Just be You

J is for Just be You

I have been tossing around in my mind a variety of slogans or messages that I wish to stand for. I thought about 'It's Okay to be Different', 'Diversity is Great', 'Embrace Difference'... but none of these exactly explained my philosophy on life and my life experience which I share with people and write about in my books. Yesterday, on Boxing Day, I was discussing this with my sister-in-law while we were chatting about what we've been doing lately. When I got home two words popped into my head... Just be. I googled 'Just be' (as you do). The results suggested these two words were about being in the moment and mindfulness. Close, but not quite what I wanted. My mind remained on this path and I let it wander. It didn't take long for the three lettered word, YOU, to make its way to the fore. I typed 'Just be you' into google and a beautiful song called Just Be You by Anthem Lights feat. Sadie Robertson, appeared. I listened to the song and I knew this was my message.

So what is my message? What does Just be YOU mean?

In 10 points I would say to Just be you, you need to:

1) Peel off society's negative labels and find your true identity.
2) Accept yourself - your good and bad parts; your disability; your difference, your uniqueness.
3) Be brave enough to face the world as the real you.
4) Live in the present how life is now - not in the past, and not in the future.
5) Seek help to find your true identity, if you need to. Don't be afraid to get professional help.
6) Find others who are like you. I call these your tribe.
7) Be content with your disability or difference, and embrace it as a part of you. Remember it doesn't have to define you, it is just a part of you.
8) Maintain a positive outlook on life, even if it isn't how you would like it to be.
9) Look after yourself. Self-care is essential. Seek assistance from others if you need it.
10) Lead an inclusive life. Go out in the community and lead as ordinary of a life as you can.

I am currently editing my next book which will expand on these points further.

***

In 2018 a song was released that also exemplified my message. I wish this song had been around when I was a teenager and not accepting myself as me. Of course it is This Is Me from The Greatest Showman.

So to finish this post... This week we head towards 2019. It is the perfect time to reflect on the year and jot down the changes we would like to make, or how how we would like 2019 to look.

It is also the perfect time to Just be YOU.

To find out more about me go to

www.jennywoolsey.com

Inclusive Education

I is for Inclusive Education

Something that I am passionate about is inclusive education, due to my youngest daughter having Down syndrome. These two words, 'inclusive education' though are often misused and there is a lot of confusion over what they actually mean. So, it is my intention with this blog post, to set things straight.

What is inclusive education?
 

1) First of all I am talking about students with disabilities being in mainstream schools. Being in a special school is not inclusive education.

2) Students are in the classroom with the other students,and for the same amount of time as the other students. They are provided with the supports they need to access the same activities that the other students do. Their school work is modified if necessary and if so, they are doing the same work as their peers but at their level. They do not have a teacher aide shadowing them. 

This is a succinct definition:

Inclusion is being physically present and fully participating in the same classroom as peers for the same proportion of time; socially belonging and immersed in the same curriculum. 

It requires the provision of necessary supports and adjustments so the student can learn, contribute and participate socially alongside one’s peers.

Students are under the same school and class rules, although it needs to be stressed that it may take more time and attention to teach some children these rules. 

Inclusive education is not:

* Special classes
* A full-time teacher aide
* Being isolated in the classroom
*  The student is working in parallel rather than the curriculum being modified
* Being included in class but not in the life of the school (playground, excursions, camps, extra-curricular)
* Being enrolled but not challenged to learn, participate and contribute

 Let's look at the following diagram:

Exclusion:  Students with disabilities are in separate schools.

Segregation: Students with disabilities are in a mainstream school but are kept in separate units away from the rest of the students.

Integration: Students with disabilities are in mainstream schools, in classrooms but are expected to do the same work as the other children even if they are not able to, they do not have any supports, and they may be excluded or separated from the other students for some activities.

Inclusion: What we want!

 Why do we want inclusion for children with disabilities?

        1) All children are learners and all children are unique. What is ‘normal’?

2) School is the gateway to society and inclusive communities start with inclusive neighbourhood schools that value diversity and respect the right of all students to be welcomed and to belong. 

3) Inclusion means going to school with siblings. It’s about having an ordinary life.

4) Regular schools offer a wide range of experiences.

5) Inclusion is a RIGHT:

* Article 24 of the United Nations Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities recognises the right to an inclusive education as a human right of people with disability.

* In Australia, the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005 ensure equal access for people with a disability to education.

* The Australian Professional Standards for Teachers 1.5 & 1.6 give the instructions that teachers must differentiate teaching to meet the specific learning needs of students across the full range of abilities. 

What research is there on inclusive education? 

 

The case for inclusive education over ‘special education’ models (special schools or education support units), is overwhelming. Over 40 years of research, and hundreds of studies have compared education outcomes for students with a disability in segregated special education settings to regular education environments. They have all ruled in favour of inclusive schools. The benefits continue into secondary education.

In Australia, Dr Bob Jackson has done a lot of research into the benefits of inclusive education for children with disabilities.

http://www.include.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Inclusion_Seg.pdf

This diagram shows two pathways. The horizonal is the life of a child who goes to mainstream school and progresses on with a regular ordinary life. The diagonal line shows the direction life takes for many students who go through special education.

