Letter to the Editor by Sam Jones, Candidate for Let’s Get It Right
Southern Highlands Express
Winifred West Schools alumni Student mental health
RU OK day may have past by this year, but with the current lockdown and the rise in mental health referrals, especially amongst young people, every day is a good day to ask RU OK?
As a high school teacher and parent currently working online and away from the classroom, I’m sure the mental health of all students is foremost on the minds of educators across the district. Remaining positive and enthusiastic for a student’s learning is more important now than ever.
For many of us the issue is often how to reach out and offer help. The Mental Health Australia website (mhaustralia.org) is the first stop to finding counselling services online and in person.
Having worked alongside high school students for over twenty years I know the key to starting the conversation for all students is showing empathy and a willingness to listen. Beyond Blue (beyondblue.org.au) practical conversation starters including: ‘I’m here for you’, ‘I can see this is a really hard time for you’ and ‘Do you feel like doing something together to help take your mind off things?’.
From experience, we shouldn’t think that if we don’t have the answers we can’t help. Being present and available is the most powerful tool we have in helping those struggling around us.
Livin (livin.org) is another incredible student focused organisation delivering programs that aim to empower and change attitudes about mental health with the #itaintweaktospeak philosophy driving their in-school programs.
At the present time with communities in home isolation, businesses continuously adapting to difficult circumstances and students missing valuable face-to-face learning there has never been a better time to check RU OK? Let’s call on people to stand up and make a difference for themselves and their local community.
Sam Jones, Candidate, LET’S GET IT RIGHT
Sam Jones’ Letter to the Editor in the Southern Highlands Express