We are approaching the time of year when thousands of students across the country will leave the hallowed halls of their high schools for the final time.
Whilst this may elicit initial feelings of post-exam relief and thankfulness that there will be ‘no more books and dirty teacher’s looks’; it is also a time of profound change and when the relief wears off, the reality of this change sets in.
Teenagers (some for a couple of months and some for the foreseeable future) will leave the structure, community and familiarity an institution or workplace space provides and emerge into a new world where they may not see their close friends every day and are suddenly required to dig deep and access their own motivation, direction and internal scaffolding.
Previous support structures within the high school institution may no longer be available to guide the young person into this new reality and feelings of grief, isolation, depression and anxiety may emerge.
The good news is that there are services available to young people.
Services that provide information, referral, a sense of community and support.
Our counsellor at The Studio Natural Health Clinic has over 20 years experience working with young people in high school settings as a counsellor and stress management workshop facilitator; in Government and Not-For-Profit agencies (including Second Story Youth Service - Child & Youth Health) and Life Without Barriers as well as in private practice.
If you or someone you care for needs a safe space and tools to navigate this transition, please feel free to direct any inquiries to 0401 401 730.
