Wellbeing
Managing emotions and stress
You might notice your teenager is having more emotional ups and downs, unpredictable moods or strong feelings. Their brain is still figuring out how to manage and express emotions in a more controlled way, and part of this involves learning how to recognise and understand what they’re feeling. You can help your young person by:
- Asking about their feelings – “You look worried. Is there something on your mind?” or, “It sounds like you’re really angry. Would you like to talk about that?”
- Listening to your teenager when they talk about their emotions. This helps them to identify and understand what they’re feeling and to manage their emotions effectively.
- Not dismissing or trivialising your teenager’s emotional responses. This may be interpreted as “my feelings are unimportant”.
- Avoiding responding in a way that could lead them to believe that their emotions are wrong and that they are bad for having them, e.g. “Why are you crying like a baby?” or “You’re such a wuss!”
- Validating their feelings, especially if they’re upset or struggling with what’s going on – for example, when a pet dies, when they’re having issues with friends, or when they fail an exam.
Practical tips for dealing with stress:
- Encourage your young person to talk about problems when they happen so they can be sorted out earlier.
- Help them find ways to relax that work for them – listening to music, going for a run or doing something creative.
- Some young people also benefit from meditation or guided relaxation. Smiling Mind has a free App including short guided meditations
- Suggest they plan their week, figure out their deadlines and how they’re going to get their study/work done.
- Suggest that your young person leaves big decisions until they’re feeling a bit better and able to approach the situation more objectively.
For more information visit:
Referrals
Students can continue to access Wellbeing support from our qualified practitioners. Referrals can be made through emailing the relevant Student Manager.
Wellbeing services, resources & support
Local Youth & Family Mental Health Services
Kingston Youth & Family Services - kingstonyouth.org.au
Southland Shopping Centre, Cheltenham: 1300 369 436
Information, programs, events, counselling and support for young people aged from 12 to 25 years and their families in the City of Kingston.
Family Life -www.familylife.com.au
Sandringham: 8599 5433 Cheltenham: 8599 5433 Frankston: 9770 0341
Mental Health project for young people 8-14 years of age and their families offering counselling, support, information and education.
headspace Southern - www.headspace.org.au
Bentleigh: 9076 9400 Frankston: 9769 6419
Early intervention service offering mental health, alcohol and other drugs and other specialist support to young people aged from 12 to 25 years.
Financial Support & Assistance
National Debt Helpline: 1800 007 007
Open Monday-Friday, 9:30am-4:30pm
moneysmart.gov.au =Free tools, tips, guidance and resource
National Helplines
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au
Free, confidential counselling service available any time of the day or night by phone or webchat.
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au
Call or chat online with a trained mental health professional any time of the day or night.
Headspace 1800 650 890 or headspace.org.au
Online and telephone support service that helps young people who don’t feel ready to attend a headspace centre or who prefer to talk about their problems via online chat, email or on the phone.
Parentline: 132289
Lifeline 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au
Online Youth Support Forums & websites
Beyond Blue forums are a supportive place to connect with people who are going through similar experiences to you. You can read other people’s stories, ask for advice or share your own experience. https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ 1300 22 4636
ReachOut Forums is a supportive, safe and anonymous space where people care about what's happening for you, because they've been there too. The website offers information and other resources designed specifically for young people. https://au.reachout.com/
Kids Helpline has information and services to support young people through any problems – big or small. https://kidshelpline.com.au/
Headspace has information and services to support a young person going through a tough time. https://headspace.org.au/
ESafety provides education and resources for Australians to encourage safer, more positive experiences online. https://www.esafety.gov.au/
Online Programs and Apps
Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) is a free online parenting program, but it doesn't tell you how to be a parent. It's more like a toolbox of ideas. You choose the strategies you need. You choose the way you want to use them. It's all about making Triple P work for you. https://www.triplep-parenting.net.au/vic-uken/triple-p/
Bite Back is a free, self-guided online wellbeing and resilience program for young people aged 13–16 years old. It uses a combination of fun, interactive activities, quizzes, animations and information across nine positive psychology domains including gratitude, optimism, flow, meaning, hope, mindfulness, character strengths, healthy lifestyle, and positive relationships.
Brave Program is an interactive, online program for the prevention and treatment of childhood and adolescent anxiety. The programs are free, and provide ways for children and teenagers to better cope with their worries.
MoodGym is free, fun, interactive program helps you identify and overcome problem emotions and shows you how to develop good coping skills for the future.
Wellbeing team