Research has also shown that inclusion leads to:

* Greater access to the general education curriculum

* More time ‘on task’ and a greater motivation to learn

* Greater progress academically, particularly with literacy skills

* Increased communication skills

* Improved social skills and behaviour

* More friendships

* A change in the school culture to a more inclusive one to the benefit of a great many students, not just those with a disability.

But what about the effects on non-disabled students and their learning?

 

* This is a common argument used by many to stop children with disabilities from being in the classroom. But this is a poor argument as the research has shown that inclusion is better for ALL students. Having disabled children in a school, develops more positive attitudes towards difference, better social skills and awareness, more caring friendships, less disruptive behaviour and more developed personal values and ethics. All students in the school learn the skills they need to live full lives as part of their communities, and to build the communities of the future. 

* Disabled peers do not take away from teacher instruction time and there is no detrimental effect on the achievement of the child’s peers. Many studies have shown a positive impact due to peer tutoring. The behaviour of the other students is unaffected, and differentiation of the curriculum leads to better teaching for the whole class and more effective classroom management strategies.  

It's about the mindset of educators

One of the excuses I received from a teacher not wanting my daughter in her class was, there would be too much preparation and she didn't have the time. This turned out to be false and later in the year, this particular teacher changed her mindset towards inclusion and actually embraced it. I like the following meme as it gives great examples of how teachers can look at the children with disabilities who are in their class. 

Advice for Parents

Parents who have children with significant disabilities and are wanting their child to have an inclusive education will more than likely face gatekeepers, barriers, low expectations and prejudices along the way. Even though it is a right, there are many in the education system who do not believe that children with disabilities should be in mainstream school. I have encountered some myself in my journey, and I've had to be an assertive advocate for my daughter. I've also had to maintain my vision for my daughter, and check in often with her teacher to ascertain whether we are still on track. Often schools can seem like secret societies. My advice is to be prepared that challenges will arise at some stage, and gather people around you who can support you.

My daughter is just about to finish her primary school experience and start her journey through high school. I have my vision for her firmly implanted in my mind and in the next little while will be imparting it to her new school. And of course it is the school where her brother and sister go to.  

Some great websites are:

http://allmeansall.org.au/

http://thegoodlife.cru.org.au/getting-started/#education 

http://www.startingwithjulius.org.au/

http://www.theinclusiveclass.com/

https://sipnweb.com/edinclusion-guide/

https://inclusiveschools.org/


For my readers living in Queensland, this is the link to Education Queensland's Inclusive Education page on their website:

https://education.qld.gov.au/students/inclusive-education 

***

For more articles on difference and diversity you can find me on Facebook at:
https://www.facebook.com/JennyWoolseyAuthor/

Healing

 H is for Healing

noun

noun: healing

1.

the process of making or becoming sound or healthy again.

Yesterday was World Mental Health Day, so I thought this blog should focus on emotional and psychological healing.

 

***

There is no need to suffer silently and there is no shame in seeking help. – Catherine Zeta-Jones

Jesus said, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.’ Matthew 11:28-30

***

We all have problems, those stumbling blocks or things that crop up that interrupt the smooth running of our lives. Generally, they stop us from doing what we’d like to be doing. Most problems can be solved, either by problem-solving strategies, asking someone who’s already been through the situation, or enlisting the help of someone with experience in that area.

Sometimes though we cannot solve our problems. Sometimes despite all our best efforts to change things, nothing happens. We are stuck and when a person becomes stuck they will often experience symptoms in their body. It could be the shakes, or avoidance of situations or maybe even staying in bed. Some people try to escape from their problems and symptoms by working late, with food, alcohol, drugs, sex or excessive entertainment. This is not the way to live - we need to find healing.

Help for Your Mental Health

I would often look at the psychologist business cards at my local doctor’s clinic. For many years before I had my anxiety and depression breakdown, I wanted to go and see one, but I was scared and embarrassed. I knew my head wasn’t right. I knew there were things in my past that I needed to deal with. There were things I just couldn’t shake on my own. I knew the stress of my life was getting to me. But did I make the appointment? No. Not until it was forced upon me by my doctor. He told me that as part of my recovery I needed to go and see a psychologist. I had no choice. I had to do it. 

So why didn’t I go and seek help and healing years before when I knew in my heart that I should? 

Because I think there is a stigma about seeking help, particularly where our mental health is concerned. You must be crazy if you go and see a psychologist or a counsellor or go to a support group right? We feel it is a sign that we are not coping. That we are weak. But by not seeking help we are denying ourselves from being the best person we can be. Seeking help can rid us of chains that are wrapped around our brains and our hearts. A friend told me something I have always remembered. ‘If you had a broken arm you’d get it fixed, mental illness is the same. Go get it fixed.’ This is so true.  

