Universal Edition 38: Wellbeing

UNIVERSAL

EDITION 38

FREE

WELLBEING

From The Editor Welcome to another edition of Universal, produced by a team of under-25s who live, work and play in the City of Kingston, and are just trying our best.

Wellbeing is one of those words that can get thrown around a lot, but when you get down to it, actually figuring out what it means can be overwhelming. There’s a lot of different parts that go into a person’s wellbeing – physical health, sure, but also mental health, emotional health, social health – which starts to sound like a lot of things to balance. And how do you even start to achieve that?

The Universal team comes together in Edition 38 to try and tackle this one big question. Spoilers: we don’t have the answers. What we do have are the things that have helped us manage our wellbeing.

Check out the team’s favourite movies to watch, no matter whether you want to laugh, cry, or just feel warm and fuzzy for a little while. There’s a kickass playlist of pick-

Interested in joining the team?

Or looking to submit some work?

Please contact Courtney on P: 1300 369 436 E: courtney.mcgill@kingston.vic.gov.au

me-up tunes, guaranteed to get you back on your feet. We share some of the best ways we’ve used to get focused and feeling good, whether that’s reconnecting with nature, spending time with our favourite people, or taking some time for ourselves.

This edition has a bit of a different vibe to some of the others: a little more serious, a little sombre. It’s hard to approach a topic like wellbeing without getting at least a little reflective. Our writers and artists dig deep this issue and talk about their pasts, their struggles, their low points: the times our wellbeing wasn’t so – er – well. I think that’s important to acknowledge. But for every down, we’ve come back up, better and stronger. I hope that if you’re having a tough time, you can see yourself in these stories, and we can help you find the way forward.

All the best,

georgia coldebella UNIVERSAL

EDITION 38

FREE

WELLBEING

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Cover Design by Simone Jones Kingston Youth Services and the Universal team acknowledge the support of the Victorian Government

Contents

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6

On Hiking, Mindfulness and Other Activities Rochelle Leslie

To My Past Self Sammar Bassal

Design Rochelle Leslie

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The Roots Jack Crowe

Design Jack Crowe

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Getting Out Of Pessimistic Mindsets Jack Crowe Design

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A Giant Coat Of Static Georgia Coldebella Design Kelly Zheng

Design Sammar Bassal

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A Toxic Friend Vs. A True Friend Simone Jones Illustration

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Peaceful Photography Zoe Alexiades Photography

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Movies For Your State Of MInd Rochelle Leslie Design Rochelle Leslie

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Let Your Well Bean Grow Your Way Maggie Zhou Illustration

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Laughter, Contentmment and Tears Jack Crowe Design Jack Crowe

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How Do You Manage Your Wellbeing?

Georgia Coldebella Design Kelly Zheng

On Hiking, Mindfulness and Other Activities It’s a Wednesday night. You’ve just come home from school: you’ve got to finish that assignment you started Monday, begin that other assignment for Friday, call your friend to see if you’re still good to catch up on the weekend, text that other friend to see if they still had that book you let them borrow or was that… Oh no, and tomorrow's homework sheets you completely forgot about, or are they Friday too? Or was that actually due next week, along wi…

Confusion. It’s easy to find ourselves drowning in a sea of it, especially when we are so busy with the happenings in our lives. With commitments to work, education, family and friends, it’s too easy to get lost in our heads, overthinking one thing, forgetting another and feeling like everything’s just plain old overwhelming.

It’s at times like these when our place is all over the head that we need to take a step back and relax. It’s at times like these when we need ‘mindfulness’.

Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present and aware of where we are and what we’re doing, while not being overstimulated or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. Practicing mindfulness can consist of guided meditation or even just small activities that require your undivided attention.

Even just a few minutes a day helps us focus more on our tasks. Mindfulness is about clearing our heads for a moment to focus on a single thing, to unclutter the mess of our overfull minds. Living in a place like Melbourne, where so much is going all the time, it's important that we sit back every now and then and take a moment to tune in to ourselves. Now, I’m sure that sitting still and meditating isn’t the best mindfulness activity for everyone: in fact, I fall into this category myself.

That's why I go hiking.

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Hiking can be a great way to improve fitness and get those good endorphins going, but it’s also a great place to practice your mindfulness. It’s not just about walking from A to B: it's a chance stop and smell the eucalyptus. When I go hiking with friends, we can escape the bustling suburbs and all their stimulants, spending some time focus on the world around us instead. We take note of where we are in the moment, stopping regularly to soak in the scenery and just be. Whether it’s a four-day hike, a one-day hike or even a few hours ‘hiking’ around a local park with a friend, it is a valid way to practice mindfulness.

