GGS Health - Term 2

Mental Health Check-In: The Power of Your Inner Voice

This week, as we wrap up our school's involvement in Movember— raising vital funds and awareness for men’s health—we want to focus on a crucial part of that mission that applies to everyone: mental health and the importance of self-care.

We’ve seen fantastic efforts in growing Mos and taking part in physical challenges, which all help start those important conversations. But real change also happens inside your own head. One of the most powerful tools you have for building confidence and managing stress is something you use every single day: your inner voice, or what we call self-talk.

Fix your self-talk

The language you use to describe yourself and the way you process events in your own head is more powerful than you can possibly imagine. It’s absolutely crucial to get a handle on it. Think of your self-talk as the operating system for your life. When that voice is constantly negative ("I’m going to fail that test," "Everyone else is better at this than me," "I look stupid"), it determines a lot of the choices you make. Why bother trying if you've already convinced yourself it won't work?

- Negative self-talk can make you stressed, anxious, and less likely to seek support or take positive risks.

- Positive self-talk (which is about being realistic and kind, not deluding yourself) builds resilience and helps you tackle challenges with a "can-do" attitude.

The Challenge: The 3-Statement Morning Mirror Drill

This week, we are challenging you to flip the script and deliberately practice positive self-talk. It might feel a little weird at first, but stick with it! Here’s the simple rule: Every morning, when you look in the mirror, say three things out loud that are genuinely kind about yourself. They don't have to be about your appearance, and they don't have to be massive achievements. They just need to be honest and positive statements about who you are right now. Need some inspiration? Try these:

- I am a good person and I treat others with respect.

- I am a great friend who listens.

- I care for others, and I deserve to care for myself, too.

- I am strong and able to handle the challenges today brings.

- I put effort into my work and that's something to be proud of.

Why is this part of Movember’s message? Movember exists because men often feel pressured to be "strong" and keep difficult emotions and thoughts to themselves. This silence can lead to serious mental health struggles. Fixing your self-talk is the ultimate act of preventative self-care. By training your inner voice to be supportive and kind, you make yourself mentally stronger and more likely to:

• Seek Help: A supportive inner voice says, "It's okay that I'm struggling; I should talk to someone."

• Be Resilient: It helps you bounce back from setbacks rather than letting them reinforce negative beliefs.

• Support Others: When you are kinder to yourself, you are often better equipped to be a good friend and listener to others.

If you find the idea of this mirror drill slightly embarrassing, that's a sign this is an area you need to focus on. Building a positive, selfrespecting inner dialogue is a vital step toward long-term psychological strength. It may seem small, but keeping it going every day will really help to build your self-esteem and resilience. Let's keep the Movember conversation going by starting with the most important person: YOU!

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