Grammar Gazette- Issue 1, 2012

professionals are supportive and skilful. Instead of being uncertain about how to respond to distress and disturbance, we need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to respond in a helpful way, the same as when someone sprains their ankle, has an asthma attack, faints or develops chest pain (McGorry, 2010). Promisingly, last year the Gillard government announced $400 million will be invested in programmes to treat mental health issues in youth. Given what research tells us about the importance of prevention and early intervention approaches, school-based counsellors and psychologists are in an invaluable position to assist with this. In 2004, a School Psychologist position was created at Brisbane Girls Grammar to complement the student care team comprising a School Counsellor, School Nurse, nine Heads of House and a Dean of Students. Both the School Counsellor and School Psychologist are available to students, families and staff. Embracing prevention, early intervention and treatment approaches, the positions include consultation and psycho-education through to intensive individual therapy with students for a variety of mental health issues. Additionally, teaching staff have an awareness and knowledge of the pertinent emotional issues potentially facing our students and have regular access to the counselling staff to further their understanding of mental health.

reassurance that I survey the environment of Brisbane Girls Grammar School. We have a long history of embracing a holistic approach to education and have been ahead of the times by employing a specialist child and adolescent counsellor since 1973. Having the courage to acknowledge the reality of the adolescent world and its hazards, our School has earnestly made a commitment to parents to work in partnership with them in the nurturing and development of confident young women.

Mrs Jody Forbes School Psychologist

References

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2010). Australia’s Health 2010 . Canberra: Australian Government.

beyondblue. (2010). Clinical practice guidelines: depression in adolescents and young adults . Melbourne: Beyondblue: the National Depression Initiative.

McGorry, P. (2010). Address to the Press Club. Retrieved March 20, 2012, from http://www.patmcgorry.com.au/blog/pmcgorry/address-press-club.

Sawyer, M.G., Arney, F.M., Baghurst, P.A., Clark, J.J., Graetz, B.W., & Kosky, R.J., et al. (2000). The mental health of young people in the Australia . Canberra: Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing.

Although studying the landscape of adolescent mental health can seem quite confronting, it is with great

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