Depression: A Laughing Matter?  The secret STIGMA lurking in my subconscious 

by with No Comment ComedyCounsellingdepression

Fifty percent of the room had had it, or something similar, but nobody wanted to admit it.

What happens when you captivate the attention a big bar full of strangers, get them all laughing, then suddenly challenge them without warning  to “put your hand up if you’ve ever had depression?”

I was about put my hand up and let out a gratifying “yes!” but something held me back.  My shoulder twitched upwards, then down, then back up again as I quickly glanced around the packed bar to see if anyone else was going to admit it.

Depression and Anxiety: A Laughing Matter – part 1

by with No Comment anxietyComedydepression

As a quick fix for a low mood, there is nothing quite like a good belly laugh. But have you ever thought of it is a cost-effective form of treatment for anxiety and depression?

Next week I will bring you an amazing interview from one of Australia’s funniest comedians –who has been working with PSYCoaching to spread his unique insights about mental health and the great work he has been doing to help adults and kids lift their spirits.

Why So Serious?

There are times when it is not easy for us to get out of our heads and appreciate the world around us with a sense of intrigue and curiosity.  There are times when we find ourselves   “stuck in our heads” and dwelling on our problems.

Mental Illness in the Workplace

by with No Comment Counsellingdepression

I am currently delivering workshops on Mental Health Issues for a range of government agencies in the workplace and thought I would share with you all some interesting facts:

Did you know that mental illness can affect anyone at anytime?

Statistically, approximately 1 – in 4 adults have a diagnosable mental health condition, yet most do not seek help (and it it is my experience that many who do seek help wait until their distress is severe).  Despite this, nearly half of all senior managers in a recent Canadian survey believed that none of their workers will experience a mental health problem at work.

Beating the Christmas Blues

by with No Comment anxietyChristmas

There’s an unrealistic image of holiday perfection that permeates our culture. Turn on the TV from December onwards and you are likely to be inundated with images of the perfect, affluent, nuclear family happily enjoying each other’s company during a holiday meal (of KFC). Some of us have memories from our childhood that feed this drive toward the nostalgia of holidays past. If we lived it, we want to replicate it every year. If we didn’t, we may feel we are missing out, and we may strive to create the perfect Christmas. This can be a recipe for feelings of failure.

PSYCOACHING SEMINAR: Working with MOVEMBER for your mental health and for men’s health in general

by with No Comment anxietydepression

Help change the face of men’s health and help the 1 million Australian men living with depression or anxiety. Let’s put the moustache back on the face of fashion and have some fun supporting a good cause. For one, prostate cancer is the biggest cause of natural death for men and is desperately in need of donations and funding. And let’s not forget – men’s health is great for women’s health!

Nice one: being kind makes you happier, healthier and more attractive

by with No Comment Comedy

Thanks to Sandy Smith from the Canberra times for this enlightening piece, originally published on 13/11/14.

As well as making others feel good, there is evidence that people who spread a little kindness are happier, healthier and more attractive than their mean-spirited peers says mental health professional.
With World Kindness Day being celebrated around the world today, what better excuse is there to muster up some good intentions and show kindness to others?

Clinical psychologist Jo Lamble from Sydney explains how carrying out random acts of kindness will make you happy.

“Research tells us that having a strong sense of meaning and giving to others is the best way to find happiness. Being kind lowers our stress levels, which means less cortisol running through our system, lower blood pressure, better sleep, and stronger immune systems”

National Psychology Week – Tips for wellbeing

by with No Comment anxietyComedydepression

Feeling Flat, anxious or depressed?  National Psychology Week (9-16 November) is as good-a-time as ever to take control of your mental health!  Start by following these tips from the Australian Psychological Society and think about how to get your life on track:

1. Identifying the benefits of change

Think about how your lifestyle is affecting your health and happiness: is your current lifestyle costing you your health? Do you avoid activities or social events due to your health or weight? Would making a change actually benefit you?

Get up to 20 Medicare -rebated psychology sessions by seeking help this month*

by with No Comment anxietydepressionstress

A quick hello from from Richard Moore of PSYCoaching.
At times we all deal with issues that lead to anxiety, depression and stress.  When we get stuck in these states, we can get help from an extensively trained, friendly, non-judgemental professional, such as a registered psychologist.
*How to get up to 20 Medicare-rebated weekly sessions with a psychologist:
  1. A client with a (Medicare card) Informs their GP of their difficulties with Depression, Anxiety or Stress.   The GP asks some questions to assess whether the person is likely to need a referral to a psychologist.  They will base this decision primarily on a quick assessment of the client’s anxiety, depression and stress.  The GP then makes a  psychologist referral / mental health plan.

Mental Health Week, Website updates and Promotions

by with No Comment Counsellingdepressionstress

Happy Mental Health Week to everyone!

Did you know that at any given time, 1 in 5 employees are likely to be experiencing a mental health condition?
Mental Health Week 2014 runs from 5 to 11 October, and it’s a great time to show support for mental health and wellbeing in your workplace.
The week also marks World Mental Health Day on the 10 October.

How do I get involved?

You can start right now! Visit the beyondblue website for tips on how you can build a mentally healthy workplace, including:
  • improving the culture in your workplace
  • supporting access to psychological support services
  • raising awareness of mental health conditions and reducing stigma.
You can also check out the events that are being held around Australia to promote a better understanding of mental health issues.

Mental Health Week

by with No Comment Counsellingdepressionstress

Mental Health Week takes places 7 to 13 October 2014, with 10 October being World Mental Health Day. It is a chance to reflect on mental health and take some positive steps to highlight the importance of mental wellbeing. This year, the theme in Queensland is “MIND-CLICKS – where minds meet”. It is a chance to reflect on mental health and take some positive steps to highlight the importance of mental wellbeing. Visit the link for more information. http://ow.ly/Cc7Le