We know that mental health of adolescents is particularly vulnerable during these uncertain Covid 19 times and with recent cases of Covid19 in our own neighborhood, some of our young people may be feeling an even greater sense of uncertainly and anxiety. What was ‘way over there” now feels ‘much closer to home’. 

Dr Michael Carr Greg, one of Australia’s best known adolescent psychologists, says that young people need certainty and need the adults around them to help them feel that life is safe and predictable.  

Some of the key suggestions from adolescent psychologists are: 

  • Young people crave routine and structure.  
    It gives them a sense of things being normal. 
    This can mean getting up for school each morning at the same time, having a good place to study and attend online classes, taking recess and lunch breaks at the same time each day.   
    Keep other things at home as normal as possible like having meals together, celebrating birthdays, doing things together in the evenings and on weekends.   
  • Digital quarantine 
    Make sure students remove their phones while they study and never let young people keep their phones by their bed at night. Many young people are addicted to their phones and good sleep is one of the most important factors for good mental health and reduced anxiety.  
  • Regular exercise
    Exercise is also considered a key ingredient for good mental health. Especially during periods of isolation, young people should spend some time each day outside of the house and getting some physical activity.  Oxygenation of  the brain is really important for mental health and for improved concentration and clear thinking.  
  • Practice gratitude and kindness. 
    Remind our families of the things we should be grateful for and also encourage them to reach out to others with a sense of kindness to check how others are going. Encourage a good deed each day.  
  • Be organised. 
    Being organised gives the brain a sense of being in control. Encourage your child to plan what they want to achieve each school day, to use their planner, regularly check Compass but then make lists and tick items off. There is great power in ticking items off a list.   
  • Encourage them to focus on what they can control.  
    Focus on the things they can control and remind them that mental energy worrying about things they have no control over only serves to create more anxiety and has zero impact upon that thing.   
    Focus energy on what they can control. 


If you are worried about your child, if they are struggling with the school work or you are concerned about their mental health, then please contact your child’s coordinator or myself and chaplain Gill Van Der Ende, so we can support both you and them. We are  available to chat with students via phone or text.    

Please look after yourselves, social distance, wash your hands, wear your mask and don’t go out or to work if you have any signs of illness. Take care. 

 

 

 

 

MINDFULNESS MATTERS

How often do you take time out to focus on you and your well-being?

Join us for a relaxed mindfulness session, every Friday, in the comfort of your own home!
Email us to join!

mindfulness@mooroolbarkcollege.vic.edu.au

Jamila Lopez
QuickSmart Literacy Instructor

Jana Lant
QuickSmart Literacy Coordinator

 

 

WELLBEING AND WELFARE SUPPORT SERVICES

The Mooroolbark College  Wellbeing Team is happy to discuss with you the best service for your need or you can contact directly   

24 Hour Emergency 
Kids Helpline Counselling service for people aged between 5 and 25 24 hours/7 days 1800 551 800 

www.kidshelp.com.au 

www.kidshelpline.com.au/young-adults 

(email, web chat) 

Lifeline Crisis support, suicide prevention and mental health support services 24 hours/7 days 13 11 14 
Beyond Blue Information and support for all ages to promote optimal mental health. 24 hours/7 days 1300 224 636 

www.beyondblue.org.au 

(Chat online or email) 

E headspace Provide mental health support for young people aged 12–25 Phone:  

10pm – 1am  

Online counselling: 1pm – 1am 

1800 650 890 

https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/ 

 

 

Yarra Ranges Youth Team Provide support and advice to young people 

 

 9294 6716 or email youth@yarraranges.vic.gov.au 

 

Inspiro Free youth, teen, young adult and family   counselling 9738 8801

or visit https://www.inspiro.org.au/   
for more information 

Parent line Support for Parents and carers with children from birth to 18 years 8am–midnight/7 days 13 22 89 
EDVOS Family violence service in Melbourne’s eastern metropolitan region Mon-Fri 9am-8pm 

Sat 9am-5pm (phone or email) 

03 9259 4200 

edvos@edvos.org.au 

https://www.edvos.org.au/  

No To Violence Supports for men who use family violence Mon – Fri 8am-9pm 

Wkd/PH 10am-3pm 

(Live Chat/Phone) 

1300 766 491 

https://www.ntv.org.au/ 

John Nichol 
Well-Being Leader 
John.Nichol@education.vic.gov.au