Are you Ready to Transition?

Your Health & Wellbeing Guide

This guide is here to help you take care of your physical, emotional, and sexual health. It covers:

• Mental health
• Bullying
• Body image & self-esteem
• Alcohol & drugs
• Sexual health
• Your rights
• Education & future pathways
• Always talk to your healthcare team and your parent/carer about advice that is specific to you.

Health & Wellbeing

Resilience – Bouncing Back

Resilience means being able to cope with tough times (like friendship problems, breakups, family stress, or not getting into a course you wanted) and moving forward.

How to Build Resilience:

• Stay connected with supportive friends and family
• Try new activities, clubs or teams
• Set realistic goals and celebrate progress
• Believe in your abilities
• Break problems into smaller steps
• Learn from past experiences
• Be kind to yourself
• Accept that change is part of life
• Don’t give up — things get easier over time

Bullying

Bullying is never okay. It is repeated behaviour meant to hurt, upset, or intimidate someone.

Types of Bullying:

• Physical (hitting, pushing)
• Verbal (name-calling, insults)
• Social (spreading rumours, excluding someone)
• Emotional (intimidation or manipulation)
• Cyberbullying (online or via phone)

What You Can Do:

• Tell them to stop
• Be assertive
• Walk away
• Stay calm and don’t believe hurtful words
• Talk to someone you trust

If It’s Online:

• Don’t reply
• Save evidence
• Block/delete the person
• Report it
• Tell a trusted adult
• Call police if it’s threatening

🧠 Mental Health

Body Image

Body image is how you see and feel about your body.

Remember:

• Social media often shows unrealistic images
• Genetics affect how you look
• You can’t change everything — and that’s okay

Boost Positive Body Image:

• Don’t compare yourself to others
• Stop negative self-talk
• Focus on your strengths
• Eat well and move your body safely
• Avoid dangerous diets
• Reach out for support

You are more than how you look.

Self-Esteem

Self-esteem is how much you value yourself.

Build it by:

• Practicing self-care
• Staying social
• Developing hobbies
• Setting goals
• Talking to trusted people

Getting Professional Help

If you’re struggling:

• See a GP and ask about a Mental Health Care Plan
• This may allow you to access psychology sessions with Medicare support
• You can also speak to school wellbeing staff

Getting help early makes a big difference.

Sexual Health

Sexual health is about:

• Preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Preventing unplanned pregnancy
• Feeling safe, respected and informed

If you’re thinking about becoming sexually active:

• Practice safe sex
• Talk to a GP about contraception
• Ask questions about what’s right for your body and health

If you have a chronic health condition, discuss how it may affect contraception, pregnancy, or fertility.

Alcohol & Drugs

If you choose to drink:

• Know your limits
• Eat before drinking
• Drink water between drinks
• Avoid shots
• Look after your friends
• Avoid drinking before school or work

If you’re worried about alcohol or drug use (for yourself or a friend), reach out to a trusted adult or health professional.

Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Be treated with respect
• Understand your treatment
• Be involved in decisions
• Privacy and confidentiality (with safety exceptions)
• Ask questions
• Make a complaint if you’re unhappy

If you’re:

• Over 18 → You can make your own healthcare decisions
• Under 18 → Parents/carers may need to be involved (depending on the situation and your maturity)

If you’re unsure about your rights, ask your healthcare team to explain them.

Support

Connecting with others who understand what you’re going through can really help — especially if you live with a chronic condition.

Support options can include:

• Peer discussion groups   New Link
• Youth programs
• Online communities  New Link
• Social activities and workshops

Education & Your Future

If you’re studying, working, or planning your next step:

• There are supports available if you have a chronic health condition or disability
• You can ask for adjustments at school, TAFE, university or work
• Youth services can help with study, jobs, money and moving out

Taking the First Step

Getting help can feel scary — that’s normal.

To make it easier:

• Message or email first if calling feels hard
• Ask someone to help book an appointment
• Bring a support person
• Write down your questions
• Start with one small step
• You don’t have to figure everything out alone.
  Asking for help is a sign of strength.