15 new Headspace centres have been announced to support young Australians with mental illness.
The mental health of young Australians is at the forefront with Prime Minister Julia Gillard's announcement of the locations for 15 new headspace centres Australia wide. Early intervention has been a focus, in an attempt to prevent mental health issues in youth becoming more serious and longer lasting. It has been suggested that eight out of ten illnesses affecting people aged 15 to 25 are associated with mental health. With such high figures, it becomes obvious how important helping people as early as possible is.
Headspace have also launched their free and confidential counselling service online and over the phone for young people aged 12 to 25. For more information about headspace and their services check out the headspace website.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Affirmations: Attitude, Kindness and Courage
Attitude
...Attitude to me is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than success, than what other people think, say or do. It is more important than appearance, gift, or skill. It will make or break a company...a church...a home.
The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day...I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our attitudes.
- Charles Swindoll
...Attitude to me is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than success, than what other people think, say or do. It is more important than appearance, gift, or skill. It will make or break a company...a church...a home.
The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day...I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our attitudes.
- Charles Swindoll
Kindness
Kindness is an inner desire that makes us want to do good things even if we do not get anything in return. It is the joy of our life to do them. When we do good things from this inner desire, there is kindness in everything we think, say, want and do.
- Emmanuel Swedenborg
Courage
One isn't necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can't be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.
- Maya Angelou
Monday, October 24, 2011
Press Release: “Operation: Emotional Freedom”
PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Angie Muccillo
angiemuccillo@gmail.com
www.artsinaction.com.au
m. 0417391055
Documentary Film “Operation: Emotional Freedom” Shows Combat Vets Healing Years of “Incurable” PTSD
Melbourne, Victoria 24/10/11
In this stunning documentary film, traumatized veterans from wars in Vietnam, 1991 Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan self-heal “incurable” PTSD symptoms, including nightmares and flashbacks, survivor guilt and insomnia. Years of symptom- suppressing drugs and counselling at the VA, may have helped some, but still the nightmares came. That is, until they were recruited to try EFT, the Emotional Freedom Technique, a holistic acupressure emotional release technique also known as “tapping.”
Sceptical and at times hostile, they grudgingly agreed to “try anything” to get their lives and relationships back. Guided by several EFT coaches who specialize in trauma, these veterans tapped away years of graphic war memories safely, quickly and without drugs or side-effects. As the sights, smells and sounds of combat faded and released, men tormented by horrific nightmares reporting sleeping peacefully. Veterans who had explosive anger outbursts felt “lighter”, those who avoided public places went to a restaurant. Wives declared the loving husbands they married had finally resurfaced. EFT is also effective for phobias, panic attacks, childhood trauma, some forms of physical pain, and general stress and anxiety.
A fundraiser screening of OPERATION: Emotional Freedom – The Answer is being held on Remembrance Day 11th November 2011 (as part of World Trauma Awareness Day) at The Glen Eira Town Hall Theatrette Caulfield at 7.30pm with doors open from 6pm. Representatives from the Victorian EFT Practitioner’s Network (VEPN) will be available on the night of the screening to offer information, resources, DVD's, contacts, advice and to deliver mini sessions before the scheduled screening. The event includes a panel discussion and a message from the Producer Eric Huure.
For Bookings and further information visit: http://melbourneoperationemotionalfreedom.eventbrite.com/
The screening hosted by Arts in Action and the Lions Club of Stonnington will raise funds for helping veterans access EFT sessions for treating PTSD symptoms.
Contact: Angie Muccillo
angiemuccillo@gmail.com
www.artsinaction.com.au
m. 0417391055
Documentary Film “Operation: Emotional Freedom” Shows Combat Vets Healing Years of “Incurable” PTSD
Melbourne, Victoria 24/10/11
In this stunning documentary film, traumatized veterans from wars in Vietnam, 1991 Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan self-heal “incurable” PTSD symptoms, including nightmares and flashbacks, survivor guilt and insomnia. Years of symptom- suppressing drugs and counselling at the VA, may have helped some, but still the nightmares came. That is, until they were recruited to try EFT, the Emotional Freedom Technique, a holistic acupressure emotional release technique also known as “tapping.”
