Supporting student wellbeing is an integral part of the Damascus College experience. In order to meet the needs of Damascus students, our experienced counselling team are located on campus, and provide guidance, kindness, and a listening ear for students in a safe and confidential environment.

In recognition of R U OK Day today, we’ve taken the opportunity to have a chat with Claudia Griffin, Coordinator of Student Counselling Services, about the counselling support offered at Damascus College, along with some insightful wellbeing and conversation tips for students.

The Counselling Service team includes four practitioners, who provide support to students, families, and staff with overall health and wellbeing, academic success, and positive social and emotional wellbeing. Counselling can be accessed in a variety of ways, including one-on-one appointments, group sessions, as well as secondary consultations. When needed, counsellors also make referrals to external services such as a private psychologist, or multi-disciplinary treatment.

Claudia explains that it is important to offer counselling services and the need to create awareness of mental health wellbeing.

“We provide private and confidential counselling sessions to support the overall health and wellbeing of students, families and staff of Damascus College,” she said.

“My team and I enjoy raising awareness of the overall importance of mental health and wellbeing in our Damascus community, through my involvement in the Reconciliation Action Plan Committee, LGBTQIA+ Action Group, Damascus College Rowing Club and most recently, the Staff Association group.”

R U OK Day reminds us how important it is to prioritize our mental health and wellbeing.

“Mental health and self-care are so important – you can’t fill from an empty cup,” said Claudia.

Claudia shares some wellbeing tips to help ‘fill our cup’ and ensure we take the time for ourselves:

• Spend time with a friend or loved one, either face to face or a phone call to someone you can’t see all the time
• Do exercise; walk, run, swim, ride a bike, play a sport - engage in an exercise that you enjoy
• Read a book or listen to an Audible
• Listen to music or a podcast
• Bake, build or create something! Just have a go, you may surprise yourself!
• Nurture something; cuddle a pet, water a plant or hug a loved one
• Clean something; a clean environment can help with a cleaner headspace

Asking if someone is okay may seem like a simple question, however, is an important one as it can show loved ones that you are there to support them and that they can always reach out to you if needed.

Claudia explains some important things for students to remember when asking a friend if they are okay:

• Before you ask; make sure you’re in a good headspace yourself to ask this question
• Know your surroundings; find a quiet space or go for a walk to somewhere with less distractions
• When asking; just be yourself! You don’t have to ask heavy questions straight away, you can ask questions that you feel comfortable with. You also don’t need to the person to “fix” your friends challenges – your support may help them get a referral to a counsellor!
• Listening; listening to what your friend is saying is important, try not to correct them. If there is silence, try and sit patiently with it – when someone is sharing for the first time it can take them time to find the right words. Asking open ended questions can also help.

Remember it is important to check in and ask our friends and family how they are everyday not just on R U OK Day!

Students can access the Student Counselling Services by emailing counsellor@damascus.vic.edu.au or talking to their TA or House Leader, who can support them with a referral.