Wellbeing News
October is Mental Health Month!
Last week we ran some activities at lunchtime to raise awareness about the importance of looking after your mental health. Everyone has mental health and, like physical health, our mind can function better if we look after it. With promoting youth mental health and wellbeing we also aim to reduce the stigma associated with having a mental illness. Anyone can have a crisis at any time in life or stresses that become too much to cope with and it is important for teenagers to learn that it is a brave and courageous thing to ask for help from others.
On Thursday, Simon from JETS music studio came to Greensborough College at lunchtime with some fancy music equipment and along with some expertise from our own DJ’s, Riley Morrissey and Darcy Power; we were treated to some fabulous music. Listening to music can help most people feel good and it is something we can do to help us cope with the stresses of the day. A group of young girls from year 7-10 and a large group of year 7 boys really enjoyed the tunes as they danced rather energetically. We were all very impressed with their spontaneous choreography! It was wonderful to see young people feeling free to be themselves.
The Wellbeing Team had offerings of free fruit for students to make the connection between good nutrition and good mental health. The team also invited students to think of positive mental health slogans and write these up on a calico banner, which will be displayed in the wellbeing hub. We hope that the positive slogans will promote some healthy positive thinking.
On Friday, the wellbeing team invited the whole school to participate in a walk around the block for mental health. Exercise is another simple way we can improve our mood, concentration and alertness. At lunchtime, 2 teachers and 8 students joined us to walk around the perimeter of the school. The sun was shining and it was unexpectedly warm but it was a very pleasant distraction during the day. Thanks to Mr O’Donnell and Mr Rowland and the students that participated.
Mental Health/Illness statistics from the Mental Health Foundation of Australia:
- One out of every five Australians [about 20%] will experience some form of mental illness each year. Three out of every ten [about 30%] will be seriously affected.
- Depression and anxiety are the most prevalent mental disorders experienced by Australians. Depression alone is predicted to be one of the world's largest health problems by 2020.
- The majority of mental illnesses begin between the ages of 15-25 years. This poses a significant threat to our nation's future workforce capacity and economic prosperity. https://www.mhfa.org.au/CMS/MentalHealthExplained
For further information on Mental Health and where to get help;
Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 (for 5 – 25years old) Lifeline 13 11 14
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/exercise-and-mental-health
Melissa Lenton & Karina Murphy
Wellbeing Team