“Life has no limitations, except the ones you make.”
– Les Brown
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Quotes on Positive Thinking!
*The difference between can and cannot are only three letters. Three letters that determine your life's direction.
*Being positive or negative are habits of thoughts that have a very strong influence on life.
*Positive and negative are directions. Which direction do you choose?
*Positive thinking is expecting, talking and visualizing with certainty what you want to achieve, as an accomplished fact.
*The mind is the decisive factor in your life, but who decides for the mind?
*A positive attitude brings strength, energy and initiative.
*To think negatively is like taking a weakening drug.
*Positive thoughts are not enough. There have to be positive feelings and positive actions.
*Being positive or negative are habits of thoughts that have a very strong influence on life.
*Positive and negative are directions. Which direction do you choose?
*Positive thinking is expecting, talking and visualizing with certainty what you want to achieve, as an accomplished fact.
*The mind is the decisive factor in your life, but who decides for the mind?
*A positive attitude brings strength, energy and initiative.
*To think negatively is like taking a weakening drug.
*Positive thoughts are not enough. There have to be positive feelings and positive actions.
Poem - My Garden
Deep inside of me there is a garden, full of many seeds. Three very special seeds have names. Those are Confidence, Calmness and Contentment.
I was born with these seeds, but when I was young the garden was not tended to, and the seeds of ugly weeds began to take over Confidence, Calmness, and Contentment. As I grew older, I thought that the weeds had taken over the garden for good, and that Confidence, Calmness, and Contentment were killed.
Gone forever.
What I didn’t know was that the little seeds, no matter how many times they were stepped on or neglected, were the strongest seeds in the garden. They were alive, only lying dormant, for many years. For when I began tending the garden myself by nurturing the seeds with love and respect that they deserved – small, yet strong, lovely sprouts began to grow.
Someday soon they will chase away the weeds and become the most beautiful flowers in my garden.
Eventually, they will drop other seeds into the fertile soil and they too will grow strong with lovely flowers, with names like Hope, Pride, Peace, and Dignity.
Nobody will be able to walk on my garden again --- I won’t let them! For I know that every human being has the right to grow a beautiful garden inside of them.
I was born with these seeds, but when I was young the garden was not tended to, and the seeds of ugly weeds began to take over Confidence, Calmness, and Contentment. As I grew older, I thought that the weeds had taken over the garden for good, and that Confidence, Calmness, and Contentment were killed.
Gone forever.
What I didn’t know was that the little seeds, no matter how many times they were stepped on or neglected, were the strongest seeds in the garden. They were alive, only lying dormant, for many years. For when I began tending the garden myself by nurturing the seeds with love and respect that they deserved – small, yet strong, lovely sprouts began to grow.
Someday soon they will chase away the weeds and become the most beautiful flowers in my garden.
Eventually, they will drop other seeds into the fertile soil and they too will grow strong with lovely flowers, with names like Hope, Pride, Peace, and Dignity.
Nobody will be able to walk on my garden again --- I won’t let them! For I know that every human being has the right to grow a beautiful garden inside of them.
Reconnexion National Community Conference
Anxiety: Create a Path to Recovery
1 in 7 people experience an anxiety disorder in Australia and yet there is a lack of information and understanding in this area. People are often unaware that there is treatment available and it’s hard to find information on how to access help and what has been proven to be effective.
Reconnexion is holding a National Community Conference – Anxiety: Create a Path to Recovery for people who have anxiety, their family and friends on Saturday 8 October at Darebin Arts & Entertainment Centre to address this problem. A one day event for the community – that is, ‘consumers’ and ‘carers’ – almost all of us given the widespread nature of these common mental health problems.
Each person has their own journey; the conference aims to help people make choices based on individual needs so they can develop their own path to recovery
The Conference will inform people of the treatment and support options available; provide information on evidence based treatment; help people to navigate the maze of conflicting information; and support people, families and friends affected by anxiety disorders.
To achieve this, the Conference will present current counselling treatment, research and programs; e-therapy and web based programs; support programs such as meditation, yoga, art therapy; and the experience of consumers and carers.