Sceptical and at times hostile, they grudgingly agreed to “try anything” to get their lives and relationships back. Guided by several EFT coaches who specialize in trauma, these veterans tapped away years of graphic war memories safely, quickly and without drugs or side-effects. As the sights, smells and sounds of combat faded and released, men tormented by horrific nightmares reporting sleeping peacefully. Veterans who had explosive anger outbursts felt “lighter”, those who avoided public places went to a restaurant. Wives declared the loving husbands they married had finally resurfaced. EFT is also effective for phobias, panic attacks, childhood trauma, some forms of physical pain, and general stress and anxiety.
A fundraiser screening of OPERATION: Emotional Freedom – The Answer is being held on Remembrance Day 11th November 2011 (as part of World Trauma Awareness Day) at The Glen Eira Town Hall Theatrette Caulfield at 7.30pm with doors open from 6pm. Representatives from the Victorian EFT Practitioner’s Network (VEPN) will be available on the night of the screening to offer information, resources, DVD's, contacts, advice and to deliver mini sessions before the scheduled screening. The event includes a panel discussion and a message from the Producer Eric Huure.
For Bookings and further information visit: http://melbourneoperationemotionalfreedom.eventbrite.com/
The screening hosted by Arts in Action and the Lions Club of Stonnington will raise funds for helping veterans access EFT sessions for treating PTSD symptoms.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Mental health prescriptions rise to 29 million a year!
Last year, there were 29 million perscriptions written for medications used for mental health issues, 60 per cent of these scripts were for anti-depressant medications. Others that were perscribed highly were anti-anxiety and anti-psychotic medications. This information comes from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare's (AIHW) new website and was reported in an article in The Australian.
While these figures indicate that many are seeking help, concerns remain that people may not be recieving adequate pyschological support.
These figures are alarming, however AIHW figures also indicate there has been a 25.7 per cent increase in psychological services in the past five years and a 5 per cent increase in community mental health services, but only a 1.9 per cent increase in medication use. This indicates that mental health policy may be moving in the right direction.
While these figures indicate that many are seeking help, concerns remain that people may not be recieving adequate pyschological support.
These figures are alarming, however AIHW figures also indicate there has been a 25.7 per cent increase in psychological services in the past five years and a 5 per cent increase in community mental health services, but only a 1.9 per cent increase in medication use. This indicates that mental health policy may be moving in the right direction.
Social Anxiety and Helpful Ways of Managing It
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) or also known as Social Phobia is not to be confused with shyness. Social Phobia is far more intense than shyness, and can interfere with ones daily functioning. People with social phobia want to interact with others, but are overcome with fear and much distress.
Social Phobia is an anxiety disorder where the sufferer fears social or performance situations or being scrutinized by others and therefore, they are afraid of embarrassing or humiliating themselves in public. Exposure to the feared situation almost instantly provokes anxiety, which may take the form of panic attacks. The feared social or performance situations are either avoided or endured with anxiety or distress and interferes significantly with the person’s normal routine, occupational or social functioning. Public speaking is one of the most common anxiety-provoking situations for people in general and it is the single situation most commonly feared by SAD patients as well. Other situations most feared by people suffering from social phobia are eating in front of others, dealing with authority figures or unfamiliar people, dating, performing on stage and informal speaking, which is avoided by 71%. When put in these social or performance situations sufferers may become anxious and have symptoms such as a racing heart, trembling, blushing or even sweating.
Social Phobia has two subtypes: specific or generalised phobia. Specific phobia refers to when the sufferer may only fear and/or avoid only one specific situation whereas the generalised subtype is when one may be concerned about several social or performance situations. Risk factors for social phobia include: early experiences of embarrassment, humiliation or scrutiny by others in social or performance situations, and having rigid rules of social behaviour, such as always having to sound intelligent or fluent. Parenting influences can also put children at risk for developing social phobia. For example, parents with elevated self-criticism or those that encourage avoidance of threatening situations which build coping and resilience.
