R U OK? Day

With R U OK? Day this week, experts are encouraging parents to speak openly with their children about mental health. Headspace national adviser Simon Dodd suggested telling your child you have noticed they are struggling.

“Use sensitivity and compassion when enquiring and asking or checking in with a young person on how they’re feeling and what’s going on for them,” he said.

“Offer avenues of support, such as talking with a trusted relative or friend, their GP or headspace.”

He also advised for parents to be aware of behavioural changes. “This might be changes in eating, sleeping or withdrawing from things they usually liked to do,” Mr Dodd said

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Mrs Annie Williams, College Counsellor