Growing with Gratitude

INTRODUCTION

Hi Ash

We have had major issues at school lately with students having thoughts of suicide; we have increasing levels of self-harm and we have students trying to help each other and access support.

It is really becoming a massive concern. I have never, in my whole time at a school, had to support so many young people who are just dealing with such horrendous things, nor have I called ambulance and police so many times in one week before.

This is an extract from an actual email I received in June 2021 from a wellbeing coordinator at a high school (for the purpose of confidentiality, I won't name the school).

It's quite frightening, right?

Yet, I know for a fact that this is not a standalone case.

There are many other teachers, principals, educators — and parents — who have either experienced an escalating situation like this or are worried about experiencing one. Many of us report that we feel so utterly helpless when it comes to the mental health and wellbeing of our youngest, and most vulnerable, generation.

And who could blame us?

Over the past few years, we have been in and out of lockdowns; we've had interstate and overseas borders open and then close; jobs have been lost; vaccinations have been rolled out at record rates; sports have been suspended; and other social and community events have been impacted. All of this uncertainty and unrest has understandably affected our wellbeing like never before — and especially the mental health of our kids.

According ...