"The way you treat yourself sets the standard for others"-Sonya Friedman
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Reclaiming the years anxiety took away!
By Brad Lester
STEVE Polanski was once too afraid to leave his house for fear of being judged by others.
Now he is commanding a television audience of 350,000 across Australia and New Zealand.
From recluse to performer, Steve’s tale reads better than most TV scripts. The Williamstown man once suffered from the debilitating psychological disorder, social anxiety. Today, he is a presenter of the motoring television show, “Cruizin’” on Channel 31 station around the country and Triangle Television in NZ.
He has acted alongside stars Bill Hunter and Ian Rooney, and appeared in the films “Shotgun”, “Fallen” and “Charlotte’s Web”.
But long ago, an invitation to a family barbecue caused his heart to race. His stomach would churn at the thought of attending a hot rod show with friends. Simply walking in the street, he felt extremely self-conscious.
Gripped by anxiety, Steve kept to himself and never believed he would fulfil his career ambitions, let alone achieve the ultimate feat for someone like him: marriage.
Social anxiety robbed seven years of his young life, but now Steve is a new man.
“All those years ago, I never thought I would be where I am today and in five years time, who knows where I will be,” he said.
Sufferers of social anxiety, or social phobia, fear being scrutinised by others. Meeting new people is a daunting experience, dating rarely attempted, public speaking traumatic, and friendships hard to maintain. Even eating or writing surrounded by people can cause overwhelming anxiety.
“I left home only when I had to and avoided social situations family invited me to. I would make excuses like ‘I don’t feel like it’, because I knew that I would react with fear” he said.
Some anxiety sufferers learn anxious behaviour from like-minded parents. Others develop anxiety after a traumatic event. For Steve, his condition stemmed from being a perfectionist.
“I felt that if I couldn’t please anyone, I’d be judged as inadequate,” he said.
Aware his feelings were abnormal, Steve sought the help of psychologists and joined a support group run by the Anxiety Disorders Association of Victoria (ADAVIC).
After 18 months of cognitive behaviour therapy, life began to improve. Steve became a facilitator at a support group, helping sufferers to regain their lives.
“I felt like I had lost seven years, as though I had just got out of solitary confinement,” he said.
ADAVIC runs support groups at Kew, Coburg, Altona and Berwick, and offers information about all anxiety disorders, workshops and lectures, and telephone support. Staff and volunteers answer more than 150 queries a week.
ADAVIC president Nathan Hobbs said the organisation began in Kew in 1994 and now helps people across Victoria.
“We aim to encourage self-management and believe that individuals benefit most when they find what treatment suits them,” he said.
Anxiety will always be a part of Steve’s life, but at least now, his prospects are brighter.
“I feel like I’ve been re-born. I can walk out through the front door, look up to the blue sky and realise how beautiful it is,” he said.
For more information about ADAVIC: phone 9853 8089 or web www.adavic.org.au
STEVE Polanski was once too afraid to leave his house for fear of being judged by others.
Now he is commanding a television audience of 350,000 across Australia and New Zealand.
From recluse to performer, Steve’s tale reads better than most TV scripts. The Williamstown man once suffered from the debilitating psychological disorder, social anxiety. Today, he is a presenter of the motoring television show, “Cruizin’” on Channel 31 station around the country and Triangle Television in NZ.
He has acted alongside stars Bill Hunter and Ian Rooney, and appeared in the films “Shotgun”, “Fallen” and “Charlotte’s Web”.
But long ago, an invitation to a family barbecue caused his heart to race. His stomach would churn at the thought of attending a hot rod show with friends. Simply walking in the street, he felt extremely self-conscious.
Gripped by anxiety, Steve kept to himself and never believed he would fulfil his career ambitions, let alone achieve the ultimate feat for someone like him: marriage.
Social anxiety robbed seven years of his young life, but now Steve is a new man.
“All those years ago, I never thought I would be where I am today and in five years time, who knows where I will be,” he said.
Sufferers of social anxiety, or social phobia, fear being scrutinised by others. Meeting new people is a daunting experience, dating rarely attempted, public speaking traumatic, and friendships hard to maintain. Even eating or writing surrounded by people can cause overwhelming anxiety.
“I left home only when I had to and avoided social situations family invited me to. I would make excuses like ‘I don’t feel like it’, because I knew that I would react with fear” he said.
Some anxiety sufferers learn anxious behaviour from like-minded parents. Others develop anxiety after a traumatic event. For Steve, his condition stemmed from being a perfectionist.
“I felt that if I couldn’t please anyone, I’d be judged as inadequate,” he said.
Aware his feelings were abnormal, Steve sought the help of psychologists and joined a support group run by the Anxiety Disorders Association of Victoria (ADAVIC).
After 18 months of cognitive behaviour therapy, life began to improve. Steve became a facilitator at a support group, helping sufferers to regain their lives.
