Hmm... since school is starting again soon, I have a few words that I've been meaning to share with everyone prior to Year 12.
Year 12 is a stressful year for everyone. There is no doubt about that. Even if you're someone who tends to cope well at school and has had the experience of doing a Units 3&4 subject before, there is still the chance that things might get just a bit too much at times throughout the year. As you know, I struggled heaps last year and while I feel I'll be able to manage my feelings a lot better this year, I cannot guarantee that the positive outcome from last year's experiences will be enough to prevent myself from relapsing back into poor mental health. This is a serious issue not only for myself, but for all the Year 12s on this forum. I am strongly urging you more than ever to use this thread as an outlet throughout the next 12 months. I know a fair few of you tried to bottle your feelings up last year and then things didn't quite go to plan come the end of year exams. Nothing good comes out of shutting yourself away from others. I realise some of you witnessed a few people behaving in a very unsatisfactory manner in regards to both my own mental health and the mental health of others, but please don't let this discourage you from opening up to us. The majority of this cohort, and this forum, are very understanding and considerate, and are a great source of support and advice when the going gets tough.
I don't give a fuck what anyone says - I'm not going to let anything get in the way of ensuring our cohort maintains in optimal mental shape. By signing up to this forum, you should feel morally bound to the ATARNotes spirit of giving and taking. Every member of this forum has the responsibility of looking out for their peers and providing them with a shoulder to lean on should they need it, regardless of whether you feel mental illness is justified or not. It's just a shame some people have tried to weave out of this duty - that being said, it is never too late to change your ways, so I strongly encourage you to become actively involved in advocating positive mental welfare.
To reiterate, mental illness is a significant problem which affects numerous Year 12s each year. People deserve a supportive environment where they can open up about their feelings. Talking about your concerns is crucial. I hope that the entire cohort feels welcome to discuss any issues they experience and that the community is able to facilitate a constructive and approachable outlet.