Actions to support positive mental health over the school holidays
- Exercise boosts mood and mental health – make it fun!
- Nourish your brain by eating healthily – it will also improve your mood
- Prioritise sleep to support mental and emotional wellbeing
- Explore relaxation techniques and coping strategies
- Stay in touch and catch up with friends and loved ones
- Make time to do things you enjoy
- Practice positive self-talk – and remember you are not alone
- Seek professional help if needed
Feeling a bit down?
Go to smiling mind for tips on looking after yourself, understanding and managing emotions, being mindful, being kind to yourself, navigating uncertainty and preparing for change.
OR, feel free to chat with us.
You may find that these actions are not enough to look after your mental health. Below are some signs you may need some support.
Signs that you or a friend may need mental health support
Keep an eye out and seek professional help for changes that last two or more weeks such as:
- Loss of interest or involvement in activities normally enjoyed
- Feeling ‘low’, unusually stressed or worried
- Ordinary things get harder
- Being easily irritated or angry
- Taking more dangerous risks, like using alcohol or drugs
- Withdrawal or feeling overwhelmed
- Difficulties with concentration and motivation
- Having a lot of negative thoughts
- Changing in sleeping and eating
Supporting your friends
You and your friends can support each other by:
- Reaching out to a friend, offering support and letting them know you care.
- Letting your friend know you may need to tell a trusted adult about your concerns.
- Having these types of conversations can be difficult. Information on how to support a friend is available on the Headspace website.
- Contact 000 if a friend needs urgent assistance or is at risk of harming themselves or others.
We hope this helps to support you and your friends’ mental health over the summer holidays.
Do your best to be proactive in looking after yourself and we wish you the best summer holiday yet!