Excluding hiking, though, there are endless ways to be mindful, or even just to de-stress. Mostly, it’s about concentration on a single task at hand without any distractions getting in your way. Perhaps you can find this in baking a cake, methodically working your way through ingredient by ingredient and step by step. Even eating food can become a mindfulness activity. You might find it’s been a while since you just sat down and appreciated your food without holding a conversation or using some sort of electronic device at the same time. So try sitting down and focusing only on your food. How it looks, smells, tastes, the texture of different ingredients. Make it the centre of your world for five minutes and see how you feel afterwards. It may seem like a strange activity, but it works.

By Rochelle Leslie

For anyone thinking of trying mindfulness or looking to relax, I’ll leave you with a list of activities you yourself might like to try. If there’s an activity you really enjoy then the internet is a great place to find out more about that area. Remember that everyone’s different, so find what works for you.

Mindful Activities Mindful Seeing Look at your surrounds as only colours and shapes, not objects.

Break it down!

Adult colouring book Mandalas are amazing for this.

Mindful listening Zone in on the sounds around you.

Even the instruments in your favourite songs!

Gardening Even tending to a few plants can take a great amount of care.

Running Just keep moving, just keep moving.

Hiking Stop to appreciate the sights.

Knitting Row by row by row.

Painting Concentrate on those strokes.

Playing an instrument You don’t have to be Mozart. Just concentrate.

Rock climbing Concentration is key.

Physically exhausting but mentally rewarding.

Cleaning Zone in on all those dust particles.

Baking Ingredient by ingredient.

I’m sure your family won’t complain.

Mindful eating Focus on your food!

Meditation Guided by a pro or do it yourself.

Body scan Start from your toes and slowly do a mental check of your body.

Are your legs cold? Arm itchy?

Fingers relaxed?

Words To My Past Self Sammar Bassal 6

Looking back on how I’ve grown up, there are many things I would change.

Many scenarios that I would re-do and many opportunities that I would think twice about rejecting. But for my past self, it was the first time to experience those things. It was her first time being in those scenarios, meeting those people and rejecting those opportunities, and it was her decisions that have slowly shaped the person I am today. So here are some things that I just wanted to say to her.

To my past self: You’re still awkward. You can barely talk to anyone new. However, since you’re an adult, you just leave people hanging instead of hoping your sister will come and talk to them for you. However, you’ll still have people you’ll be able to talk to, it took a while, but you got there and on the plus side, they are all super nice.

Like a Regigigas (Pokemon) your ability is just Slow Start. You power up in the end and you’ll find your voice eventually.

To my past self: You’re not going to grow up to be an amazingly popular kid in uni, or a sophisticated lady in a suit past that. In fact, all your dreams about how you would turn out were wrong. Sorry to break it to you. But you still have the habit of imagining what your future will hold. They are all still wrong. Turns out you are not a psychic. Shame.

To my past self: You are incredibly emotional now; you cry at everything. Stay away from the death scenes, and the touching moments: they really pull at your heart strings.

If you thought changing schools was bad, wait until you watch all your favourite characters die in all your favourite shows.

To my past self: You never really dedicated your time to grades, and it’s showing now.

But the creative road is a fun one, not an easy one. To be honest, I miss the effort you put into your drawings back then.

You don’t do as much now. You should’ve ignored everyone’s critique about your style. Even if it wasn’t the best, it was one of your greatest storytelling assets, and you’ve let it wane on you.

To my past self: Manga wasn’t a mistake. Even if the people in your life said it was a waste of time: not actual reading material, as well as the reason your grades were bad. The anime wasn’t a mistake. Even if people laughed and called them cartoons and childish. They nurtured you and made you think and appreciate what was around you a bit more. They also continue to be a massive part of your life, directly and indirectly, and they have led you to communities that have brightened your life.

To my past self: Your confidence still needs to be developed. Especially when dealing with others. But there will be more people who have faith in you, and your abilities.

So hopefully you can match their confidence and believe that you are as great as they say you are.

To my past self: Don’t feel so bad that you didn’t turn out so great with the Snapchat gender bender filter. You didn’t look that great with the girl or the guy one. You still looked cute with the child one though, so your inner child has not failed you.

Overall, to my past self. Your decisions have made me into what I am. I’m not completely impressed. But I’ve come to terms that I don’t need to be yet. Everyone’s journey is different and that is because everyone is different. With different lifestyles, circumstances and other factors that contributed to who they are. You’re fine. You’re perfectly fine and as long as you think that, that’s all that matters.

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8

The Roots

By Jack Crowe

At times we become tangled, Suffocating beneath the roots of life.

In silent suffering we cry, Six feet under and away from advice.

We clutch the roots with such fear, The people and things we love seem so far away.

Yet we have the power to control our grasp, And steer the roots our way.

