Archive for the mental health Tag

Peace of Mind at Christmas

All I want for Christmas is my peace of mind

Holidays usually invoke happy thoughts. But for some it is a dreaded time bringing sadness more than joy. Thoughts of not being appreciated or loved, missing a loved one through loss, loneliness (even in a crowd), disappointment and stress can be repetitive negative thoughts – like mental bullies. There’s truth in, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is
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Mental Health: Away with Stigma

Mental Health: Away with Stigma

First published on NewsLocal publications. “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.”* – is often easier said than done. In ancient times if your behaviour was considered outside of the “norm” you’d have been labelled “mad”.  And if you were unfortunate enough to have been afflicted by a disease people might have accused you of being cursed by
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Back to School Day: Bullying, Body Image and Mental Health

First published on NewsLocal publications. For some parents back-to-school day is a nightmare. Particularly if their children don’t want to go. Bullying, including cyber-bullying, fear of not being accepted, body image issues – and the list goes on – are very real concerns for the mental health and wellbeing of our youth today. Though we’ve progressed from 15th Century thinking,
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“Are you okay?” – taking care of our thinking

Published in News Local publications “Are you okay?” – a little bit of ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’ can go a long way. A common thread found in the maze of mental health issues, is the need for communication. Health workers and individuals who have lost loved ones who’ve suicided recognise this as a key. People need each other. Not
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Tackling homelessness: food and fire for the mind and body

“A house is not a home unless it contains food and fire for the mind as well as the body.” Benjamin Franklin Several studies suggest that to tackle homelessness a holistic approach is needed – it’s not all about the money, or indeed the body. The opening line of an evidence based policy paper by ‘Homelessness Australia’ states, “The link
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Mental fitness makes or breaks Olympians: beyond positive thinking

#Olympics2012… Twitter yes, or twitter no, just before entering the race? Well that depends. It’s amazing what thoughts can do, or undo! The Opening Ceremony entertained and inspired millions to think – think about the past, present and future. The profoundly deaf musician, Dame Evelyn Glennie led a band of 965 ground-shaking drummers. 600 Nurses and patients from the London
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Olympic spirit triumphs

Twelve years ago we celebrated the Olympics here in Sydney… the opening ceremony was fantastic, and thinking about it feels like yesterday.  Amazing what thought does!  Kay Stroud’s following article has got me all excited, as we wait for today’s opening ceremony in London (6am Saturday in Sydney)… The Olympics is sure to be in your thoughts right now as our
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Mental Health Month: Lucky to be of sound mind?

Theme for 2011–Wellbeing: Invest in Your Life. “The reality of mental illness is that it can affect anyone at any time and when it does it has the potential to significantly impact people’s lives,” Mr Kevin Humphries said – NSW Minister for Mental Health. This prognosis is indeed awful. The Mental Health Commission has been established, and millions of dollars
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Laughing all the way to healthy mind: Cause and effect

Did you know that zebras ”smile” as a greeting that helps prevent aggression?  We know that our smiles and laughter can curb aggression, and bring on feelings of wellness. We love to laugh, and to hear it. There are exercise groups who pay to partake in regular laughter sessions as part of their health regimes – youtube has some hysterical examples! DEMENTIA STUDIES. Ministers for
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R U Okay? Day Australia

Australians are being encouraged to reach out to their neighbours today – even if it’s just, “are you okay?”  A little bit of “love your neighbour“.  Listening to the RUOkay Day video with Natalie Tran (small icon video on the right when you scroll down this link), the thing that really stood out to me is what the Founder of RUOkay Day, Gavin Larkin says… ”trust
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