"Stomp out the ANTs" Program

Sally-Anne is offering students the opportunity to be a part of the "Stomp out the ANTs" program (formerly Life Strategies Program); which was written in response to the growing number of children and adolescents who are at risk for or suffering from depression.

Current research suggests that more than 4% of primary school children suffer from depression, and nearly 10% of adolescents

The "Stomp out the ANTs" Program was written to teach our young specific strategies to prevent or treat depression.

Sally-Anne is offering three children's programs - one for students in Grades 5 & 6, another for those in Years 7 to 9, and a group for Years 10 - 12 - to be involved in for 5 weeks.

She is also introducing a parent version of the program, to help teach parents how best to recognise and help their children prevent depression.  It will run for 2 weeks on Wednesday mornings for 2 hours.  Please register your interest for the next Parent Program by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

If you are interested in your child or teen participating in the "Stomp out the ANTs" Program, please telephone 8812 2373 (or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) and leave your contact details and a short message.

Parents - please telephone or email to enrol and learn more about reducing the risks of depression for your child.

The psychologist will get back to you to confirm your enrolment.

It takes but one positive thought when given a chance to survive and thrive to overpower an entire army of negative thoughts - Robert H. Schuller -

Current Programs

"Stomp out the ANTs" PROGRAM

DOES YOUR CHILD/TEEN... Lose their temper over minor things, Have difficulty concentrating, Have trouble sitting still, Complain of headaches or stomachaches without medical cause, Feel sad or cry for no apparent reason, No longer enjoy his/her favourite activities, Sleep more or less than usual.

DID YOU KNOW... Nearly 1 in 10 children/adolescents suffer from depression (one in five adults). The transition from primary school to secondary school is a large risk factor, along with divorce, bullying, school pressure, etc.) Depression is a largely preventable illness.

HOW CAN WE HELP OUR CHILDREN/TEENS???
Teach them strategies to prevent and manage negative thoughts and make them feel better about their lives.

PARENTS NEED TO LEARN THESE STRATEGIES TOO!!!

Feeling down is NOT a "normal" part of the teenage years, and requires treatment by a qualified professional.

This program has been written in response to the growing number of children and adolescents who are at risk for or suffering from depression. School refusal is increasing, and suicide accounted for nearly 20% of deaths of 15-19 year old males in Australia in 2003 (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 15/12/2004).

Other risk factors may include divorce, bullying, family members with depression, school transition, etc.

The strategies taught are based on CBT which has been shown to be the most successful therapy for depression.

Sally-Anne McCormack is a clinical psychologist, media consultant, author, former teacher & parent who has a particular interest in stomping out depression and anxiety!

"Stomp out the ANTs" Booking Form

Remember PREVENTION is better than cure...

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*** DEALING WITH DEPRESSION Group ***

A 6-week program for adults to discuss with the issues in dealing with depression.  Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it on (03) 881 22 373 to find out more information.