Through the trudged soil we emerge, When we shed the leaves of a beast.

The hidden truth briefly stings, But the support tranquilises us with self-peace.

And at once the roots begin to bloom, Flourishing into yellows and pinks to discard the blue.

The flowers grow in beauty and strength, Reflective of the heavy past you have endured through.

Like a tree though life we grow and decay, Shedding the past to appreciate the present.

Reminiscing about the darker sides of our lives, We develop a valuable life lesson.

“

The only way we can live, is if we grow. The only way that we can grow is if we change. The only way that we can change is if we learn. The only way we can learn is if we are exposed. And the only way that we can become exposed is if we throw ourselves out into the open. Do it. Throw yourself.

- C. JoyBell C.

’’

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Getting Out Of Pessimistic Mindsets

By Jack Crowe

How content do you feel right now?

No, don’t just keep reading, think about the question. Literally, stop reading here, and take a minute to reflect. If you could rate your happiness on a scale of 1-10, what would it be? Why do you feel that way? It’s a daunting question, but in reality, it’s one we need to ask ourselves and others on a frequent basis to eliminate the negativity in our lives.

Some people say that you’re either born a pessimist or an optimist, accepting that their attitude will remain the same their entire life. I don’t believe that. I think it’s selective and that – depending on your environment – you are more likely to see a glass of water as either half-full or half-empty.

In case you don’t know, a pessimist is a person with the type of attitude or mindset where they are more likely to find the negative aspects of a particular thing or situation.

An optimist is the opposite, where they tend to find every positive aspect in order to outweigh the bad.

Pessimists tend to call themselves ‘realists’, but to get through these situations in your life, you need an optimist to offer support and encouragement.

Instead of accepting that a challenge might be unrealistic for you to achieve, an optimistic mindset will allow you to contribute your full effort towards it, providing you with a sense of pride in yourself once you’ve at least attempted the task of your desire. In my opinion, your mindset falls on a spectrum and is quite subjective. I think my mindset changes constantly depending on who I hang around with, how active I have been and even what movies or TV shows I watch. So, how would I describe myself? I know it’s corny, but I like to say I’m an optimistic pessimist: a bit of both. Therefore, I believe there are numerous ways to help change your attitude, to not only be a happier person and improve your wellbeing, but to make those around you happier as well.

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1. Looking on the

3. Surrounding yourself

If you’re an optimist by nature, this sounds simple.

If you’re a pessimist, it probably seems like an unrealistic endeavour. Well, there are some steps you can take to find the good in activities you do, even if you despise them.

Happiness is contagious. If you are an optimist, you are most likely to turn others around you into one.

However, the very opposite applies too. Don’t get me wrong, pessimists aren’t bad people at all, but the world needs a balance of both in order to have a healthy standard of pride and hopefulness. The problem that can occur with some people is when they surround themselves with toxic or selfish friends – those who seek to take advantage of other people, rather viewing them as acquaintances.

In this instance, it’s best to avoid these people, and find others who are comforting, honest and supportive – not people who try to win you over because you owe them a favour. To find friends that have a healthier impact on your wellbeing, all you need to do is have some common decency. Be kind, don’t gossip. Be humble, not arrogant and controlling. Most of all though, just be yourself.

Once again, I know that’s overly corny (I’m making myself sound like a Disney scriptwriter), but if you act enthusiastically to the things you enjoy, you make yourself a fun and energetic person to hang around, posing as a ball of light people are instantly attracted to.

brighter side

Firstly, identify every good aspect of the situation you can find. You might say, ‘But what if there aren’t any good things that come out of it?’ Believe me, I’ve heard it, and I’ve probably said it too, but you aren’t trying hard enough. Consider what you might get out of doing something. Stuck in a long queue that you can’t avoid? Think about what lies at the end of the queue. Tired of walking to your destination? Imagine how great it will feel once you get there and sit down.

Which leads me onto the next step: be appreciative.

It’s scientifically proven that the more grateful a person is, the more likely they are to be a happier person. No matter what you are doing, whether you’ve been forced into attending a party by your friends instead of watching Netflix, look for the positive aspects and just appreciate that you got invited. In this circumstance, consider the opportunities you have to have some fun, interact with others and do something that doesn’t happen often.

2. Fulfil your passions Fulfilling your passion not only means that you are occupying yourself with something that is more worthwhile than lounging around at home, but it means that you’re investing your time in something that you can cherish and value. You might be able to make money off your passions, or join a new community of people who share the same interest.

Passions can be hard to find, so why not try them all? In the film industry, you hear about actors that lock themselves in hotel rooms for a month.

