Looking after yourself as we ease back into ‘normal’ life
October is Mental Health Month and World Mental Health Day is Sunday the 10 October.
With Sydney’s public health restrictions beginning to lift for fully-vaccinated people on 11 October, it’s a time of transition for the community after an extremely tough couple of months.
While we may be excited to see friends and family, we maybe also experiencing anxiety or a sense of uncertainty. The ABC had a great article this week on coping with opening up anxiety and what you can do.
Our lives might continue to feel a bit different right now, but that is ok. Our community has collectively experienced a hugely distressing 18 months.
Parents are also transitioning children back into face-to-face learning.
Committing to looking after yourself
Gardening is always something that grounds me. Photo: Robin Powell
The theme of World Mental Health Day is simple - to make a promise to look after yourself.
It might seem hard to focus on mental health and wellbeing at this time, but prioritising this is more important than ever. Making a mental health promise is a great way to remind yourself to look after your wellbeing.
You can find out more and access resources on their website.
Upcoming mental health focused events
My daughter’s high school shared this calendar of 6 free local events organised for adults and teenagers.
They’re organised by KYDS, a north shore-based mental health and counselling charity and service provider for teens and parents.
I thought it would be great to share! Lane Cove Council is also offering a number of events.
Mental health: 7 secrets of stress management
For both teenages and adults.
Discover difference between "eustress" & "distress"
Seven evidence-based foundations for managing stress & anxiety
Simple & effective techniques to develop a happier mindset
An easy-to-implement formula to prevent overwhelm & burnout
Date: 6:30pm, Wednesday 13 October
Ages: Useful for both adults and teenagers
Presenter: Nick Kenny - ACA-accredited counsellor, KYDS Head Facilitator, Chief of NSW Speakers Tribe
Register: https://lu.ma/vxzmt48v
What, how and why: How to regain motivation and build momentum after lockdown
For both teenagers and adults.
Learn the most effective way to avoid mental blocks and overcome procrastination
Find out what drives motivation the simple hacks to build momentum
Discover how to create a simple plan to achieve your goals
Find out how small changes and habits can lead to outstanding results
Date: 6:30pm, Wednesday 27 October
Presenter: Nick Kenny - KYDS Head Facilitator & Chief of NSW Speakers Tribe
Register: https://lu.ma/kkc0m2re
Deep listening
For adults.
Increase your understanding of the neurobiology of the stress response and overcome barriers to communication with your young person.
Learn practical skills in communicating effectively
Top tips on frequent mistakes that get in the road of effective listening
Strategies to facilitate connection and create opportunities for conversation when our teens are reluctant
Dates: 6:30pm, Thursday 21 October, Thursday 28th October
Presenter: Helen Jarvis (Chair of KYDS board; Relationships Australia Co-ordinator of Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution)
Register: https://lu.ma/rf9mcwdl
Parenting a Quaranteenager
For adults/parents:
How to identify and respond to your child's needs as lockdown ends
Learn how to model and foster positive behaviours during difficult and uncertain times
Help your child overcome the most common obstacles to achieving optimum mental health & well-being
Date: 6:30pm, Tuesday 12 October
Presenter: Mary Santiago (Adolescent & Family Counsellor specialising in social media & tech health, lecturer at Excelsior College)
Register: https://lu.ma/ylyofazy
Parenting a Screenager
Learn the neuroscience of the effects of technology on the adolescent brain
Discover how to maintain control while encouraging personal autonomy & responsibility
Find out how to model & foster positive behaviours in the digital age
Identify and overcome common obstacles to help your child create a more healthy relationship with technology
Date: 6:30pm, Tuesday 19 October
Presenter: Mary Santiago (Adolescent & Family Counsellor specialising in social media & tech health, lecturer at Excelsior College)
Register: https://lu.ma/k1s3z42i
NSW Department of Education: Wellbeing Week Sessions for Parents - 11 to 15 October
The Wellbeing Team at the NSW Department have put together a list of resources and online events available.
eSafety's parent guide to online gaming
Monday 11 October 7.30pm, for parents and carers of young people aged 8-13.Building resilience and wellbeing in the home - with Smiling Mind
Tuesday 12 October 7.30pm, for parents of primary-aged childrenSupporting your young person's mental health with headspace
Schools
Wednesday 13 October 7.30pm, for parents of secondary school studentsNavigating your teen's mental health - with Black Dog Institute
Thursday 14 October 7.30pm, for parents of secondary school students.
Need support
If you are anyone you know is at immediate risk, always call 000.
There are also the following National 24/7 Crisis Counselling Services:
Lifeline
13 11 14 – 24 hours a day
7 days a week
Lifeline Text
0477 13 11 14 – 6pm to midnight (AEDT)
7 nights a week
Beyond Blue
1300 22 4636
www.beyondblue.org.au
Butterfly Foundation National Helpline
1800 334 673
Carer Support
1800 242 636 or 1300 554 660
SANE Australia Help Centre
1800 187 263
www.sane.org
Suicide Call Back Service
1300 659 467
Kids Helpline
1800 55 1800
www.kidshelpline.com.au
MensLine Australia
1300 789 978
QLife
1800 184 527
Open Arms – Veterans and Families Counselling
1800 011 046
Need more information?
Head to Health
www.headtohealth.gov.au
Black Dog
www.blackdoginstitute.org.au
Headspace
www.eheadspace.org.au
R U OK?
www.ruok.org.au
ReachOut
www.au.reachout.com
Embrace Multicultural Mental Health
www.embracementalhealth.org.au
