Dr Michael Carr-Gregg gives HSC advice to parents and students

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg has plenty of HSC survival advice for students and parents.

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg will give a HSC survival talk to northern beaches students and parents.

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Depression and anxiety are pushing HSC students to the limit.

Leading education professional Michael Carr-Gregg said anxiety affected almost half of Year 12 students while one-third are depressed during their final year of school.

“It is a high-risk group with 30 per cent at risk from depression, and anxiety affecting 41 per cent,” Dr Carr-Gregg said.

The leading psychologist spoke ahead of an event for students and their parents about surviving the HSC.

The night, aimed at Years 11 and 12, will focus on the pressures faced by students and parents, and how to implement coping strategies.

Psychologist Dr Carr-Gregg will talk about HSC stress-coping mechanisms.

Mr Carr-Gregg said sleep deprivation, diet and social media are some of the biggest issues faced by teens.

“A good night’s sleep is essential,” he told the Manly Daily. “Diet also plays an important role as statistics show that 38 per cent of Year 12 students skip breakfast.”

Fruit smoothies were nutritional, palatable and quick breakfasts, he said.

Mindfulness was another strategy to alleviate stress and boost memory, he said.

He suggested apps such as Smiling Mind.

he free event is Thursday, June 15, at Narrabeen Sports High School, from 6.30- 8.30pm.