In the music industry, you hear about musicians who lock themselves in the studio overnight. Yes, this is a little unhealthy, but it goes to show how passionate and determined people can be to work on something they are proud of. I believe everyone has that insane skill or interest they want to devote their life to, but it’s a matter of finding it through investigating a range of things that you might like.

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with positive people

For some, maybe their friends or family aren’t toxic or crude, but just pessimistic, gloomy and joyless.

That’s okay, but it means that it’s your responsibility to allow them to appreciate the positive aspects of situations. The most important element of optimism is sharing it and promoting it after all.

It’s a tough responsibility, but the key quality… zestfulness. To act this way prompts others to join in. There’s no doubt that everyone wants to have a good time, it’s just that some people need a little push to have one. Don’t be too hopeful, as some people cannot be won over, but it’s the thought that counts and your friends are likely to recognise you as a lively, encouraging person.

4. Positive Habits There’s an overwhelming amount of positive habits that are essential to having a healthy wellbeing.

EVERYONE becomes exposed for their lack of sleep. Did you know that the recommended amount of sleep for a teenager is 9 hours? While this might bewilder you, everyone is capable of reaching that level. ‘But school or work is too early!’ You’ll always find a reason for your lack of sleep, so it’s important to change your mindset.

You need to sit down and act practically. Work out your schedule. What keeps you up at night? Is it thoughts, or are you watching TV shows, or doing activities that can be done another time? What can you do to minimise your stress? When else can you sit down and binge Stranger Things for the third time? We all need recreation, as long as you fit it into your daily regime with the consideration of your sleep.

Gratitude is a key quality to practice and achieve a healthy wellbeing, so here’s how you can improve yours. It’s called ‘Gratitude 365’, and if you slap it into the Google search bar, I think you will be quite surprised by the overwhelming amount of bloggers, YouTubers and social media profiles that partake in the activity.

It’s simple: for each day, you take a photo or video and write or say what you are grateful for.

Do this for a year and you’ll find yourself to be a much more giving, generous and kinder person in general.

My final step to consider: who do you aspire to be? What qualities do these people have that you admire? How can you live up to their accomplishments? Investigate some of the things they do to be the person they are. They might meditate, they might endeavour to maintain healthy relationships, they might even have a particular routine they strictly follow to ensure they optimise their happiness, alertness and contentment the next day. In reality, when you look into the mirror, it’s not every day that you are going to feel like a superhero, or feel motivated, happy or optimistic. Ultimately, it’s a matter of self-confrontation. Address yourself and ask,

‘what can I do to make my day a great one?’

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Peaceful Photography by Zoe Alexiades

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Laughter, Contentment and Tears - A Playlist by Jack Crowe

MUSIC IS POWERFUL.

It can turn the gloomiest days into the brightest, get everyone up on their feet to dance and can lift the spirits of those who really need it. However, you do need the right music. I know it’s easy to slide on some headphones, jump onto Spotify and find your depressing, moody or angsty tunes playlist, but sometimes you need an upbeat kick to get you going, or just to lift your head. Sometimes, you just need some oomph. As a runner, choosing the right music can be difficult, but as long as there’s a fast kick and a catchy hook I am sure to keep pushing ahead. I believe that in most tasks you complete, music can be your motivation. When I run, the beat, heavy bass and lyrics offer me support and encouragement… that, and I also add my absolute top favourite tracks to my queue. The same can apply for when you’re studying and working, as long as you don’t drop everything and dance: that could be a problem.

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On the other hand, I feel like music can be a way to vent or feel support through the experiences and stories of singers. If you need some form of release, the sad songs I’ve put on this playlist will help you do that. Please remember not to listen to them on repeat every day, otherwise you might plummet into a pool of your own tears.

While the power of music can turn your bedroom into a disco, it can also be rather mesmerising and relaxing, offering you some relief and pose as a distraction from the day-to-day grind. Whether you want to leap out of your seat and pump your fists or simply need some chill tracks to keep you going, I hope that these underrated tunes will help you do just that.

1. Getaway - Saint Motel As soon as this track starts, I need to move. Whether it’s jumping around like some hyped, overly energetic lunatic, or popping my shoulders, this song always makes me smile and get caught up in its insane, fast-paced rhythm.

2. Lighthouse - Andrelli Remix - Hearts GIand Colours

As I said, I’m a runner, which means that the wrong song choices can influence whether I smash my personal best, or completely lose my breath in the first 100 metres. This track is an unwinding fistpumper, and, don’t worry, the vocal slices in the chorus are effective in distracting yourself from how far you’ve run.

3. The Village - Wrabel Sorry, this one might make you cry, but that’s because you might be able to relate to it and hear what Wrabel is trying to communicate. For those doubting themselves under the pressure and intolerance of others, Wrabel reminds us that ‘there’s nothing wrong with you’.

