Wellbeing Resources
Our Student Wellbeing team have put together some resources and useful links to support the wellbeing of students during the coronavirus outbreak. It is understandable that students may be feeling worried, stressed and anxious by the current evolving situation. It will be important to make time to care for yourselves to cope with what’s going on.
Our Recommendations
Make sure you take time out from the news and social media.
Take time to do things that you enjoy, including connecting with others.
School Psychologist & Youth Services
The School psychologist is available via email should if you need to speak to her. If you email directly she will explore your concerns and advise on options for further support.
Her contact details are:
Suzanne Wright (suzanne.wright@ed.act.edu.au)
If you have serious concerns for a young person’s mental health, or they are in crisis, you can contact the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) North (02) 5124 1407 or CAMHS South (02) 5124 3133 (during business hours), or outside business hours you can call the Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team 1800 629 354 (24 hours).
Staying Connected
Research after the SARS pandemic in Hong Kong in 2008, provides evidence of the significance of connection through epidemics. It found that residents in Hong Kong experienced increased social connectedness, which offset the negative mental health impacts of the pandemic.
As connection is so important during this time, here are some tips on staying connected to others during this time. Remember – we are all in this together.
If there is someone you think may struggle through social isolation, it is important to reach out to them and let them know you care:
Call them to check on their welfare
Send an email
Leave a note under their door
Don’t underestimate the power you have to offer hope to another person.
We encourage people to get creative with how they interact, here are some ways to stay connected if self-isolating:
Find a buddy, or group of, to set daily challenges with. These could include a healthy habit, a mindful practice, a creative pursuit. Be sure to encourage and check in daily to stay motivated.
Set dates and times to watch the same TV shows/movies with someone and message each other your thoughts along the way… kind of like Goggle Box but you're not sharing the couch!
Use apps like Houseparty, Netflix Party, Zoom, Discord & more to connect with friends and family (make sure you are using these apps safely).
Artwork by Peter Drew
Helpful Information
Useful Phone Numbers & Websites
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au
Beyondblue: 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au
Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978 or menslink.org.au
Headspace: 1800 650 890 or headspace.org.au
ReachOut: reachout.com.au
SANE Australia: 1800 187 263 or sane.org
Online Programs
Headspace Mindfulness
Stress less. Move more. Sleep soundly.
Headspace (a mindfulness app) currently has free meditations available.
Reach Out Breathe
ReachOut Breathe helps you reduce the physical symptoms of stress and anxiety by slowing down your breathing and your heart. App available for Apple and Android devices.
Smiling Mind
Smiling Mind is a meditation app for young people. It has been developed by a team of psychologists and uses mindfulness to boost calmness, contentment and clarity. Mindfulness meditation has been shown to help manage stress, resilience, anxiety, depression and improve general health and wellbeing.
Smiling Mind now includes programs in several Aboriginal languages such as Kriol, Ngaanyatjarra and Pitjantjatjara. App for Apple devices.
Mood Gym
Moodgym is an interactive program designed to help you:
· Identify whether you are having problems with emotions like anxiety and depression.
· Learn skills that can help you cope with these emotions.
Moodgym is based on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Interpersonal Therapy which have been shown to be successful in preventing and treating depression and anxiety.
Bite Back
BITE BACK is the very first online positive psychology program designed to improve the overall wellbeing of young Australians between 13-16 years
Join the BITE BACK Mental Fitness Challenge. Hosted by the Black Dog Institute.
Brave
BRAVE can be completed in your own home, at your own pace, and at a time that suits you. You can also have a BRAVE Trainer help you through the program, someone who works with you to overcome your anxiety. They will email you each week, and even talk to you over the phone during the program.
Super Better
SuperBetter is a tool created by game designers to help you build resilience and get stronger, happier and healthier Choose from over 25 power packs or design your own adventure for any area of life where you want to feel better. App available for Apple and Android devices.
