Coping with Transitions
This term the counsellors have been talking with Year 10 about managing stress. The end of Term 4 is a transitional time of moving into senior years of schooling. We will be talking about the increased stress that accompanies transitions and ways to manage and reduce its impact while we adapt.
It reminded me of how many transitions and changes we all go through in our lives – change is inevitable. According to Heraclitus the Greek philosopher “change is the only constant in life.” And as Charles Darwin pointed out it is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change. Youth is one of the key transition periods which can extend up to about the age of 25 years when the brain is fully developed – so it makes sense that we need to provide careful attention and support to their mental health and wellbeing during this time.
Certainly, the young people of today have had many additional changes including adapting to the Covid period, increase in technology use and impact on communications including AI, social media, change in family systems including prevalence of family breakdowns, the increase in two parent working families and the focus on academic scores. In addition, there is the increased level of exposure to worrying world events including the current wars, election coverage, climate change to name a few of the more common concerns of young people.
However encouragingly whilst there has been an increase in overall distress in young people over the last four years (young females experience higher levels of psychological distress than young males in Australia), they normally adapt well and easily to change with support. Some will feel a level of discomfort and others will find changes extremely challenging.
Our personal perspective impacts how we feel about ourselves when life challenges occur. Sometimes just being able to have a slightly different perspective can improve how we feel about a situation. Adolescents look to their parents for modelling of how to manage and find resilience when life throws curve balls – do we as parents fall into a heap and become obsessed with why something didn’t go our way and how to fix it? Or can we share with each other our feelings and thoughts calmly, workshop a solution and when needed, graciously accept the unacceptable – that sometimes we do not get what we want, what we deserve or what we are owed, nor the answers to so many questions of why something bad has happened or had to change.
Part of our counselling role here at school is to help students explore whether they are in control of a situation that is upsetting for them or whether it falls out of their control. This helps students discern how much thought and time needs to go toward the event or incident. Certainly, if it is something within their control, we help a young person to navigate their own solutions. But sometimes young people often get caught up in overthinking or catastrophising a situation or friendship interaction to their detriment, so we teach them how to address these unhelpful thinking patterns.
We know that humans come with their own unique upbringing, worries, responsibilities, disabilities, family concerns, mental health issues and personality traits and as a result we are not always going to know why others behave the way they do. Sometimes we just need support to accept it. As a parent you can model and show your children that often we don’t get answers to why difficult challenges come our way, it may not be our fault, nor in our control and we certainly can’t change it – the best we can do sometimes is to adapt and choose to change as needed and enjoy life despite what hurdles we need to face.
Changes in friendships are a common concern for students accessing school counselling. We know adolescents change their friendship groups throughout the schooling years, as maturity levels shift, interests and hobbies change and new people join their school or teams. Parents can help by discussing their own friendship challenges, what makes a good friend and how to adapt when friendships change. Your children will watch how you deal with relationship challenges and how you regulate and accept difficult emotions. Positive parent modelling helps young people navigate their own paths.
For students who struggle with their emotional responses to change or challenges there is a fabulous free program on offer for 2025 that I would encourage your child to attend – details below.
The Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney Managing Your Mood group has been specifically designed for adolescents (aged 14-18) to learn and develop a range of psychological skills and techniques in a safe, group environment to better manage their mood. It is suitable for those who experience emotions strongly and want to change unhelpful behaviour patterns by learning new skills. Conveniently located near public transport, this DBT-informed psychological skills group is held face-to-face weekly for two hours and is at no cost (with a GP referral and a Mental Health Treatment Plan). The Managing Your Mood Adolescent Groups (14-18 years) will cover content in 8-week modules during school terms and is available in Brookvale and Hornsby.
Tuesdays from 5pm – 7pm, held in Headspace Brookvale:
- 11 Feb – 24 Jun 2025
- 29 Jul – 2 Dec 2025
Wednesdays from 5pm – 7pm, held in Hornsby:
- 12 Feb – 25 June 2025 in Hornsby Library
- 30 Jul – 3 Dec 2025, Venue to be advised
For more information, please check out the full details on Lifeline’s website: //www.lifelineh2hsydney.org.au/get-support/support-and-treatment-groups/
I have also included some of the current resources, workshops and reports aimed to help support parents and young people which have been shared by our local Northern Sydney Health district:
Transition to High School & Mental Health Northern Sydney Region Councils.
