Continue to enjoy the moment :) however long it lasts! Good on you :) ... View more

Indeed. Just found that article on ABC and agree that one has to go with reputable/recommended Apps, but quite frankly a bit surprised at the lack of quality myself on many!    It's got to be a multi faceted approach for sure. Whilst IT can be so very helpful, I don't think that anything can really supplement good quality personal interactions.   One of my concerns has definitely been the lack of quality trained youth workers and educators, particularly with recognising Mental Health issues, but also how to really successfully engage a youth about it. It seems like you guys have the Dynamism I am looking for at Batyr, so looking forward to engaging more in future!     ... View more

What's the ASM technique @taokat? ... View more

I'd be interested in your suggestions about those other options ;)   That was definitely one of our greatest challenges, being located in Tasmania ;) It took some great resourcefulness to find them, but we did though it always depends on funding to ensure that they can continue to operate and offer their services! :)         ... View more

Definitely a bit of both.  It's true, a 'cluster' of symptoms was the true indicator.  Less chatty or engaging than usual. Withdrawn from family conversations. Unwilling to participate in most social activities. Food avoidance and simply looking really dark! ... View more

Love a direct link, but will have a look, thanks! Have looked at many myself and not really keen on many that are being promoted such as Smiling Mind! But do love the Calm one :) ... View more

The survey I participated in today was about how and why young people might be challenged to actually seek professional help or cease to engage more actively with it (ie. they attend a couple of appointments and then don't). I have personally felt that this is due to the lack of 'real connection' with the provider, and a great deal of input still required (fair enough!) from the parent to encourage and support this process.    I'd be interested to know what your thoughts are on this Dom, for young people who may not have an active parent? ... View more

What I thought was sleeping was actually hiding out! I found my daughter was actually having great difficulty falling asleep and the quality if any, poor. She still struggles with this, but mindfulness/meditation is helping immensely. For both of us! ... View more

What is the context for tonight by the way? I understand that a forum was just held? (Just got the email brief this evening!) ... View more

Helloo   Happy to be here ;) Just did an interview with Rural Mental Health team at UTAS today on the experiences of young people accessing services. It felt so good to share some of the hurdles we encountered knowing it was actually being 'herd' as a parent! ;) ... View more

Hello, just checking, is the conversation happening here? Or is there another 'venue', ie. batyr website?   ... View more

Oooh how exciting! Nice one! This only just came up in my inbox, and even though I'm a bit **bleep** from a day on this topic already (will share in another post soon!), I'd love to participate! Will just pour a wine and settle in! ... View more

Hello @Big_Crab   Welcome and thank you for sharing. I've been wanting to make up some "invisible illness" badges! I have a diagnosis of Emotional Dysregulation or Borderline Personality and have lived with pain, Fibromyalgia for many years. Self management, yes, is everything. A single mother of three, it's taken some time to get there and still always evolving :)    One of the best treatments I have come across is Dialectic Behavioural therapy, a little like CBT but rather  more specific.  Mindfulness, mindfulness, mindfulness....it's all the rave, but nothing like body and mind awareness with breath. This has helped greatly for me to recognise my own symptoms and to manage accordingly.   Your daughter also sounds really creative - such a good outlet! I came across this online course recently - I'm yet to do!! - and I think it's open to everyone, http://arts-and-health.thinkific.com/, with University of TAS, which looks good....sometimes it helps me to have some creative guidance.   Medication - so important to get this right! I hope that you have a good doctor and psychiatrist or specialist as this might be part of the long term plan. Pain management often begins with Opiods, and if you haven't heard already, this can be a very long and wry road.   I hope any or some of this is helpful. Look forward to hearing how you go :)   ... View more

