Year 12 can be tough and there may be times when you feel stressed, which can impact your wellbeing. ReachOut's clinical lead Linda Williams shares her top tips for taking a proactive approach to your mental health this year.
5 tips for students
Look after the basics
Just simple, uncomplicated things like exercise, healthy snacks and regular sleep will keep your mood up and from this, life tends to flow more smoothly.
Break down the workload
Break your goals into small, achievable steps. This is less daunting and it can be fun to track your progress and celebrate each one as you finish.
Understand your pressure points
Identify your main stressors so you can create some effective self-care strategies to avoid, limit or manage them.
Practise self-care
Year 12 is not a sprint, it's a marathon, so pace yourself. Taking breaks to do things that make you happy is crucial and will help to keep you motivated through to the finish line.
Seek help
Stress in Year 12 is normal and can be motivating, but if it's constant or overwhelming it can be harmful. If you are feeling this year, ReachOut.com or your GP are both good places to seek help.
Supporting your child through Year 12
Here are ReachOut's Linda Williams top tips for parents, carers and families who often play a significant role in their teen's Year 12 journey.
Keep communication open
Regular check-ins are important during Year 12. Chats can be brief but use them to give positive feedback and share your personal experiences, to help students feel supported and less alone. Find ways to connect through common interests or hobbies.
Boundaries for technology
We know technology use can hinder students' concentration, yet it is also necessary for study and relaxation. Discuss your expectations regarding both social media and gaming and agree on some boundaries.
Take breaks together
Regular breaks are crucial for Year 12 success. Family breaks can ease pressure and foster bonding. Schedule some simple activities that they like to do and use this downtime for informal check-ins.
Help to make home study-friendly
Many parents feel overwhelmed about how to support their teens through Year 12. Start with the basics, such as helping them set up a functional study space and stocking up on quick, healthy snacks.
Be aware of the warning signs of too much stress
Signs of excessive stress include sleep disturbances, changes in eating habits, low self-esteem, increased irritability, or health problems. If you notice any of these, talk to your teen about it, and seek support from ReachOut.com and your GP.
This was first published by The Sydney Morning Herald for the 2024 HSC Study Guide and in partnership with ReachOut.
