R U OK? Day has now passed us, but the time and need to check in on and support others has not. Beyond Blue has some great conversation starters to use when you don’t know how to reach out.

Remember though, you do not need to know the answers; listening, being there and showing compassion and support help beyond the right words and solutions.

Anxiety, Empathetic Listening and Talking to your Teens

If you are parenting or have parented teenage children, chances are you have experienced thoughts along the lines of “what on earth are they thinking?” or “why are they behaving this way?” Often teenagers are reluctant to speak with their parents about their problems. This may be due to a number of contributing factors. Depending on the issue/s, there may be elements of guilt or shame, embarrassment, frustration (with self or others), inability to articulate feelings and even difficulty in understanding feelings or emotions. Supporting and assisting young people often requires patience, and it is important to understand the concept of empathetic listening to equip you to be able to communicate with your teenager when the opportunity arises.

Whilst anxiety is a normal part of life, sometimes it doesn’t go away and can be a sign of an anxiety disorder. It is recognised that anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental health disorders amongst young people and, in my 15 years of experience in working with youth, appear to be on the increase. Anxiety disorders can be especially serious for young people, because they are still developing. If left untreated, anxiety disorders in teenagers can have long-term effects that can continue into adulthood. Fortunately, there is a lot parents can do to recognise and help minimise anxiety in young people.

Parents within the Echuca/Moama community recently had the opportunity to hear from renowned and respected parenting expert, Michael Grose. Michael presented an on-line forum titled “Parenting Anxious Kids,” during which he explained the S O B E R method of responding to an anxious young person:

Stop- In monuments of anxiety, give your child or teenager undivided attention

Observe- Take in what is actually happening. Recognise what is happening for young person and how it might be impacting your thoughts, feelings and responses.

Breathe- Encourage breathing techniques to dial down flight or fight response.

Expand- Expand your awareness to possibilities and constraints - remain mindful.

Respond- Validate. Refrain from immediately giving advice or trying to fix the problem. This is your chance to say, “I want to understand.”

For information on the SOBER method and other strategies for supporting young people, visit the web sites below.

https://mumsatthetable.com/how_to_respond_to_a_childs_anxious_moment/

https://www.mindtools.com/CommSkll/EmpathicListening.htm

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anxiety-in-teenagers

If you have any questions or concerns, contact wellbeing@sje.vic.edu.au

Thank you Lori!

We would like to thank Lori for her work and efforts in her role as Social Worker at St. Joseph’s over the last 2 years. Lori has been a wonderful member of our team and school and will be greatly missed. We wish Lori all the best for her new adventures and again thank her for her contributions to our school community.

Term 3 Holidays Have Arrived!

Term 3 has certainly been a busy and challenging term in many ways, but there is also a lot to celebrate. A huge thank you to our students, families and staff for their continued adaptability and resilience during this time. Thank you for your participation in our school programs and activities. We wish you and your family a restful and relaxing break!

Wellbeing staff will not be available during the holidays, so here is a reminder of some supports you can access during this time if needed:

Immediate Support:

Mental Health Triage 1300 363 788 VIC residents

Mental Health Triage 1800 011 511 NSW residents (Accessline)

Lifeline 13 11 14 https://www.lifeline.org.au

Local Support

Through an appointment with your GP (doctor), you are able to obtain a care plan which provides you with a minimum of 6 heavily subsidised appointments with a private practitioner.

Support Lines and Websites:

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 https://kidshelpline.com.au/teens

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 https://www.beyondblue.org.au

Headspace 1800 650 890 https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/connect-with-a-clinician/

Online Chats:

Beyond Blue 3pm-12am https://online.beyondblue.org.au

Headspace https://headspace.org.au/log-in/?redirect=%2Fmy-account%2F

SchoolTV

We continue to provide access to School TV and the wonderful resources and information that are imperative in supporting parents, families and students as we work together to navigate challenges, and celebrate successes, joys and milestones.

Please check out our SchoolTV by using the link below.

https://sje.vic.schooltv.me/

SchoolTV Special Report: Riding the Corona coaster

https://sje.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-riding-corona-coaster

We would love your feedback!

Rach Chapman (College Leader ~ Pastoral Care and Wellbeing) and

The Wellbeing Team

wellbeing@sje.vic.edu.au

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