In this webinar you will learn:
- the most common reasons for counselling young people are presenting with right now
- simple and effective strategies to support your young person
- top questions and concerns young people have about school
- effective ways for them to maintain and build both old and new friendships
- how to best explain resilience to a young person to equip them with the right skills
- what counselling pathways are available in your area and how to access them.
Thursday 21st Nov at 1-2:30pm or Wednesday 27 November at 6:30-8pm. Free.
PeerChat ReachOut
PeerChat is ReachOut’s free, text-based service that connects young people with peer workers to chat in private about anything – from study stress and relationships, to managing mental health and wellbeing.
PeerChat is a free chat service, available:
Monday–Thursday 3pm – 8pm and Friday 1pm – 5pm AEST.
Supporting healthy tech use as your child transitions into high school
eSafety Commissioner.
This webinar explores the social pressures, peer influences and technological challenges young people face as they transition into high school. It also offers practical strategies for navigating online friendships and connections to help minimise negative experiences. Suitable for parents and carers of young people in upper primary school (aged 11-12) and Year 7.
Thursday 28 November, 12.30pm – 1pm. Free.
The Impacts of Domestic and Family Violence on Children
Relationships Australia report.
Your Voice, Our Future survey
NSW Government in partnership with the Office for Regional Youth and the NSW Advocate for Children and Young People.
The Your Voice, Our Future survey is an opportunity for young people aged 14 to 24 to raise their voices, knowing that decision-makers will listen. The survey will be used to inform decisions around the design of a new permanent voice for young people within the NSW Government.
Survey closes Tuesday 31 December 2024.
EPIC 3rd Birthday walk
Empowering Parents in Crisis.
EPIC walks and coffee are all about connection for parents of teens in crisis.
Sunday 17 November, 9am – 11am.
Meet near the entrance to Harbord Diggers (oceanside).
Free.
Betting on Youth: Gaming, Gambling and the New Normal
The Burdekin Association.
This event will explore the impact of gambling simulation, gaming microtransactions and the behaviours of our youth and their thoughts on gambling and gaming. From lootboxes to e-sports and sports betting, this forum will dive into the latest trends and discuss how to navigate this new normal.
Wednesday 20 November, 5:30pm – 7pm at Freshwater Senior Campus.
Free.
The Impacts of Domestic and Family Violence on Children
Relationships Australia report.
Below are links for support out of hours and over the Christmas Period.
If you, or someone you are with is in immediate danger please call: 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
Kids Helpline:
For ages 5 – 25yrs.
1800 55 1800 available 24/7
kidshelpline.com.au
Youth Beyond Blue:
Specialist youth support for anxiety and depression.
Ph: 1300 22 4636 (24 hours support).
Lifeline:
Ph: 13 11 14 available 24hrs 7 Days a week.
NSW Mental Health Line:
For advice, assessment and referral on freecall 1800 011 511.
The Mental Health Line is a 24-hour telephone service operating seven days a week across NSW and determines the appropriate service for referral. Your Mental Health helpline clinician will assess your situation and decide the best course of action to assist you.
Additional support for young people
Youth Beyond Blue:
Specialist youth support for anxiety and depression
Ph: 1300 22 4636 (24 hours support)
chat online: https://www.youthbeyondblue.com/ (3pm – 12am)
Crisis Care (24 hr support):
Ph: 1800 199 008
Other Resources:
REACHOUT.com
Online resource for young people and their parents with the most up to date information, online forums, facts sheets, apps and online anxiety and depression programs.
Digital Work and Study
A team of specialists to help young people to identify their strengths and reach their goals. Ph: 1800 810 794.
Headspace
Government funded free service for young people with any mental health concerns. Help and support for young people aged 12-25 at centres, in person, online or over the phone for mental health, general health, family issues, alcohol and drug and work and study.
Ph: 8021 3668.
KYDS Free counselling service for young people – located at Lindfield nil cost.
Ph: 9416 0900.
The BRAVE Program
BRAVE is a free online self-help program for prevention, early intervention and treatment of anxiety in young people. It has teen, and parent components.
MoodGYM Online program
Teaches skills from CBT to help prevent and manage symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Wishing you all a fabulous and joyous Christmas period.
If you have any concerns about your young person or wish to discuss the above information prior to the term end please feel free to contact the college counsellors:
Becky Salter, Emma Timmins or Jess Steyl at:
counsellor@brigidine.nsw.edu.au or 99886275.