Clinicians and people who have experienced anxiety disorders will come together to share their knowledge and skills in workshops and plenary sessions allowing people to choose the session of most benefit to them. Presenters include Simon Palomares, Associate Professor Nickolai Titov, Professor Paula Barrett, Professor Kathy Griffiths, Pauline McKinnon and Dr Wendy Knight.
This conference is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Health & Ageing.
For further information visit this direct link:
http://www.reconnexion.org.au/community-conference-on-anxiety/w1/i1024364/
1 in 7 people experience an anxiety disorder in Australia and yet there is a lack of information and understanding in this area. People are often unaware that there is treatment available and it’s hard to find information on how to access help and what has been proven to be effective.
Reconnexion is holding a National Community Conference – Anxiety: Create a Path to Recovery for people who have anxiety, their family and friends on Saturday 8 October at Darebin Arts & Entertainment Centre to address this problem. A one day event for the community – that is, ‘consumers’ and ‘carers’ – almost all of us given the widespread nature of these common mental health problems.
Each person has their own journey; the conference aims to help people make choices based on individual needs so they can develop their own path to recovery
The Conference will inform people of the treatment and support options available; provide information on evidence based treatment; help people to navigate the maze of conflicting information; and support people, families and friends affected by anxiety disorders.
To achieve this, the Conference will present current counselling treatment, research and programs; e-therapy and web based programs; support programs such as meditation, yoga, art therapy; and the experience of consumers and carers.
Clinicians and people who have experienced anxiety disorders will come together to share their knowledge and skills in workshops and plenary sessions allowing people to choose the session of most benefit to them. Presenters include Simon Palomares, Associate Professor Nickolai Titov, Professor Paula Barrett, Professor Kathy Griffiths, Pauline McKinnon and Dr Wendy Knight.
This conference is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Health & Ageing.
For further information visit this direct link:
http://www.reconnexion.org.au/community-conference-on-anxiety/w1/i1024364/
Connecting Online
Like many non-profit organisations, ADAVIC has decided to “take the plunge” and become more active on the social networking scene. As well as being able to visit our website (www.adavic.org.au) you can now get additional news and information on our blog, follow us on Twitter and become a fan of us on Facebook.
Social networking is a positive way for us to communicate more regularly with our members and the wider community and to keep informed about what other organisations are doing.
Through these platforms we are able to share even more information about coping strategies, how other people have managed their condition, and lots of links to interesting content in the media.
We can also make sure the wider community is aware of our upcoming events so that we can try and assist even more people with anxiety disorders.
So if you are not already connecting with us online:
Follow us on Twitter
www.twitter.com/ADAVIC
Become a “fan” on Facebook
www.facebook.com/adavic.org.au
Social networking is a positive way for us to communicate more regularly with our members and the wider community and to keep informed about what other organisations are doing.
Through these platforms we are able to share even more information about coping strategies, how other people have managed their condition, and lots of links to interesting content in the media.
We can also make sure the wider community is aware of our upcoming events so that we can try and assist even more people with anxiety disorders.
So if you are not already connecting with us online:
Follow us on Twitter
www.twitter.com/ADAVIC
Become a “fan” on Facebook
www.facebook.com/adavic.org.au
Fundraising BBQ
As previously mentioned, ADAVIC will be holding their annual Bunnings BBQ fundraiser on the 8th of October at the Bunnings located at 230 Burwood Rd Hawthorn.
The BBQ will be running from 8am until 4pm with proceeds going to assist the continual running of ADAVIC's work within the community.
The event also coincides with Mental Health Week, so what better way to help out than by showing your support for ADAVIC and buying a sausage!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Mental Health Week 9th - 15th October
The 2011 Mental Health Week is rapidly approaching. During this week, Sunday the 9th to Saturday the 15th, ADAVIC will be holding two lectures.
On Tuesday the 11th of October Dr Scott Blair-West will be presenting a lecture on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). This lecture aims to explain what OCD is and will discuss different examples of the obsessive thoughts and compulsive rituals people perform. It will also delve into some more newly recognised OCD symptoms performed to reduce anxiety. For more information or to book online, please click here.