4. Moral of the Story - Ashe Ashe is an insane and underrated artist, so I had to include one of her songs on this list. This song marks the rainbow after the storm. It tells the story of a tragic breakup, reflecting back on the mistakes made in the past and accepting them. I think it’s a beautiful track, lyrically and instrumentally. It tells us that it’s okay to grieve, and that with time, we’ll move on and literally start a new chapter.

5. Cool Blue - The Japanese House Whenever I need to just chill out and focus my mind elsewhere, this is the song I find myself listening to.

Amber Bain’s soothing voice – along with the lyrical content of the song – create a tranquil sensation.

The symbol of ‘Cool Blue’ describes the warmth, calmness and contentment in a relationship, as well as the distress when the love begins to deteriorate – a relatable feeling most people struggle to express.

6. Wanted A Name - FRENSHIP ft. Yoke GiLore I definitely was addicted to this one for a while.

When I first heard it, the song and the music video showed up on my TV. I instantly knew it belonged on my main Spotify playlist. In the clip, Millicent Simmonds (the deaf daughter from A Quiet Place) signs the lyrics to the song, adding another layer of personal sentimentality to the song.

While I cannot relate to the song in the same way Millicent, FRENSHIP and Yoke Lore do, I think it’s an important story of yearning for a sense of belonging that everyone can apply their own feelings to.

7. Monster - Dodie This one reminds me of my childhood.

The production sounds crafty and playful, complimented by the subtle childlike essence within Dodie’s soft vocals. The instrumentals are almost ironic however, Dodie stating that the song’s about staring into the eyes of someone who hates you. Personally, I look at the song as if Dodie is confronting her so-called hater, standing up for herself in a gentle and defensive manner.

8. Best Friend - Rex Orange County Friendzoned? It’s okay, Rex Orange County will help you cope by forcing you to sing along to this tune.

The lyrics may be of heartbreak, but the melody and horns in the background make it a groovy track from your first listen. If you’re not singing along to it by your tenth listen, then I’m sorry, but you’re not allowed to move onto our last four tracks.

9. Places We Won’t Walk - Bruno Major ‘We will smile to end each day’ may deceive you at first, illustrating a sense of optimism and hopefulness, but when coupled with ‘children laugh and cry and play, slowly hair will turn to grey,’ the song becomes heavily melancholic, ‘the smile to end each day’ transforming into a coping mechanism. While these lyrics are sorrowful enough, Major plays a soft and solemn piano ballad to further pull at our heart strings.

10. Heaven Can Wait - LSD ft. Labrinth, Sia GGand Diplo

To bounce back from the last song, venture into the world of LSD, where the music is a hallucinogen on its own. While their music is psychedelic, weird and unpredictable, this song of theirs stands out as one of my personal favourites. The build in the chorus has got to be one of the most suspenseful pieces of music I’ve ever heard.

11. Crush Culture - Conan Gray This sarcastic love song is too relatable to not enjoy, especially if you’re single. Whenever loneliness and love submerges you six feet under, chuck on this comedic track to make you smile. Conan’s synthpop 80s vibe is guaranteed to make you dance and protest public affection. In the end, he tells us that we’re too good for love – ‘I’m sick of the kissing cult’.

12. Wildfire - Vancouver Sleep Clinic This one holds a special place within my mind. On my 16th birthday, I remember that I wasn’t very enthusiastic towards the party idea. While being convinced to go to the movies, or celebrate at some expensive, trendy place in the city, I was too stubborn to accept anyone’s ideas. Finally, I was persuaded to throw a simple party at my house.

Me, my friends, a campfire, some pizza, and a movie. That night had to be one of the best and chillest nights of my life. Every time I think about it, I remember my friends and I, chatting and dancing around the campfire, listening to this beautiful song.

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A Giant Coat of Static A Giant Coat of Static

A Giant Coat of Static

Just a note: this is a personal account of my own experiences only.

If you identify with any of the experiences in this piece, don’t self-diagnose – talk to a professional.

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At shook that fatigue.

It felt like I was wearing a giant coat feeling tired or lacking energy, little pleasure or inter Push the coat off my shoulders, even if it still hu much harder to pick. There’s this cultural depiction trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, even later, even feels like I the never quite of static, likeyears I could still now, walkitthrough in doing things. still felt anback imposter, even around my arms;I peel the like layers off that de oftimes, depression, of depressed people, withworld, that but all- symptoms: feeling tired or lacking energy, little pleasure or interest shook that fatigue.

It felt like I was wearing a giant coat with this fuzziness my limbs weighing Ifog checked after I’m not that through. bad, I told t so thatbox it was thinbox. enough to walk consuming despairthrough and angst.

