Winter break wellbeing
By Sophie Chang, School Psychologist
With the upcoming winter holidays, the Wellbeing Team has put together some tips for parents and carers to assist your young person in maintaining their mental wellbeing.
Encourage your young person to:
- Prioritise sleep e.g. encourage no electronic devices 30–60 minutes before bedtime, maintain a similar sleeping pattern as it can help with the transition when they return to school
- eat regularly
- exercise – it can be anything as long as it gets the body moving
- explore relaxation strategies
- stay connected through catch-ups with loved ones such as friends and families
- make time to do things that they enjoy.
Holidays can also be a great time for shared activities and having conversations as a family around wellbeing. The Department of Education in Victoria has developed resources by focusing on six key elements that are important to wellbeing, and have created conversation starters and activities for parents/carers and young people to explore together. You can find the resource here: parents-wellbeing-activities-secondary.pdf (education.vic.gov.au).
If you or your young person requires mental health support during the school holidays, here are some services that you can reach out to:
- your local or family GP
- Access Mental Health – 1800 629 654 – Access Mental Health: 1800 629 354 - Canberra Health Services (act.gov.au)
- eheadspace –1800 650 890 – Online & phone support | headspace
- Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800 – Kids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service | 1800 55 1800
- Lifeline – 13 11 14 – Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 - Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention.
- Parentline: counselling and support for parents and carers – 02 6287 3833 – parentlineact.org.au
- Carer Gateway: counselling and support for anyone in a carer role – 1800 422 737 – Home | Carer Gateway