emotional support

For people with a mental illness, loved ones who care are as important as formal supports

People living with mental illness often require support from carers, such as family and friends, on a long-term and somewhat unpredictable basis. But these support networks are not always in place. Geographical or emotional distance from family members, conflict with friends, and the tendency for people with mental illness to withdraw from others means these [...]

By |2021-03-03T16:27:08+11:00October 21st, 2019|Categories: Mental Illness|Tags: , , , |0 Comments

What ‘The Lion King’ teaches us about children’s grief

The Lion King is a movie about a young lion cub named Simba, who idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and is eager for his own royal destiny. Scar, former heir to the throne before Simba’s birth, sends Mufasa to his death and convinces Simba that the king’s death is the young cub’s own fault. For [...]

By |2019-08-19T12:13:17+10:00August 19th, 2019|Categories: Grief|Tags: , , , |0 Comments

How to support young people through parental separation

One-in-four Aussie kids will experience parental separation, and they can be assisted by the adults in their lives to navigate this intensely emotional journey more smoothly, according to grief expert Fiona McCallum. Change and loss is a part of life, and when children and young people are taught skills to help them adapt to change [...]

By |2019-11-25T16:25:45+11:00August 12th, 2019|Categories: Grief|Tags: , , , |0 Comments

4 Steps to Asking ‘R U OK?’

Got a niggling feeling that someone you know or care about it isn’t behaving as they normally would? Perhaps they seem out of sorts? More agitated or withdrawn? Or they’re just not themselves. Trust that gut instinct and act on it. By starting a conversation and commenting on the changes you’ve noticed, you could help [...]

When Bereavement Touches a School

Schools are unique and vital communities within suburbs, towns, and cities across Australia. Like all communities, relationships in schools are woven together with complex connections at a range of levels – between students, students and teachers, teachers and executive staff, teachers and families. Death touches all communities and schools are not immune. It is estimated [...]

How To Talk To Teens Who Don’t Want To Talk

Do you have a teenager who isn’t interested in talking with you? Do you get monosyllable answers to your questions? If so, you – and they – are normal. But don’t give up trying to have a good quality conversation with your teen. Teens don’t have to be having long, deep and meaningful conversations with [...]

Supporting Friends With Depression: Tips To Help Your Kids Help Their Friends

When you know someone going through depression, it can be a difficult time of uncertainty and worry. Young people will often speak with their peers before they consult an adult or professional, so it’s important to arm them with skills to support their friends. While everyone goes through a different experience, it can be difficult [...]

Too Busy For A Thumbs Up

Too busy for a ‘Thumbs Up?’   My 5-year-old son attends swimming lessons each and every Sunday. It’s a busy pool with multiple classes going on at once.   During lessons parents sit around the pool and watch their offspring splash around, offering words of encouragement, the occasional ‘thumbs up’ and many smiles of pride. [...]

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