There are some helpful tips and treatments readily available to effectively manage and reduce social anxiety in social or performance situations. Taking slow, deep breaths in a controlled manner in socially anxious situations can be a great way to reduce social anxiety and manage social phobia. Take deep, long breaths and feel your stomach and chest rise with each inhalation and exhale slowly.
Furthermore, it may be beneficial to focus externally rather than internally. SAD is based on intense feelings of dread, fear and apprehension in social settings. Sometimes, people suffering from social anxiety are so involved in their own physical symptoms and discomfort that everything else vanishes into the background. However, by trying to focus on external rather than internal stimuli - such as the people, conversations and information around you - attention may be diverted away from any physical sensations and allow for better social functioning and reduced social anxiety.
It may also be helpful to try and identify and remove deeply ingrained fears and false beliefs. Even though that may be easier said than done, negative thoughts, false beliefs, prior conditioning, self-esteem issues only help to feed social anxiety. By challenging and refuting these negative beliefs and irrational thoughts, great healing and change can occur. A popular and widely available therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), helps you change your thought patterns, beliefs, feelings, and behavior associated with the phobia and much research has shown it can be highly successful.
Taking small steps is vital to help overcome social phobia and build social confidence. Exposure therapy is frequently used for social phobia. By gradually exposing the person to feared social situations, usually beginning with small exposures and then slowly moving onto longer exposures, the brain is learning that the social or performance situation it once feared is actually not so bad. Social skills training may also help a person suffering from social phobia to become more confident in certain feared social or performance situations.
Lastly, Harvard Women’s Health Watch suggests that if you suffer from social anxiety disorder you should try avoiding isolation during the holidays as it only reinforces social anxiety. If friends, family or others who you may feel comfortable with are available then keep in contact with them. It may also be beneficial to leave time for relaxation, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and avoid caffeine and alcohol. It should also however, be kept in mind that social anxiety is likely to get worse if left untreated.
References:
Bandelow, B., & Stein, D.J. (2004). Social Anxiety Disorder. Marcel Dekker, Inc, New York.
http://www.socialphobia.org/
http://www.au.reachout.com/
www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/easing-social-anxiety-during-the-holidays
http://www.ehow.com/ - How to Reduce and Manage Social Anxiety
By Aly—ADAVIC Volunteer
Social Phobia is an anxiety disorder where the sufferer fears social or performance situations or being scrutinized by others and therefore, they are afraid of embarrassing or humiliating themselves in public. Exposure to the feared situation almost instantly provokes anxiety, which may take the form of panic attacks. The feared social or performance situations are either avoided or endured with anxiety or distress and interferes significantly with the person’s normal routine, occupational or social functioning. Public speaking is one of the most common anxiety-provoking situations for people in general and it is the single situation most commonly feared by SAD patients as well. Other situations most feared by people suffering from social phobia are eating in front of others, dealing with authority figures or unfamiliar people, dating, performing on stage and informal speaking, which is avoided by 71%. When put in these social or performance situations sufferers may become anxious and have symptoms such as a racing heart, trembling, blushing or even sweating.
Social Phobia has two subtypes: specific or generalised phobia. Specific phobia refers to when the sufferer may only fear and/or avoid only one specific situation whereas the generalised subtype is when one may be concerned about several social or performance situations. Risk factors for social phobia include: early experiences of embarrassment, humiliation or scrutiny by others in social or performance situations, and having rigid rules of social behaviour, such as always having to sound intelligent or fluent. Parenting influences can also put children at risk for developing social phobia. For example, parents with elevated self-criticism or those that encourage avoidance of threatening situations which build coping and resilience.
