“Thank You” is Good for You
WE ARE LIVING in an era of increasing unhappiness. In Australia, depression sits at third place on the list of diseases carrying the highest “burden”, which covers reduced quality of life and financial cost. Loneliness abounds. Anxiety affects seven per cent of children and teens. Calls about suicide made to Kids Helpline are rising, with 17 per cent of all counselling contacts in 2016 related to suicidal ideation or expressed intention.
Recently, as part of a breakfast television segment, I went to a suburban high school where they are endeavoring to counteract these pernicious trends. As the principal told me, it’s not enough to teach kids maths and reading; you have to teach them how to be successful humans. One of their
