Guidance Counsellor

Jana Askamitova

Guidance Counsellor

WHAT A GREAT START TO TERM 4

Last week, St Mary’s students and staff participated in the Mental Health Week activities to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and wellbeing in our community.

This year’s Mental Health Week campaign was encouraging everyone to “Take Time for Mental Health” through learning, physical exercise and spending time in nature, showing kindness and connecting with others, getting healthy and taking notice of our environment.

Students participated in a variety of activities, such as chalking messages of support, hope and inspiration on the undercover walkway, Tai Chi and Mental Health presentations delivered by the Guidance Counsellors. Headspace information stall was available for students during the lunch break on Wednesday.

Students were also invited to enter the ‘Design a Poster for Mental Health Week’ competition. They have done a great job. The winners were announced on Friday:

1st – Brooklyn Wallwork (7.6) & Samara Ireland (7.1)

2nd – Danielle Curtin (10.4)

3rd – Amy Stewart (8.4) & Ashley McDonald (10.4)

We ended the week with free icy poles for students on Friday and oh yes, this was one of the most favourite activity.

Looking after your mental health does not need to be complicated. There are many simple ways to look after your well-being daily. We are all different and what works for one of us may not work for another. Here are a few things you can do daily to nurture yourself on more holistic level.

Connect with your family and friends, meet new people, get involved in activities that can make a difference how you feel. Get involved in community activities, get active, go for a bike ride, walk in the forest or the beach, go fishing.
Enjoy being creative, try a new hobby, learn to play an instrument, or a new skill (e.g. sewing, cooking, gardening, building something). Activities and hobbies can keep you distracted and have a positive impact on your sense of well-being.
Invest in good relationships, get in touch with people who you trust or feel good around. Let go of those that drain your energy. Learn to say no.
Focus on your strengths: having positive thoughts can help you feel better.
Take time out for yourself: read the book, listen to interesting podcasts, music, watch documentaries that interest you, give yourself permission to let go of worries, give yourself permission to not be busy.
Take care of your sleeping and eating routine: allow yourself to rest when you are tired. Eat mindfully, not when you are in rush. Create space for your routines & do them well.
Engage in mindfulness activities: yoga, meditation, anything that makes you feel better and reduces stress.

Stay well

Let’s Chalk about Mental Health Activity