Since starting my position at Merici College I have endeavoured to be a strong advocate and spokesperson for the mental health and wellbeing of young people.
October is the perfect time to raise aware of mental illness, reduce the stigma of people living with or caring for people with mental illness and promote positive strategies and activities, along with agencies that are there to help mental health and wellbeing in our community.
During my time at Merici College, staff have engaged in mental health training and professional learning. We do this through a variety of agencies – like BATYR, CommuniCORP, the Positive Schools Program, Sources of Strength, Awaken Youth, School TV or through MindMatters (now known as the National Education Initiative), to name a few.
I am currently on working committees for the ACT Government Office for Mental Health and Wellbeing Regional Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan Consultation and the Implementation and Engagement Group meeting and sharing your local knowledge and expertise to help inform the implementation of the National Education Initiative (NEI) and the National Workforce Centre for Child Mental Health (NWCCMH) initiative.
What my experiences (I am not an expert on mental health) and my involvement in these committees are showing me is that the statistics every year for people affected by mental illness issues is increasing.
Our role, in partnership with parents and carers is to be that constant person. To be one of the 5 trusted adults that your daughter can turn to help them cope, learning and thrive when faced with challenges, change and adversity. Does your daughter have 5 trusted adults?
We must always remember to love our daughters unconditionally, being strong role models. Able to share our vulnerabilities and giving them hope for the future. Reminding them of all their dignity and worth as growing human beings, created in the image and likeness of God, who are still searching for that place to flourish.
If you or someone you are close to are struggling with mental health, there’s always someone you can talk to. All of these services are free, confidential, and available 24/7. If you don’t feel like talking on the phone, there’s also online chat services available through these links:
- Kidshelpline on 1800 55 1800 of see their website for information https://kidshelpline.com.au/
- Lifeline on 13 11 14 or through the online chat portal https://www.lifeline.org.au/
- Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or through the online chat portal https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
- Headspace on 1800 650 890 or through the online chat portal https://headspace.org.au/
Loretta Wholley
Principal
