Adam Ezekiel – Director of Students 7-12

COVID fatigue and youth mental health

The special report on SchoolTV this week is highly recommended for all parents. The eight minute report: COVID Fatigue and Youth Mental Health highlights the mental health concerns for young people during the pandemic and gives some simple strategies that parents can do and say to their children.

These include:

• • Choose your battlegrounds – focus on health and safety.
    
  • Focus on student wellbeing – encourage young people to focus on what they can control, e.g. sleep, diet and exercise.
    
  • See life as it – encourage young people to reflect each day on what went well.
    
  • We can’t choose what happens, but we can choose our response – help them change their thinking.
  • Don’t be afraid to reach out for help
• Finally, Parents, look after your own wellbeing – this means that you can be a valuable resource for your child’s mental health during this difficult time.

If your young person wishes to talk to someone outside of the family unit, encourage them to call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 – anytime, any reason. Alternatively, they can chat online at kidshelpline