But mine didn’tthem even in doing things. I still felt like an imposter, even as of static, like I could still walk through the world, but down, stopping me really feeling the sunlight. psychologist. I told her I’d been having these sympto feel like sadness.

It from just felt—flat.

Detached.

Tired. IAnd had I checked box after box. I’m not that bad, I told the with this fuzziness through my limbs weighing them when interacting with the world becomes a chore, that for sixImonths, on and off for six years.

Shewh to There’s thisher questionnaire they make you fill out come down in glandular fever in the last half of Year 12, psychologist. told I’dmaybe, been having these symptoms down, stopping me from really feeling the sunlight. And coat can feelthrough surprisingly comforting. can be all too me time frames they consider youabout visit athe new try and get told a when sensemak of y and pushed than maybeItaI should have.

At for six months, maybe, on clinic, and off to for six years.

She when interacting with more the world becomes chore, that easy justfeel stay home bury inside diagnoses, which I had well when and truly met. symptoms: trouble sleeping or sleeping tooDesp mu times, even years later, and even now,yourself it feels like the time frames they consider making coattocan surprisingly comforting.

It can beI never allit. too quite me about diagnoses, which I had well and truly met.

Despite easy to just stay home and bury yourself inside it. everything, that made it real for the first time.

I h feeling tired or lacking energy, little pleasure or inter shook that fatigue. It felt like I was wearing a giant coat everything, that made it real for the first time.

I had been allowed, finally to own this, an andimposter, to deal with th In early teens I hadstill already probably in doing things.

I still felt like even of my static, like I could walk realised through that the Iworld, but finally to own this, and to deal with this.

In my early teensdepressed.

I had alreadyIt realised that I probably was somewhat wasn’t until my second I checked box after box. I’m not that bad, I told with this fuzziness through my limbs weighing them been allowed, was somewhat depressed. It wasn’t until my second Over the years,IItold drifted Zoloft, mostly accidenta year of stopping universityme – age 19 really – thatfeeling I finallythe owned up to it. psychologist. heroff I’dthe been having these sympto down, from sunlight.

And Over the years, I drifted off the Zoloft, mostly accidentally year of university – age 19 – that I finally owned up to it. (which I definitely do not endorse!

You should alwt Itwhen felt minor, still, even in my worse times.

Depression is for six months, maybe, on and off for six years.

She interacting with the world becomes a chore, that (which I definitely do not endorse! You should always It felt minor, still, even in my worse times. Depression is not to feellike likea acoat, coat, and people so talk totalk tomedical your professionals before stopp me about themedical time frames they consider when mak coat can feel surprisingly comforting.

It can be allittoo your professionals before stopping notsupposed supposed to feel and people havehave it so much and was myfault fault for being to medication, medication, and tapering offthe if choice). that’s the choic diagnoses, which I had well and truly met.

Desp easy toworse, just stay home and bury yourself inside and tapering off if that’s much worse, and itit was my for notnot being ableit.able to medication, tried a itstronger Had dealwith withthis. this. Not Not what was badbad enough.

But But Tried another deal whatI thought I thought was enough.

Tried another medication, tried a the stronger dose.I Hh everything, that made real fordose. first time. been allowed, finally to own this, and to deal with t In my early teens I had already realised that I probably was somewhat depressed. It wasn’t until my second Over the years, I drifted off the Zoloft, mostly accident year of university – age 19 – that I finally owned up to it. (which I definitely do not endorse! You should alw It felt minor, still, even in my worse times.

Depression is 18 talk to your medical professionals before stopp not supposed to feel like a coat, and people have it so

c

c

GP. ha hat st.

reat a of just GP. out. th a ally, that ion. st. h so self. reat ung a of nse just out. ally, hen sion. hour so uch, self. rest ung n as ense the oms old hen king your pite uch, had rest nhis. as the ally oms ways told ping king ce). pite Had had this.

tally ways ping

aabreak started again again with withaadifferent different break from from therapy, therapy, and started psychologist regular sessions; sessions; dropped dropped off off psychologist and and more regular those stable. II still still don’t don’thave havethe the thoseagain again when when I felt more stable. answers: used to to have havesets setsup upaabrick brick answers: anxiety anxiety that that I never used wall in in my my head head when I’m particularly wall particularly overwhelmed. overwhelmed.I I havedownswings, downswings, when I have big have big chunks chunksof oftime timeto tofill fillor or feelparticularly particularly lost lost at my job. I still feel still have havethat thatmasochistic masochistic tendency to to believe believe I’ve earned earned anything tendency anythingthat thatI’m I’mfeeling, feeling, by not being good enough to deal with it.

I suspect by not being good enough to deal with it. I suspectI Iwill will beliving livingwith with depression—mild, depression—mild, perhaps, be perhaps,but butchronic—for chronic—for therest restof of my my life. life. the

youneed need support, reach out.

