Self-harm is an unhealthy coping mechanism. If you, or someone you know, struggles with self harm, there is help available. You can see your family doctor who will refer you to the appropriate services. There are also helplines, websites and apps that can help. Lifeline has some very useful information about self-harm - you can find it at ​https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/information-and-support/self-harm/

According to the Better Health website by the Victorian Government, "Body image issues affect people of all ages, genders and across all cultures. Recent research suggests that 80% of Australian women are dissatisfied with their bodies to some degree." I had a poor body image as a teenager and ended up with an eating disorder in my early twenties. I was under the false impression that thin people are happy. When I eventually lost weight, I was far from happy. I wish I had learned to accept my body and been kind to it by eating well and exercising moderately. You are more than a body - you also have a beautiful heart and mind. 

It's the middle of winter and school holidays in Australia and it's tempting to be a couch potato and binge on Netflix and YouTube. Most states are in lockdown or under some restrictions due to Covid but that's no excuse not to move your body. Find a workout on Youtube that you can do in your bedroom, grab a skipping rope and head to the driveway, go for a walk (don't forget your mask if you need one)... just move your body. It will improve your mental and physical health. 

Beyond Now is a suicide safety planning app by Beyond Blue. If you struggle with suicidal thoughts you can use this app to plan things to do and people to contact to help you cope. It can help you to:

• Recognise your warning signs
• Make your surroundings safe
• Reminder you of reasons to live
• Do things that can make you feel strong
• Find people and places to connect with
• List family and friends you can talk to
• Find professional support

Find out more at https://www.beyondblue.org.au.

You may feel overwhelmed and that there is no way out but there is help out there. If you, or someone you know, is feeling suicidal contact one of the following help lines:
Call 000 if it is urgent
Lifeline  on 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.

These two photos were taken in the same place at the same time but facing different directions. We are surrounded by things that threaten to overwhelm us - global pandemics, heavy study loads, family tension, friend issues, serious illness, cancel culture, bullying, hate... It's important to remember that the storms don't last forever and the blue sky is hiding behind the clouds. We are also surrounded by good things - nature, friends, music, love, kindness, the sun, art... Turn around and focus on the good stuff.

My daughter is in her fourth year at university and has been overwhelmed by the workload recently, staying up till the early hours to finish her assessments. She is exhausted physically and emotionally, but she said something profound, "I will always have my degree, but I won't always have to study." Your perspective matters.

Kids Helpline1800 55 1800
Free, confidential counselling service available any time of the day or night by phone or webchat.
Beyond Blue1300 22 4636
Call or chat online with a trained mental health professional any time of the day or night.
headspace1800 650 890
Online and telephone support service that helps young people who don’t feel ready to attend a headspace centre or who prefer to talk about their problems via online chat, email or on the phone.

Kids helpline has a great article on how to manage anxiety. You can find it at https://kidshelpline.com.au/teens/issues/how-manage-anxiety Everyone feels anxious sometimes but if anxiety is making it difficult to do life - you might need to see a counsellor or psychologist. You can talk to your school chaplain, a teacher, your parents, a friend's mum or your family doctor.

I was feeling down recently, even though life had been pretty good. It occurred to me that I hadn't been making time to do things that made me happy. Happiness isn't usually something that happens by accident - you need to make a conscious effort to create it. I know it's hard to make time for fun when you're busy at school or uni and there seems to be no end to the assignments and study that need to be done. But by making time to do things that make you happy, you may find that you are more productive and less stressed.

I know one thing that doesn't make me feel happy - scrolling through Instagram for an hour or more. It just leaves me feeling frustrated and inadequate. It's part of self-care and self-love to do things that bring you joy. Exactly what those things are will be different for everyone. For some people it's singing loudly, for others it is going to the beach. I like to get creative and make things - I'm currently knitting a jumper. I also enjoy reading, eating gelato and getting out in the fresh air. You don't have to set aside a whole day - half an hour watching an episode of your favourite tv show is enough, or soak in the bath or paint your nails is enough.

I have suffered from Imposter Syndrome for many years but I didn't know what it was until recently. About 70% of people experience it at some stage of their lives and it is more common in women than men. Just like any other negative thought pattern there are things that you can do to combat it.