There are some helpful tips and treatments readily available to effectively manage and reduce social anxiety in social or performance situations. Taking slow, deep breaths in a controlled manner in socially anxious situations can be a great way to reduce social anxiety and manage social phobia. Take deep, long breaths and feel your stomach and chest rise with each inhalation and exhale slowly.
Furthermore, it may be beneficial to focus externally rather than internally. SAD is based on intense feelings of dread, fear and apprehension in social settings. Sometimes, people suffering from social anxiety are so involved in their own physical symptoms and discomfort that everything else vanishes into the background. However, by trying to focus on external rather than internal stimuli - such as the people, conversations and information around you - attention may be diverted away from any physical sensations and allow for better social functioning and reduced social anxiety.
It may also be helpful to try and identify and remove deeply ingrained fears and false beliefs. Even though that may be easier said than done, negative thoughts, false beliefs, prior conditioning, self-esteem issues only help to feed social anxiety. By challenging and refuting these negative beliefs and irrational thoughts, great healing and change can occur. A popular and widely available therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), helps you change your thought patterns, beliefs, feelings, and behavior associated with the phobia and much research has shown it can be highly successful.
Taking small steps is vital to help overcome social phobia and build social confidence. Exposure therapy is frequently used for social phobia. By gradually exposing the person to feared social situations, usually beginning with small exposures and then slowly moving onto longer exposures, the brain is learning that the social or performance situation it once feared is actually not so bad. Social skills training may also help a person suffering from social phobia to become more confident in certain feared social or performance situations.
Lastly, Harvard Women’s Health Watch suggests that if you suffer from social anxiety disorder you should try avoiding isolation during the holidays as it only reinforces social anxiety. If friends, family or others who you may feel comfortable with are available then keep in contact with them. It may also be beneficial to leave time for relaxation, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and avoid caffeine and alcohol. It should also however, be kept in mind that social anxiety is likely to get worse if left untreated.
References:
Bandelow, B., & Stein, D.J. (2004). Social Anxiety Disorder. Marcel Dekker, Inc, New York.
http://www.socialphobia.org/
http://www.au.reachout.com/
www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/easing-social-anxiety-during-the-holidays
http://www.ehow.com/ - How to Reduce and Manage Social Anxiety
By Aly—ADAVIC Volunteer
Self Esteem quotes!
“To wish you were someone else is to waste the person you are”
“You must love yourself before you love another. By accepting yourself and fully being what you are, your simple presence can make others happy”
“Love yourself, for if you don’t, how can you expect anybody else to love you?”
“You must love yourself before you love another. By accepting yourself and fully being what you are, your simple presence can make others happy”
“Love yourself, for if you don’t, how can you expect anybody else to love you?”
Youth and Mental Health.
Mental health week last week seems to have sparked a call for extra funding for services related to young people's mental health.
Raising awareness and reducing the stigma associated with mental illness at the forefront, particularly among children and teenagers. This time in life can be very challenging, especially for those who may not have the support and services they need. Many do not want to be associated with mental illness and therefore do not seek help. Instead many turn the wrong way, to alcohol and drugs. Today the Canberra Times posted an article referring to the 'slippery slide' from pressures during childhood and adolescence to self harm, drug and alcohol abuse and even death. Too many youth are entering the system too late, presenting with acute mental illness or addiction, or slipping through the cracks entirely.
Two things are required: services to help and a reduction in the stigma associated with seeking help. Sunbury College is working to fight this stigma and come up with in school programs to better mental health. A local Weekly has reported the school's program with year nine students, in conjunction with Orygen Youth Health and the Sunbury Community Health Centre, to develop a mental health resource kit for young people. This program is hoped to be implemented into other schools.
Raising awareness and reducing the stigma associated with mental illness at the forefront, particularly among children and teenagers. This time in life can be very challenging, especially for those who may not have the support and services they need. Many do not want to be associated with mental illness and therefore do not seek help. Instead many turn the wrong way, to alcohol and drugs. Today the Canberra Times posted an article referring to the 'slippery slide' from pressures during childhood and adolescence to self harm, drug and alcohol abuse and even death. Too many youth are entering the system too late, presenting with acute mental illness or addiction, or slipping through the cracks entirely.