IfIfyou support, reach out. additiontotothe thecontact contact details below, many InInaddition details below, many of of theseorganisations organisations offer support text or online. these offer support byby text or online.

Beyond BeyondBlue Blue

1300 224224 636636 1300

Headspace Headspace

1800 650 890 1800 650 890

Kids KidsHelpline Helpline

1800 551551 800 1800 800

Lifeline Lifeline Kingston Services KingstonYouth Youth Services

13 11 13 14 11 14 1300 369369 436436 1300

But here’s here’s the the difference difference between But between me me at at 13, 13, or or 19, 19,and and now: I know how to confront it.

I have gotten better now: I know how to confront it. I have gotten betteratat picking out out the the signs, signs, figuring figuring out picking out what what isis aa bad badday, day,or or even a bad week, compared to something more severe. even a bad week, compared to something more severe.

I have the language to talk about how I’m feeling to I have the language to talk about how I’m feeling to my friends and my family, and I have a psychologist my friends and my family, and I have a psychologist that I trust when I need to get back on track. I have a that I trust when I need to get back on track. I have a GP who knows my history, and my family’s history, if GP who knows my history, and my family’s history, if I need medical certificates or prescriptions. And I have I need medical certificates or prescriptions. And I have the acknowledgement from all of these people that no, the acknowledgement from all of these people that no, I’m not just being emotional, or weak, or whatever else I I’m not just being emotional, or weak, or whatever else I might tell myself: this is real, and I am able to deal with it. might tell myself: this is real, and I am able to deal with it.

I’m not an expert, not even on myself. But I will say this: I’m not an expert, not even like on the myself.

ButIt’s I will this: mental health is not always stories. notsay always mental health is not always like the stories.

It’s not always as flashy or as dramatic as you might expect – and that as flashy make or as dramatic as you expect doesn’t your feelings any might less real.

And –if and you that are doesn’t make your feelings any itless real.seem, And it’s if you are struggling, no matter how trivial might worth struggling, trivialofitimpact might seem, worth addressingno it. matter There ishow no level from ait’s mental addressing it. There no need level of health condition thatisyou to impact just dealfrom with.a mental health condition that you need to just deal with.

You have the right to feel happy: fight for it.

You have the right to feel happy: fight for it.

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Movies for Your State of Mind Depending on the day we’ve had or the mood we’re in, movie needs change for everyone. We understand that no matter what you’re feeling there’s probably a movie for that and a snack to too. Whether you want you laugh it up, cry it out or just generally stoke those warm fuzzy feelings Universal has come up with a list of recommendations to help you do so.

Here are our recommendations from other young people around the area.

Laugh

Cry

Ant Man 2 “Simply because of one of the most amazing dubbing scenes I have seen in my life.” – Sa

Grave of the fireflies “If you watch it you’ll know why...” – Sa

Mary and Max “An extremely touching film created by mega genius, Adam Elliot. It will make you laugh and bawl your eyes out. If you have not seen it, you must!” – Si Harvie Krumpet “Another must watch film created by Adam Elliot! Basically everything he makes is amazing. Just watch them.“ – Si A Dog's Purpose “This is my family's go-to film for a laugh and maybe a small cry. It tells the tale of a dog and how it helps his owners along his lifetime. 11/10 for cuteness. “ –J One Cut of the Dead “We all laugh at people when they do something silly... yes this is one of them, but you will be impressed by how they do it. To deal with all kinds of unwanted situations, they have a lot of creativity and dedication.

You won't be bored watching it.

Strongly recommend this movie!” – A Spiderman Homecoming “Peter Parker is just such a relatable dork and his friends are pretty amusing too. There’s plenty of comedy inbetween the action. – Sh

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Your Name “Simply the lyrics in the song touches my heart… There is a moment that it made me feel melancholic when the song starts singing how life is treating you like to tame you to get used to it.” –A Up “I cry every single time I see this! The first 10 minutes will rip your heart out and have you crying on the floor. Then it will quickly pick you up and take you on a heart warming adventure, filled with laughter and joy. It is absolutely stunning. Oh and the soundtrack is incredibly beautiful! I get super emotional when I hear it.” –Si Charlotte’s Web “When I was younger I loved this movie.

