Balancing the demands of school studies and your home life can sometimes be a challenge, but it’s important to remember you’re not alone.
Understanding mental health
The World Health Organisation notes that good mental health is when ‘a state of wellbeing in which the individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community’.
In the same way we can experience physical illness, we can also experience mental illness.
According to Queensland Health, it can affect your thinking, emotional stability and social life. It can also impact your ability to work, study, carry out daily tasks and your relationships.
Stress and mental health
Everyone experiences stress at certain times in their life. And it’s not always a problem. It can help you perform under pressure, motivate you to do your best and energise you.
But when it’s constant, it can take a toll on your mind and body. According to Beyond Blue, prolonged stress can lead to anxiety and depression.
Exam stress
Sometimes the pressure of exams may cause you stress. While a small amount of pressure can keep you focused during exam time, if it becomes too much, study can seem impossible.
Exam stress can make you:
- withdraw from friends or things you enjoy
- feel moody or overwhelmed
- lose your appetite or over-eat
- experience tension or headaches
- feel sick, confused and anxious
Visit the Queensland Youth website for more information about exam stress and how to manage it.
Check our tips to organise yourself and your study, and maintain good study and academic habits.
Mental illnesses and disorders
There are many types of mental illness and the severity and treatment for each can vary. Some people may need support for a short time, while others may need long-term support.
Common illnesses include:
- Depression
- Anxiety and anxiety disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Psychosis
Many young people can experience normal feelings of unhappiness or sadness and may feel anxious in certain situations.
It’s important to recognise the difference between these feelings and the symptoms of clinical depression and clinical anxiety.
Find out more about the signs and symptoms of sadness and depression.
Find out more about anxiety and how to manage it.
Take the Beyond Blue mental health check-in to help you understand if you need support.
Useful websites
- https://www.qld.gov.au/health/mental-health/lifestyle
- https://www.qld.gov.au/youth/looking-after-your-mental-health/mental-health-support-counselling
- https://www.qld.gov.au/youth/support-services
- We The Differents is a collection of information, tips and ideas to help you make the most of your education.
https://www.wethedifferents.qld.edu.au - Your Mental Wellbeing is a Queensland Government initiative which provides resources to support wellness.
https://www.mentalwellbeing.initatives.qld.gov.au - Reach Out has some helpful tips to manage your anxiety and stress.
https://au.reachout.com/articles/how-to-manage-your-anxiety-and-stress
Phone and online support services
Lifeline (phone 13 11 14)
https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/
Kids Help Line (teens 13–17) phone 1800 551 800
https://kidshelpline.com.au/teens
Parent Line (support, counselling and parent education) phone 1300 301 300
https://www.parentline.com.au/
Headspace provides general information and advice for young people.
https://headspace.org.au/young-people/life-issues/
RU OK is a harm prevention charity that encourages meaningful conversations.
https://www.ruok.org.au