Two things are required: services to help and a reduction in the stigma associated with seeking help. Sunbury College is working to fight this stigma and come up with in school programs to better mental health. A local Weekly has reported the school's program with year nine students, in conjunction with Orygen Youth Health and the Sunbury Community Health Centre, to develop a mental health resource kit for young people. This program is hoped to be implemented into other schools.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Weekly Quote
Drag your thoughts away from your troubles... by the ears, by the heels, or any other way you can manage it. ~Mark Twain
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
"Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: Unravelling a normal reaction to an abnormal situation..."
How do our bodies and brains react to trauma?
What is Post traumatic stress disorder?
What is the normal reaction to trauma?
How can we transform trauma?
On Wednesday the 26th of October ADAVIC is holding a lecture that will answer all these questions and more!
Presenter Donna Zander is a Clinical Social Worker who is the Co-ordinator of Post Trauma Victoria at Austin Health and is the director of her own private practice with many years experience in a diverse range of settings.
If you are interested in attending this event or want more information please check out the ADAVIC website or call 03 9853 8089.
What is Post traumatic stress disorder?
What is the normal reaction to trauma?
How can we transform trauma?
On Wednesday the 26th of October ADAVIC is holding a lecture that will answer all these questions and more!
Presenter Donna Zander is a Clinical Social Worker who is the Co-ordinator of Post Trauma Victoria at Austin Health and is the director of her own private practice with many years experience in a diverse range of settings.
If you are interested in attending this event or want more information please check out the ADAVIC website or call 03 9853 8089.
Update on BBQ Fundraiser - 8th October 2011
Hi all,
Just want to let you know we raised just under $2,200 last Saturday at our Annual Bunnings Fundraiser.
Thanks to all the volunteers who helped out on the day - they being:
Frank Duke - our resident chef
Irma
Ellen
Jane
Kevin
Yvonne
Mark
Ashlee
James
Tim
Hannah
Thanks to all the sponsors;
Don KRC
Safeway - Kew
McMahaon's Butchers - Balwyn
Baker's Delight - Glenferrie Road Hawthorn
Just want to let you know we raised just under $2,200 last Saturday at our Annual Bunnings Fundraiser.
Thanks to all the volunteers who helped out on the day - they being:
Frank Duke - our resident chef
Irma
Ellen
Jane
Kevin
Yvonne
Mark
Ashlee
James
Tim
Hannah
Thanks to all the sponsors;
Don KRC
Safeway - Kew
McMahaon's Butchers - Balwyn
Baker's Delight - Glenferrie Road Hawthorn
Till next year!!!!
Stress Less
Four tips for better mental health!
Be connected: Social networks provide us with the tools to overcome stress
Be active: Excercising our bodies and minds leaves us feeling refreshed
Be Giving: Leaves you feeling better about yourself and opens the possibility to experience more of what life has to offer.
Take notice and Tune in: Pay attention to where you are; experience the moment. Listen to your thoughts; be kind to yourself.
For more on this, check out this article.
Be connected: Social networks provide us with the tools to overcome stress
Be active: Excercising our bodies and minds leaves us feeling refreshed
Be Giving: Leaves you feeling better about yourself and opens the possibility to experience more of what life has to offer.
Take notice and Tune in: Pay attention to where you are; experience the moment. Listen to your thoughts; be kind to yourself.
For more on this, check out this article.
Call to combat mental illness stigma with campaigns
A Brisbane Summit on mental health this week proposed that government bodies need to act to reduce the stigma related to mental illness.
It was suggested that ongoing campaigns, such as those used for smoking and alcohol misuse, should be implemented to reduce the stigma associated to mental illness.
Others suggested that it would be far more beneficial for people to be more open about their mental illness so the general public can see that 'average' 'everyday' people have mental illness.
