Wellbeing Message from our Counsellor

Dear Parents, Students and School Community,

Here we are at the end of our first term, time has gone very quickly it seems and students have been engaging well in their studies and social contact within the school setting.

As you would be aware, this term has also had its emotional challenges due to the bushfire crisis across Australia, and globally the ever changing landscape in regards to the impact and uncertainty of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) as it continues to evolve.

Outbreaks such as Coronavirus and the intense media reporting surrounding it can significantly and negatively impact the mental health of children and adults. This may cause high levels of stress and anxiety about the health and safety of themselves and their loved ones.

Anxiety is a natural and usually short-lived reaction to a stressful situation, possibly displaying symptoms such as:

Physical: Panic attacks, hot and cold flushes, racing heart, tightening of the chest, rapid breathing, difficulty concentrating, restlessness, feeling tense, shaking, feeling light headed, sweating, irritability.

Psychological: Excessive fear, worry, catastrophizing, feeling hopeless and helpless, obsessive and distorted thinking.

Below are some helpful strategies that will support your children and yourselves through this difficult time, maintaining a safe, secure environment and role modelling resilient behaviour:

• Being open and honest with children is the best way to help them cope with serious situations.
• Including them in the conversation, sharing information shows them that you trust and value them, which can enhance their resilience.
• Acknowledging and normalizing their anxiety.
• Practice “Relaxation and slow breathing techniques”.
• Spending quality time with your children and family.
• Engage in daily physical exercise.
• A healthy nutritional intake.
• Challenging negative self-talk,
• Change the way we look at the situation to a positive view point.

It is important to seek professional help from a Psychologist or Counsellor if you observe that the symptoms persist.

I have attached some helpful resources below that may assist you and your families through this difficult time.

My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with all Sirius College and the wider community. I wish you all good health, happiness and safety throughout the coming year.