Nic Newling Visit
Our Year 10 to 12 students, staff and about 150 parents enjoyed a presentation from Nic Newling recently. Nic has a powerful story of how he has navigated his way through living with mental illness. His authentic style really connected with his audience and there was a great deal of talk about the presentation in the days that followed. Nic left each group with some take home messages which are worth sharing here:
- There’s support all around us, but we often have to ask;
- Ignorance is a great starting point (ie rather than assuming things, ask a question);
- The assurance of support is greater than the assurance of a positive outcome (ie Let the person know you are there for them – this is more helpful than telling them everything will all be ok);
- Utilise empathy;
- Rewrite conversations (ie If you regret the way you responded in a particular conversation, ask for the chance to have that conversation over again, and express what you wished you had the first time);
- Be known as someone who people can turn to;
- Seek help. Stick with it. Change the approach if you need to;
- Share your story to help reduce stigma (when you’re ready);
- Involve the workplace. Involve your family. Involve your friends;
- How to help a friend -
- Know your role (you’re not a trained professional; be a friend)
- Ask without judgement
- Listen first, talk later
- Encourage help seeking
- Keep it confidential* (unless you are concerned for the person’s safety)
- Follow up
- Get professional input
- Look after yourself too
- How to help a child –
- Integrate with the school
- Be involved with healthcare
- Let them be the teacher
- Make talking a routine
- Share some vulnerability
- Share realistic expectations
- Have someone else for them to talk to
Some helpful links for both parents and students are listed below.
www.blackdoginstitute.org.au
www.ruok.org.au
www.conversationsmatter.com.au
www.reachout.com
www.lifeline.org.au
www.sane.org
Liz Collins
Head of Wellbeing