Mental wellbeing

Schoolies is often promoted as the best week of your life, but for some, this may not always be the case.

Know that it's completely normal for you to feel emotional highs and lows, whether:

• you've had a fight with friends
• had too much to drink
• are overtired
• Schoolies just hasn't lived up to your expectations.

It’s OK to not feel OK.

It's important to acknowledge these feelings, seek support, and communicate with friends and people who care about you – there's always help available.

Tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing while at Schoolies

• Sleep well – lack of sleep can cause depression, irritability, feeling down and hopelessness. It can also increase the use of alcohol or drugs as well as suicidal feelings.
• Eat well – a good diet helps your body and brain to function well, improving your recovery, sleep, energy levels and overall health and wellbeing.
• Get active – it’s a great way to boost your mood, release stress and anxiety and it also helps build your confidence and energy levels. Just a short walk on the beach or a swim can help you feel better.
• Stay in touch – your parents might offer to bring up a meal or pick up your washing. A familiar face might be just what you need.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs – they often leave you feeling worse than before and can amplify anxiety, irritability, sadness and feeling unmotivated; they can also affect your sense of reality.
• Know your limits – you can still have fun without pushing it too far!
• Talk to your mates or a trusted adult – sometimes just talking about how you’re feeling can be helpful and you never know, you may not be the only one who is feeling low.
• Seek help – if you are going through a tough time, there is help available; a phone call can offer friendly advice and support, without judgment, and can help you get back on track and starting to feel better.

Before you go to Schoolies

• Visit your GP
  • if you are on any prescription medication, discuss the effects of mixing your meds with drugs and alcohol
  • if you are not feeling yourself or simply overwhelmed at the thought of going to Schoolies, talk to your GP about how you are feeling and what support is available.
• Talk to your friends
  • to let them know if you have any existing mental health issues
  • about how you are feeling or any concerns you may have about going to Schoolies – they may also be feeling similar
  • to let them know if you are on prescription medication and who they should contact for you in the event of an emergency.
• Set reminders to take your prescription medication when you are at Schoolies in case you get caught up in all the fun.
• Connect with a trusted adult – whether it be an aunty, family friend, teacher or parent. Touch base with them before Schoolies and let them know they’re your chosen person to contact during Schoolies if you need someone to talk to.