Counsellor/Wellbeing News
Marian Catholic College School Counselling services during school term
Just as teachers are making learning available to you in online and other formats, we also recognise that staying connected with the wellbeing team during this challenging time is important. Marian Catholic College School Counselling services can continue to be accessed. We want to assure you that your support can continue, even in these most challenging times.
As usual you can contact myself, the College Counsellor/Social Worker via email or through your Pastoral Year Co-ordinator. From there I will discuss via email different options for support including the use of teleconferencing through Zoom. Zoom is simple to use and has strong safeguards for privacy and security. If a mutual decision is agreed that this method will be beneficial, you will also require consent signed from both student and parents/carers.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask.
Looking after your wellbeing during this time
Understandably the challenges we are all faced with at the moment with social distancing and isolation, including separation from important people in our lives, loss of freedom, unable to pursue activities with people and in places we usually frequent and for some loss of income can cause us to experience feelings of anxiety, boredom, frustration, fear and stress.
It is important at this time, more than ever, that we focus on our health and wellbeing. So how can we do this?
Stay connected
Whether it be through phone calls, video chats or old fashioned letters, it is important to be checking in and communicating with family and friends. This includes teachers as well. If you don’t understand a school task or you’re worried you are falling behind please check in with your teachers. Likewise parents and carers please communicate to Pastoral Year Co-ordinators if you have any concerns about your child so we can assist.
Structure your day
Try to keep good healthy routines. Ensure you are getting good sleep, exercise, eating well and drinking enough water. Get up and get ready for your day just as you would if you were working or going to school. Structure activities within your day that ensure you keep time for breaks, socializing, have breaks and time to socalise.
If you are studying make sure you set up a good workspace, limit distractions and stick to a schedule – which includes healthy breaks..
Be creative/Have fun
Do something new or different or something you haven’t done in a while. Being creative helps to relax your mind. Play some board games, sing and dance around to your favourite song, play cards, or colour in.
Avoid Conflict
Obviously being stuck in a household with the same people 24hrs a day, with little or no space for long periods can lead to a rise in tension and arguments. So try to create a roster around household tasks; create time to have fun together through activities like movies, games, jigsaws; communicate any worries or concerns openly and calmly to develop strategies together; and maintain respect for each other, especially in conflict – walk away and calm down before reacting
Unplug
Everywhere is talking about the virus. Get off your devices and spend some time in nature, take in some fresh air or read a book.
Seek support
When you or a family member or friend are struggling, reach out for support. Whether it be to friends, work colleagues, teachers or professionals. There are many people and services to assist.
Please consider the following:
Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800
Mental Health Line – 1800 011 511
Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636
Lifeline – 13 11 14
Mensline – 1300 789 978
Suicide Call Back Service - 1300 659 467
For mental health emergencies please contact Accessline on 1800 800 944 and for other emergencies please dial 000 or go directly to your nearest Emergency Department.
Karen Surian
MCC Counsellor