There is a bit of attention on the issue of bullying in the medaia at the moment I notice. ABC's series for example and the Respectful Relationships program in schools. These are good responses to the issue.   Howver, I am concerned that not ALL communities are actively engaged with the issue and the resources to achieve this, limited. For example, whilst this program is being fully implemented across Victoria (who piloted it, so this is fine), other states, like Tasmania have a 'trial' of it being "rolled out" as they say, among four state schools (there are over forty!) per year. This will not achieve anything, other than a minority of educated-yet again as many schools are struggling to find the funds to upskill their staff or bring in professionals. The Safe Schools program is also still contested, for many reasons on "both sides", and with little or no parental input. This is an example of poor planning and consideration - our whole approach towards more Respectful Relationships Education needs an overhaul.   I agree that a campaign is required, and locally am working to address the shortfall of resources. I would love to be able to simply print posters that show the United Nations Convention to the Rights of the Child to begin with and so much more! I will certainly continue to order Reach Out resources and distribute and have a few projects underway.  I also encourage you to order and distribute the Exploring Teens magazine, which is also a great fundraising opportunity for schools and has many articles addressing issues such as this). ... View more

Hello @TeenToddlerKids Great plan from @Ngaio-RO there ;) I'm into "putting the control into their hands" in this way too, especially at this stage. The senior school years are very challenged alongside technology if they haven't learned to manage their own use.     I've been making it part of my 'general' conversation with my kids these days. Talking about how it afffected our sleep, or how addicted I felt myself recently to a netflix show (Bates Motel -it was really good!!) I think it's really important to help them to understand how our attractive technology is to our minds! It's very 'rewarding' but can be costly. It's good that you can see and talk about the clear link to his grades.   Have you heard of the doco film, Screenagers yet? It's being released shortly and reviews overseas are that it's a really informative and changing whole family's views and lives! We definitely need more support (alongside research) on how to manage this incredible age of technology.   The other thing I've been actively doing with my lot is finding other things to do that are rewarding such as joining the local council youth group, juggling class (!) and doing things as a family (which gets harder to do it seems and costly! But we did really enjoy a meal out and the magic show ;)   Good luck and let us know how you go!     ... View more

Thanks Ngaio, I'm not sure what that means! Certainly I'd like to be hearing more on this and happy to leave this post here and see what others might have to say. It may not be the right forum but certainly happy for anyone to reachout on this issue (at any stage) as I aim to stay on it for some years to come!   Next week, I believe that Harmful effects of Pornography will be put up for discussion in parliament (again) so I am encouraging others to get in touch with their MPs for a start but certainly to also be having discussions with their own schools and families and communities. ... View more

This is really challenging @Graeme, thanks for reaching out ;) and sharing the journey. Hopefully it will help to unburden you a little.    I have a son much younger, 12 who decided he wanted to live full time with his father a couple of years ago and seems much happier for it, even though I have issues about it (lifestyle choices) I have learned to put them aside. Our relationship is 'ok' but I often speculate about it might go over the coming years of adolescence, hence building up a support network for myself here!   It's really hard when they close up from you, I have two teenagers as well. I've found pulling right back myself, and practising open, gentle, accepting dialogue helpful and then just patiently waiting (or coaxing if necessary!) But then, they are also girls ;) ... View more

Just wanted to say how lucky she is to have a grandmother like you watching out for her!  Change is certainly challenging, especially one of this size, but I do hope that she is willing and resilient to give it some time? Good on you for being there to guide her :)     ... View more

Hello there @Carebear75   I hear your frustration, teens can be so harsh on us, but also on themselves. Do you have any ideas about what is going on for her underneath the angst and lies? It sounds like communication has hit a bit of a wall, which is so upsetting as a parent isn't it?! ReachOut has a good page on family conflict, it might be a good place to check out?    Hang in there! xx ... View more