Charlotte was so nice and at the end of the movie I always got emotional an teared up.” – Ch The Hunger Games “If you have the time I would definitely suggest you watch all the Hunger Games movies. They’re so intense and powerful.” – R The Fault in Our Stars “This movie is just such an emotional roller coaster. It’s teen romance mixed in with the hardships of battling cancer.” – Sh

Mushy inside (feel good) Mirai no Mirai “The surreal moments in the film make the film super confusing but it’s such a wholesome way to show the development of a child...to the point where I want a magic tree to help me raise my future kids haha. “ – Sa Coco “This made me ball and feel mushy inside mainly because of the family bonds that were shown in the film and the importance of remembering the people who were in your life.” – Sa Kiki’s delivery service “Any Studio Ghibli movie is a good choice, but this has a special place in my heart. Mostly sweet and cute but gets me unexpectedly emotional.” – G The Princess Bride “This is a classic fairy tale romance that is so much more than romance: there’s a fair bit of nostalgia attached, but it never fails to make me smile.” –G Harry Potter “The whole series is not only a nostalgia trip but it’s great to watch all the amazing adventure’s Harry, Ron and Hermione go on!” – Ch The Incredibles “It’s just such a classic family film. What could be more wholesome and enjoyable than a crime fighting super family? – R Collated by Rochelle Leslie

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How do YOU manage your wellbeing?

Wellbeing means different things to everyone, and the things that are important to keep us balanced and happy are different too. So we asked the Universal team what they do to look after themselves.

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After a tough day at school, work, or just when I’m casually stressed out, I throw myself down on my piano stool and just play everything that I can think of. This doesn’t mean that I don’t throw my hands down against the keys in frustration when I make a mistake, but once I’ve played a piece from start to finish – perfectly – I know that I have restored my mind to its calmer state. To flick through my brain’s catalogue of songs, I can distract myself from reality, and take the time necessary to relax, digest the challenges of the day, and enter my flow state.

In a way, it’s one deep breath that I exhale while I let my fingers dance across the black and white keys. Once I am satisfied, I continue to sit at my piano stool, staring out of the front window of my house, legs crossed. I tell myself, ‘okay, this is what I need to do,’ glimpsing at the trains and cars as each passenger and driver goes by.

Reassuring myself, I think of each person passing by: ‘I wonder what they go home to,’ contemplating whether they feel the same as myself. Whether or not, I remind myself that I should be appreciative, because there are some people who simply cannot confront their stressors or the work they have on their plate. These thoughts submerge myself back into reality, content and motivated to minimise – and conquer – this stressor.

I manage my wellbeing through music, it calms me down and I often have memories associated with different songs as I go to a lot of concerts. I also exercise to reduce stress and tension in my body and communicate with those around me about how I’m feeling, something as simple as going for a coffee with a friend can help.

Jack Crowe

Georgia Coldebella

Zoe Alexiades I try to have hobbies that have nothing to do with my everyday life. I do karate, I play in a big band, I work with Universal! I especially like things that have a set time, so I don’t have to make a conscious effort to do them: I just show up, and I have a couple of hours where I can have a break from whatever else is going on. When I can’t keep up that commitment, I make sure that I let myself have time to myself anyway, whether that’s taking the evening off to watch TV with my housemates or sitting down for a while on a Sunday afternoon to write or draw.

Or even just giving myself a pass for the weekend and doing nothing except read or watch an entire Netflix season I’ve been excited about. When I spend most of my week at work, I find it so important to make sure I’m checking in with myself and setting aside time to do things I love.

Aside from drawing and yoga, my favourite way to manage my wellbeing is to have a good old laugh. Whether I’m watching a funny video or joking with friends and family, laughing helps get me through anything. Humour has always been a coping strategy for me. Rather than cry about something, sometimes you just have to laugh instead. Finding humour in everything is a joyful way to live.

Other ways I manage my wellbeing include cooking (which is a good distraction from negative thoughts since it requires extra concentration to avoid burning the house down), dancing in my room...super awkward when someone walks in though. Also...maybe slightly inappropriate, but swearing also helps me.

Simone Jones I manage my wellbeing by talking to my family and friends.

This keeps me happy! I also like to stay organised and on top of things so that I avoid stressful situations later on. I use apps, calendars and to-do lists to help me. I also like to take some time out of my busy schedule to pamper myself or watch some tv. This relaxes me.

Mariah Lantouris

I manage my wellbeing by trying to avoid overworking myself, participating in a regular sport and by making sure to spend time seeing my friends and family. It can be tricky to balance sometimes but it’s good.

Work, Exercise, Family + Fun! Rochelle Leslie I manage my wellbeing in two phases. If I am outside of the house I will draw or just sketch. Maybe make up a bunch of stories in my head. Imagining people in scenarios is also fun because you can place them in scenarios as simple as ‘maybe they’re late for work,’ or as complex as ‘they might have ten siblings and are thinking about how to feed them’.

Indoors I just watch a lot of Korean variety. It fits to my style of humour and each show can have moments of wholesomeness and stories that really motivate me to try harder in life.

Sammar Bassal

Written by Georgia Coldebella Designed by Kelly Zheng

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