“I felt like I had lost seven years, as though I had just got out of solitary confinement,” he said.
ADAVIC runs support groups at Kew, Coburg, Altona and Berwick, and offers information about all anxiety disorders, workshops and lectures, and telephone support. Staff and volunteers answer more than 150 queries a week.
ADAVIC president Nathan Hobbs said the organisation began in Kew in 1994 and now helps people across Victoria.
“We aim to encourage self-management and believe that individuals benefit most when they find what treatment suits them,” he said.
Anxiety will always be a part of Steve’s life, but at least now, his prospects are brighter.
“I feel like I’ve been re-born. I can walk out through the front door, look up to the blue sky and realise how beautiful it is,” he said.
For more information about ADAVIC: phone 9853 8089 or web www.adavic.org.au
Suicide Sadness
Losing my dear friend- Carly’s story
Ever since my friend’s dad died, he hadn’t been himself. All he could see were negatives. His girlfriend was his main support and every time he had a problem, she would be there to talk to him through it. He thought that his life was getting better, but then he caught her cheating and she broke up with him. Having been together for three years, he had thought that they would be together forever. Now he felt that his world was crumbling in front of him.
When he died on March 2nd, 2009, it came as a total shock to everyone. He had achieved so much in his young life- graduating from high school and earning over $800 a week. He was doing well for a nineteen-year-old and still had so much more to experience in life. So many people looked up to him, especially his twelve-year-old brother who wanted to follow in his big brother’s footsteps.
Everyone was blaming themselves for his death, saying that they could have stopped him from making the wrong choice. Two weeks before he sadly ended his life, he had locked himself in his room for five days. Afterwards, he was happy around his friends and everyone thought he seemed okay. But then he started taking strong pills everyday. Everybody was worried but never thought he would purposely take his own life by taking an overdose of drugs. Everybody told him that life gets harder before it gets easier, but he would never listen. He insisted that he was fine and that he would get through this rough patch in his life.
After that, everybody left him alone, thinking that if he did want to talk and needed help, he would ask for it.
We’ve all had rough patched in our lives but our friends and families are there to support us during these times. Since his death, everyone has been distraught. We don’t know what to do with ourselves. He has left behind so many people that love him.
Life is so precious and we shouldn’t take advantage of it. If times get rough, talk to someone. If you get help early, you can fix things. It might take time but everything will eventually get better and you will be grateful for the life you have.
You only live once.
By Carly O.
Re-printed with permission – Wellbeing Magazine
This Magazine is produced by the participants of the
“Well-being Magazine” A Work for the Dole activity
which is sponsored by WorkForce Plus.
World Suicide Prevention Day
September 10 marks World Suicide Prevention Day. This day has been held every year since 2003 to raise community awareness about the issue of suicide prevention. This year the day has the theme of "Preventing Suicide in Multicultural Societies"
On the day events are held around Australia and the world to help raise awareness. One key event is the Out of the Shadows walks that "raise awareness about suicide, remember those lost to suicide and advocate for a united and committed effort to prevent further deaths by suicide". In Victoria walks will be held in the Fitzroy Gardens and also in Ballarat. If you would like to participate or find out more you can check out the Out of the Shadow Website
For more information about World Suicide Prevention Day and for resources to assist with suicide prevention visit www.wspd.org.au
On the day events are held around Australia and the world to help raise awareness. One key event is the Out of the Shadows walks that "raise awareness about suicide, remember those lost to suicide and advocate for a united and committed effort to prevent further deaths by suicide". In Victoria walks will be held in the Fitzroy Gardens and also in Ballarat. If you would like to participate or find out more you can check out the Out of the Shadow Website
For more information about World Suicide Prevention Day and for resources to assist with suicide prevention visit www.wspd.org.au
Participate in Research!
Are you experiencing depression?
http://www.adavic.org.au/files/cms/Research/2011/depression_research_marasco_VUT_aug2011.pdf
This study is being conducted by Theresa Marasco and Anne Graham from the School of Social Sciences and Psychology at Victoria University.
If you are:
•Aged Between 25 and 40, and
•Currently receiving help for Depression…
You are invited to participate in a research study looking at how depression may be related to our:
•Experiences of relationships
•Experiences of intimacy
•Feelings of dependence and independence
Help us contribute to the body of knowledge about Depression by completing some confidential questionnaires…
What will I be asked to do? If you give your consent to participate in this study, you will be involved in completing five questionnaires;
•Background Questionnaire
•Adult Attachment Questionnaire
•The Miller Social Intimacy Scale
•The Personal Style Inventory
•Beck Depression Inventory
It will take approximately 35 to 45 minutes to complete all the questionnaires. You are not required to provide your name or any other personal information; your identity will remain anonymous. As a token of appreciation for your time, you will go into the draw to win a $50 Coles / Myer Voucher.