Hello @hippychick and welcome   I'm with you (and everyone else) on this - good on you for 'standing up for your son'. I put it this way, because I have always felt that attendance has had to be somewhat flexible depending on the individual's (and family's for that matter) need. Fortunately, this is one area that most of the schools we have accessed have worked with me on, but this has not always been the case.   I have children from Grades 6 to 12 and always encourage them to take 'mental health care' days. Given that there is discussion on a four day working week at the moment, it would be nice for this to become the norm for school too ;) Have you heard of the Candlebark School in Victoria? Now there's a leading Australian principal on what teenagers need! They have start times of 11am I believe! ... View more

Hello @Klw25, Firsly, thank you for sharing such a heart felt email and well done on reaching out here :) You are a beautiful mama, that certainly comes through. Your scribe brings tears to my eyes but a great warmth to my heart for the woman that I would have become sooner had I such a mother. A single mother myself of three, life is only becoming as clear to me again, as it was when I was that quiet, thoughful and introverted young woman that your daughter appears to be. Well done on truly seeing her and being willing and able to support and guide her with such clarity and love.   It's true, it is good to socially connect with others. Evidently, the school yard is unlikely to be the place where your daughter will flourish, but there are other options. My own 15yo is very sociable though quite individual, and living in a 'remote area', she has had few friends over the past years and is beginning to feel lonely. We have had to look far and wide for opportunities for her to more deeply engage with life and express herself.    Community groups who focus on causes, issues or simply being well and connecting with each other can be really beneficial. The local council is a good place to start; they will often have a youth group working on various projects together. We have recently found a couple of youth camps too, one focussing on Leadership and the other on Mindfulness. Whilst my daughter hasn't necessarily made new friends  (yet!), she is feeling good about the participation and small group achievements.   I've also been rather active (though not always successful!) in asking our school teachers to encourage participation in any extra activities or opportunities within the school, such as SRC, school presentations and community partnerships (such as reading or activities with elder care). I'm also always looking online for things that might engage her more broadly with social issues, such as competition entries into short films, writing or artwork (she's a creative).   I hope this helps a little anyway, and again thanks so much for sharing. You and your daughter sound like 'special' people xx     ... View more

That's a really tough gig @taokat. I can understand that you would want to be close by. I do hope you guys find some more support though ;)   It's been a rough ride for me really, and I've managed by just getting by. Mainly my coping mechanism has come down to having a social household as it has fitted (we've had to move a lot over the years as renters) to balance out our family, if you know what I mean. I involved us in lots of community gigs and actively sought out stuff for us to do as a family. Despite challenges with their fatther and his lack of competency as a parent, I have had to let go of a lot of 'stuff' and 'put him' in the caring role as desperation called for at times!   More recently though, my own mental health got the better of me. I'm finally starting to get a hold on my own stuff now though, having not worked for almost two years and only just starting to reconsider it (and how!) again. Fortunately I've managed to secure us a home though and have a really supportive partner nowadays (at long last! Lots to be said about trying to do this solo), so things are more settled and secure for all of us and with a clearer idea of just what our issues are/have been. The kids are a lot older now too, nearly all teens, and so I feel more able to be honest. I've been bottling up a lot for years, and pretending through the tougher times. It's been a lot to absorb in one being.   How do you and your daughter manage her illness? My own diagnosis is Borderline Personality Disorder or Emotional Dysregulation. Not quite having psychotic episodes, my own condition manifests in physical pain disorder, fatigue, anxiety and extreme emotion. It's managed at long last these days though, mainly with awareness, an incredible slowing down of the pace of my life and medication. Does she self manage, what keeps her on her path?    Online forums/facebook have finally becoming a source of support for me/us. Information is empowering and the hope of encouraging shifts in attitudes towards mental health/wellbeing and more supports is helpful. Feels  a lot better than stewing that's for sure ;)       ... View more

