Looking After Our Friends
Taking care of ourselves can be difficult at the best of times. The added stress of a pandemic and all the changes that come along with that, are making many of us more stressed than usual. That is why it's so important to take the time to connect with others and do the things that can have a really positive impact on all our mental health.
Mentor Activity & Discussion
After reading through the information below, use the following points to prompt reflection and discussion within your mentor group. You might choose to do this over a number of days, allowing for plenty of discussion.
What makes a good listener? How can you tell when someone is really listening to you?
What does it mean to be a good friend during Covid-19?
How would you know if a friend was not ok during Covid-19?
What self-help strategies could you suggest to a friend?
What healthy activities could you offer to do with a friend?
Who could you encourage a friend to speak to if you were concerned about them? What professionals / services would be available?
How could you help a friend connect with some help?
How to help a friend
Worried about a friend?
Many of our students at CSC have completed Teen Mental Health First Aid training in year 8 and year 11. This training teaches you to recognise when a friend is experiencing a mental health problem and to connect them with appropriate help.
You may want to use the TeenMHFA Action Plan (see the pics here for a reminder) or have a look through the great tips from Headspace below.
Headspace tips on helping a friend
If-your-friend-is-not-okay-web.pdf