For more information feel free to contact:
Theresa Marasco, Doctor of Psychology candidate.
Phone: 0402 317 533
This study is being conducted by Theresa Marasco and Anne Graham from the School of Social Sciences and Psychology at Victoria University.
If you are:
•Aged Between 25 and 40, and
•Currently receiving help for Depression…
You are invited to participate in a research study looking at how depression may be related to our:
•Experiences of relationships
•Experiences of intimacy
•Feelings of dependence and independence
Help us contribute to the body of knowledge about Depression by completing some confidential questionnaires…
What will I be asked to do? If you give your consent to participate in this study, you will be involved in completing five questionnaires;
•Background Questionnaire
•Adult Attachment Questionnaire
•The Miller Social Intimacy Scale
•The Personal Style Inventory
•Beck Depression Inventory
It will take approximately 35 to 45 minutes to complete all the questionnaires. You are not required to provide your name or any other personal information; your identity will remain anonymous. As a token of appreciation for your time, you will go into the draw to win a $50 Coles / Myer Voucher.
For more information feel free to contact:
Theresa Marasco, Doctor of Psychology candidate.
Phone: 0402 317 533
Bunnings BBQ: Looking for Volunteers
ADAVIC will be holding its Annual Bunnings Sausage Sizzle Fundraiser on the 8th October During Mental Health Week.
The Sausage Sizzle will run from 8am to 4pm at the Bunnings store located at 230 Burwood Road, Hawthorn. We need lots of volunteers to help out in order to make the day a success.
Not only will you be helping ADAVIC raise money but it is also a great way to meet people from all different areas of ADAVIC.
If you are able to give 2 to 4 hour hours of your time, we would love you to send us an email nominating one of the shifts listed below:
8am to 10am (2 hour)
8am to 12 noon (4 hour)
10am to 12 noon (2hours)
12 noon to 2pm (2hours)
12 noon to 4pm (4 hours)
2pm to 4pm (2 hours)
The Sausage Sizzle will run from 8am to 4pm at the Bunnings store located at 230 Burwood Road, Hawthorn. We need lots of volunteers to help out in order to make the day a success.
Not only will you be helping ADAVIC raise money but it is also a great way to meet people from all different areas of ADAVIC.
If you are able to give 2 to 4 hour hours of your time, we would love you to send us an email nominating one of the shifts listed below:
8am to 10am (2 hour)
8am to 12 noon (4 hour)
10am to 12 noon (2hours)
12 noon to 2pm (2hours)
12 noon to 4pm (4 hours)
2pm to 4pm (2 hours)
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Anxiety and School Refusal
While school days are meant to be happy days, the school environment is full of stressors that can lead to anxiety and school refusal amongst students.
In the US there is now a program called the Linden Oaks Adolescent Anxiety Program which aims to help give students the skills they need to deal with their anxiety. The program also acknowledges that "Avoidance can cause anxiety to snowball" so it is important that issues are dealt with. You can view some of their tips here
One form of avoidance is school refusal. On Wednesday 7th September 2011, Psychologist Joanne Garfi will host an information session on school refusal to provide parents and teachers with an understanding of this complex issue. The information session will run from 2.00pm to 3.30pm in the Phyllis Hore Room at the Kew Library and will provide attendees with a range of strategies they can use to assist their children in going back to school.
To book in for this session please call ADAVIC on (03) 9853 8089 or alternatively you can book online
Bully Victims Sue
Yesterday the Herald Sun reported that three victims of school bullying are suing the Education Department due to the loss of future wages they believe they will have as a result of being severely bullied at school.
According to Kidspot.com.au one in four Australian school children are affected by bullying, indicating that this is a very serious problem. While the victims in the Herald Sun story are at least hoping to get something positive out of their trauma, as a community we need to look at how we can prevent bullying and the associated mental health issues arising from it occurring to begin with.
Australia is already taking steps in the right direction with the establishment of a National Centre Against Bullying. Their website provides lots of helpful information for parents and children about bullying.
Links:
Herald Sun: Teenage girls sue over school bullying
Kidspot: Bullying facts and figures about bullying
National Centre Against Bullying: Things you can do if your child is being bullied
According to Kidspot.com.au one in four Australian school children are affected by bullying, indicating that this is a very serious problem. While the victims in the Herald Sun story are at least hoping to get something positive out of their trauma, as a community we need to look at how we can prevent bullying and the associated mental health issues arising from it occurring to begin with.
Australia is already taking steps in the right direction with the establishment of a National Centre Against Bullying. Their website provides lots of helpful information for parents and children about bullying.
Links:
Herald Sun: Teenage girls sue over school bullying
Kidspot: Bullying facts and figures about bullying
National Centre Against Bullying: Things you can do if your child is being bullied
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Social Phobia: Debilitating symptoms...effective treatments
Last Thursday evening (11th August 2011) Ruth Rosalion presented a lecture at the Kew Library on the topic of social phobia. Ruth discussed the different symptoms of social phobia as well as different approaches to treatment.