For more information check out this article.
It was suggested that ongoing campaigns, such as those used for smoking and alcohol misuse, should be implemented to reduce the stigma associated to mental illness.
Others suggested that it would be far more beneficial for people to be more open about their mental illness so the general public can see that 'average' 'everyday' people have mental illness.
For more information check out this article.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Social Anxiety Group
RMIT University Psychology Clinic is holding a Social Anxiety Group from the 29th of October for 8 weeks for any one suffering from Social Anxiety.
Social Anxiety affects 2-3% of the Australian Population, occuring equalling in both men and women. Social Anxiety is an intense and overwhelming fear of being watched and judged by others and of doing things the will embarrass them. They will have either a general or specific fear about social situations that interferes with the individuals work, school and other ordinary activities, even making and spending time with friends.
If you are interested in participating in the Social Anxiety Group or would like more information, please call the clinic on 9925 7603
Social Anxiety affects 2-3% of the Australian Population, occuring equalling in both men and women. Social Anxiety is an intense and overwhelming fear of being watched and judged by others and of doing things the will embarrass them. They will have either a general or specific fear about social situations that interferes with the individuals work, school and other ordinary activities, even making and spending time with friends.
If you are interested in participating in the Social Anxiety Group or would like more information, please call the clinic on 9925 7603
Do you live with someone suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Researchers at Swinburne University of Technology are looking for volunteers to participate in an interview of people who live with or support someone suffering from OCD.
If you and the person with OCD are over the age of 18 and you are willing to be interviewed either in person or over the phone, please contact Samantha on 0457 116 037 or at SBEEKEN@groupwise.swin.edu.au.
If you and the person with OCD are over the age of 18 and you are willing to be interviewed either in person or over the phone, please contact Samantha on 0457 116 037 or at SBEEKEN@groupwise.swin.edu.au.
Weekly Quote
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
~World Health Organization, 1948
~World Health Organization, 1948
Treating Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Panic attacks affect approximately 4 in 10 people. These attacks are very debilitating! They leave the individual feeling that they are losing control, going crazy or even dying. Panic Disorder is less frequent and affects about 4% of the population. People suffering from panic disorder have a persistent fear of having a panic attack and a constant worry about the consequences of an attack. To compensate, many alter their behaviour in an attempt to prevent attacks, for some it is so overwhelming that they try to avoid any place where it might be difficult to get help or to escape from, this is avoidance is called Agoraphobia.
On Thursday the 13th of October, Psychologist Peter Kyriakoulis will be presenting a lecture discussing the use of Cognitive Behavioural therapy to treat Panic attacks and Panic Disorder. The lecture will be held in Ringwood from 7:30pm. For more information, or to book, please check out the ADAVIC website.
On Thursday the 13th of October, Psychologist Peter Kyriakoulis will be presenting a lecture discussing the use of Cognitive Behavioural therapy to treat Panic attacks and Panic Disorder. The lecture will be held in Ringwood from 7:30pm. For more information, or to book, please check out the ADAVIC website.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Lecture 11th October 2011
During Mental Health Week Psychiatrist Dr. Scott Blair-West will be presenting a lecture on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The lecture will discuss OCD, drawing upon examples of different obsessions and compulsions that people perform, including some of the more newly recognised symptoms. The Lecture will be held on Tuesday the 11th of October from 7:30pm in Moorabin. For more information or to book please visit the ADAVIC website
Mental Health Week 9th - 15th October!
2011 Mental Health Week will be launched this Sunday!
Mental Health Week has been running since 1985. The week is dedicated to promoting mental wellbeing, increasing knowledge about mental health and trying to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness. Further information about this week and the events can be found on the Mental Health Foundation of Australia (Victoria) Website
This year, World Mental Health Day is the 10th of October. World Mental Health Day aims to increase public awareness about mental health issues. It encourages open discussion of mental disorders, and investments in prevention, promotion and treatment services, particularly in poorer countries.
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