Starting a new school year can be exciting, but for some children and teenagers, it can be incredibly daunting.
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When it comes to dealing with situations where there are lots of unknowns which provoke anxiety and stress, headspace Orange says preparation is key to coping.
The more things feel familiar and controlled, the more you can relax and feel confident with what is going on, according to staff at the youth services' Orange branch.
Kelly Dent, headspace Orange's Centre Manager says some strategies include creating a routine, and ensuring you set some achievable and realistic goals for the year.
"The benefits of having a routine apply whether you're five, 15 or 50. Take responsibility for getting back in to the swing of things the week before school starts, and get back into a consistent sleep routine," Ms Dent said.
Staff at the local youth service stressed the importance of kids telling someone when they needed support.
"If they're struggling reach out for assistance. Talk to friends, family, the school councillor, headspace - wherever you want to go," Shannon Sims said.
Kayla Stewart added that phone apps were also a great way to help young people learn meditation strategies to better control negative and overwhelming thoughts.
Other apps, such as the headspace app, eheadspace, allowed children and young people to chat confidentially with support start via text or over the phone. There was also always the option of coming into headspace Orange to speak to someone in person.
"[At the] local headspace centres you can come in and work one-on-one with our clinicians her," she said.
"You don't need a referral, it's all free," Ms Sims added. "It's a free service".
"Some other helpful things to consider in terms of anxiety and depression coping mechanisms, there's the basic level stuff like sleep hygiene, exercise and health," Jethro Geier said.
"It might not be an anxiety disorder, it might be that they're drinking ten energy drinks a day. So there's a lot to unpack - we need to figure out what's going on for this particular young person."
If bullying was the reason for a young person's anxiety over returning to school, headspace urges students to tell a teacher or councillor at their school.
Parents and guardians could also help children and teenagers cope with stress and anxiety in a number of important ways too, according to the Department of Social Service's parenting website, Raising Children.
These key methods of support involve acknowledging a child's fear, rather than dismissing or ignoring it; praising them for doing something they feel anxious about, rather than criticising them for being afraid; and not labelling a child or young person as "shy" or "anxious".
headspace Orange is a free, youth-friendly service for anyone aged between 12 and 25 years, located at 264 Peisley St. Support staff can be reached via phone on 6369 9300 or 1800 650 890. Web chat services are available through: eheadspace.org.au.
Kids Helpline - 1800 551 800
Lifeline - 13 11 14
Parent Line 1300 1200 52
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