Wellbeing

Support for the Holidays

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After a busy term to end the school year, many of us are looking forward to a more relaxed pace over the summer holidays and to sharing good times with our families and friends.

However, for some families, this time of year can be a source of significant stress for various reasons. A timely blog post on this topic has been published by Bower Place, an Adelaide family therapy clinic known for working with oftentimes complex and challenging issues. Please see article here for more information.

This time of year can also be a tough time for families who are grieving the loss of a loved one at Christmas, or who may be dealing with physical illnesses or mental health difficulties, amongst other of life’s challenges. These families may feel distanced from joy and peace which are usually associated with Christmas, and they may feel alone in their pain.

If this is your family, or one known to you, it is vital to remember there is support available. Your family GP is often the best first line of contact and can make a referral to a Psychologist (only needed if requiring a Mental Health Care Plan to access a Medicare rebate) or Psychiatrist, if needed. Alternatively, there are some useful phone numbers and websites which offer information, resources and support, such as:

Kids Helpline
1800 55 1800
A free, private and confidential, telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25.

Headspace
1800 650 890
Free online and telephone service that supports young people aged between 12 and 25 and their families going through a tough time.

Lifeline
13 11 14
24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services for adolescents and adults.

MensLine Australia
1300 78 99 78

A telephone and online support, information and referral service, helping men to deal with relationship problems in a practical and effective way.

Carers Australia
1800 242 636

Short-term counselling and psychological support services for carers and their families in each state and territory.

Both Anne Way and I wish the Mercedes College community a safe and peaceful Christmas and we look forward to reconnecting with you in the new school year.

Niamh O’Brien
College Psychologist R-5

Artwork by old scholar Alexis Souvertjis (Class of 2010).