Depression
Mother’s Day – how to cope if social distancing prevents you from seeing your Mum
As we brace ourselves for a Mother’s Day without family reunions, high teas or shopping and movie dates this year, it’s important we assess the extent of the impact on those who can’t be near their parents, especially those with ageing parents who may live in an aged care residence or other respite centre. You…
Read MoreSilent Night, Lonely Night – not all Christmases are merry and bright
Recognising loneliness at Christmas For some, Christmas means having breakfast at home, lunch at the parents’ place, and dinner with the in-laws. It’s a busy time filled with people, presents and pavlova, and there’s not a moment to themselves. But for others, Christmas Day may look very different. Some people don’t have family to visit,…
Read MoreImproving low self-esteem for a better work and home life
How you think and feel about yourself impacts on your actions and behaviours every minute of every day. Negative self-talk can affect our relationships, our job and our day to day life. In today’s busy society where there is a constant pressure to do well, or to keep up with social media trends (fashion, home…
Read MoreYou’re not alone in feeling alone – how adult loneliness is affecting us – Part 2
Last month I introduced the topic of loneliness and how it has become more commonplace in our lives as adults. I felt this subject is too important for just one article, and so Part 2 has developed out of a greater desire to help adults not only understand loneliness, but how we can turn adult…
Read MoreYou don’t have to be alone to feel lonely – Part 1
It was after work one day, and I was on the bus making my way home. The bus was packed. I had people sitting right beside and across from me. And I was sobbing, but no one noticed. No one asked if I was okay. No one gave me a comforting smile. Instead, they were…
Read MoreSurviving Mother’s Day Grief – coping with the loss of your Mum on Mother’s Day
Every day can trigger memories of Mum after she has passed, but there are often two days that can be more painful than any other – her birthday and Mother’s Day. While her birthday is a personal affair that intimate friends and family will commemorate with you, Mother’s Day celebrations are everywhere and seem impossible…
Read MoreHow does your mental health stack up? Your health is more than just weight and blood pressure
Did you know that mental health concerns are steadily growing in communities across Australia? Figures from the ABS show that in 2014-2015, there were about 4 million Australians who reported that they had a mental or behavioural condition, and four years later in 2017-2018, this number went up to 4.8 million – that’s a whopping…
Read MoreSurround yourself with animals for improved mental health
Six reasons cuddling up to a fur baby can lift your mood and outlook on life When it comes to addressing and improving mental health, it’s critical that the environment is non-judgmental and non-threatening to create a space that can help improve confidence and wellbeing. Counsellors and medical practitioners work through a number of strategies…
Read MoreFeeling sad or lonely this Christmas?
Not all Christmases are merry and bright – here’s why it’s normal to feel this and how to survive the festive season guilt-free If Christmas is giving you heart palpitations, a pit in your stomach or bringing tears to your eyes, I want you to know one thing: you are not alone, and this is…
Read MoreChristmas expectations and commitments
Christmas is the season to be jolly apparently – definitely the most awaited and celebrated season all year. Unfortunately for some, this time of the year also brings stress, pressure, and worse, depression due to a whole host of reasons. There is a cultural drive towards excessive spending during this season and many of us…
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