An article about the lecture was published in last week's Progress Leader Newspaper as seen on the right of this page.
To keep up to date about our upcoming events please remember to regularly view the events calendar on our website, or follow us on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Fundraising BBQ
ADAVIC is holding a fundraising BBQ this Saturday the 6th of August 2011 at the South Melbourne Market.
The BBQ will be running from 8am to 4pm so come down and grab a sausage and help raise some money for ADAVIC!
The BBQ will be running from 8am to 4pm so come down and grab a sausage and help raise some money for ADAVIC!
Anxiety The Leading Mental Illness Among Children
The Herald Sun reported on the weekend that a national survey of 188 psychologists had found that anxiety was the most common mental illness among primary school aged children. The study found that one in seven children were affected, body image being a particular issue triggering their anxiety.
Author Nicky Johnston knows first-hand about how anxiety can affect children, with her eldest son being diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder when he was five years old. After he was diagnosed she found there were very few children’s books available for young children with anxiety and was inspired to self-publish two successful children’s picture books; “Go Away, Mr. Worry thoughts!” and “Happythoughts are Everywhere...”, helping thousands of young children struggling with anxiety.
On Tuesday August 30th Nicky Johnston will be sharing her personal experiences and insights in dealing with her son’s battle with an anxiety disorder during a public talk at the Chelsea Heights Community Centre:
“Go Away, Mr. Worrythoughts!” A Mother’s Story. The session will run from 12.30pm to 2.00pm at a cost of $20, or $10 to ADAVIC members.
For further information or to book contact ADAVIC on (03) 9853-8089 or email adavic@adavic.org.au
Proceeds from this event help to maintain ADAVIC services.
Links:
-Herald Sun Article: Children as young as four worry about being perfect
-Book Online: Click here
Author Nicky Johnston knows first-hand about how anxiety can affect children, with her eldest son being diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder when he was five years old. After he was diagnosed she found there were very few children’s books available for young children with anxiety and was inspired to self-publish two successful children’s picture books; “Go Away, Mr. Worry thoughts!” and “Happythoughts are Everywhere...”, helping thousands of young children struggling with anxiety.
On Tuesday August 30th Nicky Johnston will be sharing her personal experiences and insights in dealing with her son’s battle with an anxiety disorder during a public talk at the Chelsea Heights Community Centre:
“Go Away, Mr. Worrythoughts!” A Mother’s Story. The session will run from 12.30pm to 2.00pm at a cost of $20, or $10 to ADAVIC members.
For further information or to book contact ADAVIC on (03) 9853-8089 or email adavic@adavic.org.au
Proceeds from this event help to maintain ADAVIC services.
Links:
-Herald Sun Article: Children as young as four worry about being perfect
-Book Online: Click here
ADAVIC Receives Grant From LMCF
The Lord Mayor's Charitable Foundation announced on Neil Mitchell's 3AW Morning program on Monday that ADAVIC was the first charity to receive a $5000 grant as part of their Winter Days Of Giving campaign.
The LMCH said they had received many nominations for ADAVIC, but a particular entry from 12 year old Rhiannon Anderson-Reed was particularly helpful in finalising their decision:
I'm 12 years old and suffer panic disorder. ADAVIC helped me by allowing my story be told in their newsletter. ADAVIC hold lectures that my mum attended which helped me with bullying techniques. ADAVIC needs this money so they can help more kids just like me.
As part of the announcement that ADAVIC was the first recipient of the campaign, Rhiannon was interviewed by Neil Mitchell on his program. They spoke briefly about her anxiety experience and about ADAVIC. Rhiannon also read a poem on the air about her panic attacks
ADAVIC would like to thank everyone who nominated us for the grant, which will allow us to continue to assist people living with the anxiety disorders in the community.
Changes To The Media's Reporting of Suicide
The Australian Press Council has released revised guidelines regarding how the media can report on suicide.
The new guidelines will hopefully mean that the media and the community as a whole can be more open about the issue. As a result it is hoped that suicide rates will decline and that unnecessary deaths can be prevented through greater awareness of the issue.
For more information about the guidelines:
Read a story from The Australian Newspaper here
Check out the guidelines here
Watch the Talking Suicide episode from the SBS program, Insight, regarding how suicide is discussed here
The new guidelines will hopefully mean that the media and the community as a whole can be more open about the issue. As a result it is hoped that suicide rates will decline and that unnecessary deaths can be prevented through greater awareness of the issue.
For more information about the guidelines:
Read a story from The Australian Newspaper here
Check out the guidelines here
Watch the Talking Suicide episode from the SBS program, Insight, regarding how suicide is discussed here
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