Love those gifs ladies :)    I reckon a forum like this (and internet access too!) would have been just the solution to that Isolation problem, or at least a big helping 'voice', with others to empathise and 'prop us' back up again ;)   Being a parent, let alone a single one can be really tough going. I was incredibly isolated when my children were younger and by and large its been a lonely journey with no (well) family to speak of. Being hungry (starving actually) for solitary time more than anything, social activities were always about the kids and having three of them made asking for help very difficult in general.   In reality, most families these days are very much absorbed in their own affairs too - we're a (too) busy world, plain and simple. Few have time to reachout ;) and recognising that everyone is under the pump, makes it even harder.   How old is your daughter? Do you get any support with her at all? Glad you have some time off coming up, but I can't help thinking that it isn't enough in the long run.     ... View more

Very keen to hear from @dazzlejazz too, hope you're doing ok! ... View more

Hello How are you going with this issue? I'm sorry I missed it, but hope that you are doing okay. I'd be furious too - in fact I am on your behalf! Did you watch the ABC bullying series yet? It's unacceptable that some schools do not take this more seriously. My youngest is in primary school (grade 6). Though bullying hasn't been an issue for us, there have been many times in the past, when I have had unheard complaints. It's simply not okay.  As a result of one major issue (my son's kinder teacher was physically abrupt with him in front of me, inapproriate handling of his separation issue at the time) I decided to move house in order to access a better school. Not ideal, but sometimes easier than butting up against a wall alone! I chose this option after recognising that I didn't have a community or department behind me, but had I either of these, it would have been a very different story.  Are there parents in your community that you can share this with? Any one teacher or staff member in the school that might have some empathy? I would also encourage you to get in touch with your local state schools authority and see if you can get any support. Do let us know how you are going!       ... View more

ABC's Bullying features are an excellent watch - Whilst I'm glad that it has 'exposed' what some children can go through, I was particularly interested in the bureaucratic process that was also highlighted. This to me was one of the biggest issues raised - alongside the need to better connect our children with each other and their own sense of empathy and empowerment.   In my own investigations into schools recently (as a result of lack of action from current state schools that my children are enroled in and on similar issues that affect our youth), I have learned of the significant differences between state and Catholic/Independent schools. Offering regular educational sessions for both parents and students on Bullying - Cyber or in school - is one of these.  The latest of these is the STEM school established in partnership with Catholic Education. Visit the Australian Council of State Schools organisations for more on this (and possibly a post from me in future!).   It isn't up to schools anymore than it is up to the individual families. It is in the hands of Government funding, honoring the Gonksi agreement and empowering schools and their communities to provide better educational spaces for our children. ... View more

Yes, that does sound like an awful experience!  My newsletter appears to have been well received :) from health providers, local councils and even a few pollies :) You can have a read of it here if you like: http://us15.campaign-archive1.com/?u=5fd976e7ee1553d8e9fff0be9&id=32b6b01a9b&e=[UNIQID] My FB page is https://www.facebook.com/EYinTas/   Thanks for your interest. I'm sorry I'm not very active on here, as I am rather busy these days meeting with people and hoping to get things happening on the ground! Starting with a film event that Collective Shout will be present at (if enough tickets sell!), a body image poster/sticker comp for schools to incorporate (hoepfully!) and Porn educator Liz Walker doing a couple of community talks for parents to get up to speed !   ... View more

I'll keep an eye on your new topic post as I'm interested the responses too! After asking each youth that I encounter about it, interestingly, none have engaged with it (or Reddit much for that matter) and few had actually heard about it, so I would be interested to know who the using cohort actually is.   I have moved my own attention to mainly the 'body loathing phenomenon' and have also created a site (among other very active efforts on the ground!), though not a blog. Just a facebook page where I can collect and share resources with the young, targeting my home state.   I have also started a newsletter which I email out to local schools, councils and organisations in hope of making some of these issues more well known. Sooooo much goes under the radar in this WWW (Wacky and Wild World of Internet!!)       ... View more

Thanks for sharing, it's a strange culture alright ;( My teenage girls interestingly and fortunately can't understand it either! Might make the 8pm chat if this headache goes away ;) ... View more