Going to a psychologist has given me many ‘aha’ moments and through these 'aha' moments, I have been given healing. I act this way because of something in my past. I react this way because of something in my past. I have fears because of… I am obsessive and a perfectionist because… I married this person because… This is a trigger because… The list goes on. I now understand myself better. And when my anxiety takes over or I have bad or weird dreams, I can look at the situation and my reactions and feelings and ask myself, why I am feeling this way? And normally because of my therapy I can work through it. I can identify the triggers. I now have the skills to cope with my anxiety and depression when it hits. Therapy doesn’t take my feelings away, but I don’t go as low as I used to, and I know how to handle things. And if I don’t feel I can cope, I can ring my psychologist and make an appointment to go and work through it. 

Also if you have children who are displaying symptoms of anxiety and depression, take them to see a psychologist. My daughter has struggled with her mental health since she was 7 years old. It is really difficult to see your child struggling. Make known to them that you are there for them and they can tell you anything. Don’t presume they know that – tell them. I have found that they might not want to tell you anything so be prepared for that. At times I’ve had to read my daughter’s mental health through her behaviour and her Facebook posts. Now on the other hand they may tell you things that shock you. My advice if this happens, is to stay calm inside. If you blow up or react negatively, then they will shut down and may not come back to you in the future. You don’t want to lose their trust, but of course you also have to parent them. It’s a delicate balancing act. They may even say, ‘I’m okay,’ when they’re really not, as they don’t want to talk about how they are feeling. 

I must add here that you may not like the first psychologist you see. I was fortunate, I did, but my daughter did not. For a professional relationship to develop, you need to like your psychologist and need to feel at ease with them. There needs to be rapport between you both. If you don’t feel comfortable, or you feel like you’re being condescended, then you won’t be open or receptive to what the therapist is saying. My daughter tried a few different psychologists until we found her a match. If this happens to you, keep going until you find the right fit.  

Do you use google to solve your problems? There are great articles on reputable sites which can definitely help you but I still recommend seeing a professional, particularly if you have given the practical online advice and strategies a good shot, but you don’t feel any different.  

When sharing with friends, you will find that there are many who are eager to offer solutions to your problem. Before going ahead with the advice, consider things carefully. What gives your friends the wisdom to tell you what to do? Do they have expertise or experience in the field? 

So what does a psychologist do? To put it simply they talk to you and you talk to them. There is nothing scary about it. Now you’re probably wondering why would you talk to a stranger about your problems, particularly when you have friends or family you can talk to? Well psychologists are trained in different types of therapies and questioning techniques which help you to unpack what is at the core of your feelings. It may not be what you think it is. 

In general, going to a psychologist can help a person to:

• ·         Change negative thoughts and feelings
• ·         Encourage them to get involved in activities
• ·         Develop problem-solving techniques 
•           Speed the person’s recovery
• ·         Identify ways to manage one’s mental and physical wellbeing

Psychologists can look past the words you are saying. They can pick up on your body language and your tone of voice. They can go deeper. They have the knowledge to explore your issues in a guided way. They are not going to give you answers necessarily but they will help you to express your needs, your hurts, and your wants. And talking to a psychologist is confidential. The psychologist is not going to gossip about you. You can be as open as you want to. There is no fear of embarrassment. You don’t need to keep secrets. You can expose your true self. 

Psychologists also can help you to identify triggers such as someone yelling in the shops may make you shaky if you were in an abusive relationship. They can teach you strategies for coping and ways to solve problems, and they can help you increase your self-confidence and train you to be assertive. They can help change your way of thinking about situations, and help you put everything in perspective. They encourage you to face your fears. They support you as you do face your fears. They can help you to question your own thinking, because our thinking is not always correct. It is affected by our experiences and can at times be irrational and illogical. I'm sure you can see how this can lead to your healing.

If you are in Australia, you can visit your GP and ask for a Mental Health Care Plan. This entitles you to up to 10 sessions with a psychologist in a year. These are free if you are on a pension card, or at a reduced cost as there is a Medicare rebate. You can also get five sessions per calendar year with a general Care Plan and some health funds pay for psychology. 

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-care-plan

So what sort of things would you go and see a psychologist for? Here are some:

• ·         Anxiety
• ·         Bullying/racism
• ·         Depression
• ·         Family issues
• ·         Health issues - Addictions / Dentistry / Eating Disorders / Illness and Somatoform Disorders / Pain Management / Smoking Cessation / Stress Management / Wellness
• ·         Stress management
• ·         Spirituality
• ·         Trauma/PTSD  

It is important to know that a psychologists cannot prescribe medication. For this, a General Practitioner or psychiatrist needs to be consulted. 

Some more specific examples of when you should see a psychologist:

1. An issue or your back story is causing considerable distress, and is affecting your life e.g. maybe you have severe anxiety which is stopping you from going to work, or you have diarrhea every day that you have work. Maybe you avoid social situations.  
2. Your friends or family are pulling away because are tired of hearing about your problems, or they can’t cope with supporting you anymore.
3. Nothing you have done helps.
4. You have become addicted or overuse something because of your mental state. Maybe you overeat, or drink or take drugs.
5.  People have told you to go and get help.

There are also website and helplines you can ring in Australia:

·         Kids Helpline https://kidshelpline.com.au/

·         Headspace https://www.headspace.org.au/

·         Beyond Blue  https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

·         Lifeline https://www.lifeline.org.au/

·         Black Dog Institute https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/

My final question is - Do you need to find healing for your mental health?