

PLEASE KNOW THAT WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU ALL, ESPECIALLY THE WAY YOU HAVE ENDEAVOURED TO DO YOUR VERY BEST IN THE DIFFERENT CIRCUMSTANCES YOU HAVE FOUND YOURSELVES IN THIS TERM.

PLEASE, PLEASE TAKE THE COMING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS AND EMBRACE FUN, GRATITUDE AND KINDNESS (TO BOTH YOURSELVES AND OTHERS).  ENJOY THIS SEASON OF HOPE ‘SPRING’, ENJOYING WHAT NATURE OFFERS, AS YOU SPEND TIME OUTDOORS WHETHER AT HOME OR IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD. SPEND GUILT FREE TIME WITH YOUR LOVED ONES AND PETS – YOU DESERVE IT! IT WILL DO WONDERS FOR THE MENTAL HEALTH OF YOURSELF AND YOUR CHILDREN.

 

         Robyn Mulholland (School Chaplain)  robyn.mulholland@education.vic.gov.au)