Blog - Teen Toolkit

Published on: October 6, 2020

Thank You Card

Gratitude is an important aspect of being happy and resilient. Think of someone you're grateful for. Why not make a card, write a message of thanks and send it to them. Not only will it brighten their day, but it's good for your mental health too. You could make a card for:

a friend
your parents
an aunt
your sister
a grandparent
a mentor
youth group leader
a teacher
chaplain
someone who has helped or encouraged you.

Keep an eye out for an easy DIY watercolour card video on Thursday!

Published on: September 14, 2020

OK not to be OK - Marshmallow & Demi Lovato

Published on: September 10, 2020

R U OK Journaling PDF

Today is R U OK Day so we've designed this great R U OK? Journal PDF. Fill in the contact form below and we'll email it to you pronto. Perhaps you could do it with a friend and talk about your responses.

Published on: August 20, 2020

Are you Okay?

2020 has been a difficult year. Let's face it - it sucks! You might be struggling mentally and emotionally due to Covid-19. You might be in isolation, your family might be struggling financially or tensions at home might be high, you might miss seeing grandparents or family or friends, you might have missed out celebrating a birthday or a family holiday. You might just feel down because of all the bad news in the world at the moment. You are not alone.

If you are struggling, talk to someone about it - your parents, an aunt, teacher, chaplain or other trusted adult. You may also need to see a counsellor or psychologist. There are people out there who can help you through this difficult season. I'm seeing a counsellor next week as I have been feeling a bit overwhelmed and blue.

If you're in Australia, here are the national crisis numbers:
Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au
Headspace: 1800 650 890 Free online and telephone service for 12-25 year olds
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 A free, private and confidential, telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25.

Published on: June 18, 2020

Mindfulness 101: Get outside

A 2019 study found that spending at least 20 minutes a day outside can lower your stress hormone levels. If you spend more than 20 minutes outside your cortisone levels will be even lower. I know it's winter in Australia and a bit cold and wet but wear a parka and take an umbrella. Go with a friend if you need extra motivation. Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com.

Published on: June 2, 2020

Mindful month

June is Mindful Month at Smiling Mind. You can sign up for free at https://www.smilingmind.com.au. All you have to do is complete a short survey (2 questions). According to the Smiling Mind website, some of the benefits of mindfulness include:

reduced stress and anxiety
sense of calm
manage your emotions better
improved concentration and productivity
develop compassion and connectedness
improved quality of sleep.

So what are you waiting for? Sign up now! Did I mention it's free? Even if you don't sign up to Mindful Month, you should at least download the Smiling Mind App. It is free and has lots of guided meditations and mindful activities.

Published on: May 19, 2020

Eating Disorders and Covid 19

The Butterfly Foundation has an interesting article on eating disorders and Covid 19. The stress and changes in routine brought about by Covid 19 can lead to a significant increase in eating disorder thoughts and behaviours. Butterfly Helpline Manager, Juliette Thomson, said, "eating disorders thrive in isolation so it's critical to stay connected with family and friends. Social media (when used appropriately), video calls, and phone calls – all play a part in making sure we stay connected. Set a time every day for a video call with a group of friends. Try to limit your exposure to news, and even then only at set times of the day, and only follow reputable sources. Practising mindfulness and engaging in journaling, meditating, chatting with friends, and other activities you enjoy can be extremely helpful during this challenging period."

The Butterfly Foundation has a helpline you can call - 1800 33 4673. Their website has resources about body image and eating disorders - https://butterfly.org.au. Did you know that it is estimated that 4% of Australians are currently experiencing disordered eating (https://www1.racgp.org.au). There is help available - a trip to see you family doctor is the first step. As a recovered eating disorder sufferer I can assure you that there is life after disordered eating.

Published on: April 28, 2020

A-z of Coping Strategies

Note: In Australia you can call Kids Helpline for 5-25 year olds on 1800 551800.

Published on: April 23, 2020

How to defeat negative thinking

This animation shows two methods to deal with negative thinking - a life skill everyone needs!!!

Published on: March 19, 2020

Resources to help deal with the Coronavirus crisis

Here are some resources to help deal with the stress and anxiety caused by the Coronavirus crisis (there are links below). I think it's fair to say that everyone is feeling a bit stressed and anxious at the moment. We are dealing with a global crisis unlike anything seen in your lifetime, or your parents' lifetime. But it's important to check the facts. The news is busy sensationalising the event which is contributing to people panicking even more. Athough they are using words like pandemic and life as we know it is changing daily, the death toll in Australia is very low. Measures are being taken to prevent the spread of this virus so that we don't put unnecessary stress on our health system and to protect the vulnerable. So just calm your farm - we will get through this. Visit some of the websites below if you need help.
Headspace
Teen Vogue
Beyond Blue
Kid's Helpline