Social Worker/Counsellor
As the term comes to a close, please remember to take the time to reflect on the past term, to take care of yourself and each other.
For some young people the school holidays can be challenging – out of their usual routine and perhaps not seeing their usual friends, teachers and supports. It can lead to feelings of boredom, feeling unsupported, stressed, upset or even anxious. It is important to stay healthy and look after yourself and each other. There are a number of ways you can do this. Here are a few tips:
Eat Well
A good healthy diet helps with sleep, general health and wellbeing.
Sleep Well
A healthy sleep routine keeps you feeling energized, focused, motivated and improves our mood.
Be active and have fun
Keep doing the stuff you love to do and the things that are important to you. It can help keep the fun in your life, give you a sense of accomplishment and purpose, boost your confidence and help to connect with others. Play also helps us recharge, reduces stress and anxiety.
Be social
Social relationships are important to your general wellbeing. Getting involved in volunteer work, hobbies, clubs or sports helps us feel connected.
Learn new ways to manage tough times
Taking time to think about how you handle tough times is really important. Sometimes the things we do naturally can help, and other times they don’t. Increase your options for handling tough times as they’ll come in handy now and into the future.
Some options to consider include:
• using art, music or journalling to express yourself
• spending time in nature
• setting some small goals, and getting help seeing them through
• talking kindly to yourself
• searching for websites and free apps that can help.
Self-care
Self-care is not all about incense burning, meditation, yoga, mindfulness and bubble baths - though sometimes it might be. It is more about actions that restore balance in our lives. It is not an add-on activity but also a state of mind through the development of self-awareness, self-regulation and self-efficacy.
It can include good organization, not overcommitting yourself, or learning to say “no”. Sometimes it is saying no to things that you enjoy but can have a negative impact on you like late nights, too much screen time, or social media. It is also things like finding a safe place to talk or vent about problems or having a healthy routine.
If you are a parent or carer, check in with your young person and support them to connect and seek support. Have open conversations, encourage good self-care and let them know that you are there to support them. If you notice any changes in yourself, family or friends please encourage and support them to connect and seek help as needed. Along with the supported listed below, there are also some informative resources available on MCC SchoolTV.
For any mental health emergencies please contact Accessline on 1800 800 944, dial 000 or go to your nearest Emergency Department.
Have a safe and enjoyable break.
Karen Surian
College Counsellor Helpline: 1800 55 1800