The second lecture; 'Treating Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder Using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)' will be held on Thursday the 13th of October. Presenter Peter Kyriakoulis will discuss the use of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy as a treatment option for Panic Attacks. For more information about this event or to book online, please click here
On Tuesday the 11th of October Dr Scott Blair-West will be presenting a lecture on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). This lecture aims to explain what OCD is and will discuss different examples of the obsessive thoughts and compulsive rituals people perform. It will also delve into some more newly recognised OCD symptoms performed to reduce anxiety. For more information or to book online, please click here.
The second lecture; 'Treating Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder Using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)' will be held on Thursday the 13th of October. Presenter Peter Kyriakoulis will discuss the use of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy as a treatment option for Panic Attacks. For more information about this event or to book online, please click here
Weekly Quote:
"He who lives in harmony with himself lives in harmony with the universe"
- Marcus Aurelius
- Marcus Aurelius
Obessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) has been categorised as an Anxiety Disorder by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV. OCD is characteristed by recurrant and disturbing thoughts; refered to as obsessions and the urge to perform repetitive and ritualised behaviours; refered to as compulsions. People suffering the disorder attempt to actively dismiss the unwanted thoughts/obsessions by performing the compulsions. In most cases the compulsions help to alleviate some of the anxiety as the compulsions are seen to cancel out the obsessions, and therefore whatever the disturbing thoughts are will not become real.
There has been a lot of research in the area of OCD lately, Psych Central recentally published an article, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Drugs Helps OCD in Children which discusses a recent study on treatments.
If OCD is something that you are wanting to learn more about, ADAVIC have a lecture coming up on the 11th of October being presented by DR Scott Blair-West. For more information or to book please Click Here
There has been a lot of research in the area of OCD lately, Psych Central recentally published an article, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Drugs Helps OCD in Children which discusses a recent study on treatments.
If OCD is something that you are wanting to learn more about, ADAVIC have a lecture coming up on the 11th of October being presented by DR Scott Blair-West. For more information or to book please Click Here
Online Treatment For OCD
Swinburne University researchers have been trialing an online treatment option for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder with initial findings indicating that it could be successful in helping to manage symptoms.
"The online treatment will potentially make a huge difference for people in remote or rural areas, who have limited access to psychological services," said Professor Michael Kyrios who is leading the study.
The initial trial is now being followed by a larger study which will provide participants with access to free online treatment that is supported by therapists.
If you are over 18 year of age and are interested in participating you can contact Sam Mancuso on (03) 9214 4628 or via email: semancuso@swin.edu.au
For more information visit Anxiety Online
"The online treatment will potentially make a huge difference for people in remote or rural areas, who have limited access to psychological services," said Professor Michael Kyrios who is leading the study.
The initial trial is now being followed by a larger study which will provide participants with access to free online treatment that is supported by therapists.
If you are over 18 year of age and are interested in participating you can contact Sam Mancuso on (03) 9214 4628 or via email: semancuso@swin.edu.au
For more information visit Anxiety Online
Treatment options: a medical vs a naturopathy perspective
The Body and Soul liftout in the Sunday Newspaper often has a comparisson of how different conditions can be managed from the perspective of a GP and of a Naturopath.
The following links provide their two different opinions on how to affectively treat anxiety.
The GP says:
expert opinion - GP
The Naturopath says:
expert opinion - Naturopath
Keep in mind that these are only two opinions and that the suggestions given may not work for everyone.
The following links provide their two different opinions on how to affectively treat anxiety.
The GP says:
expert opinion - GP
The Naturopath says:
expert opinion - Naturopath
Keep in mind that these are only two opinions and that the suggestions given may not work for everyone.
MY JOURNEY THROUGH AGORAPHOBIA
Hi everyone,
It has been a while since I have written, and I apologise.
Overall my progress is coming along, still slow and steady for me.
I have had some changes in my life which I have found difficult to deal with, so the fact that I am still making progress, however slow it may be, is good!
A few months ago my long term partner and I separated.
We have been together for twenty years so this has been very, very hard for me. We have remained friends and that is something I am happy about. He just felt he needed time and space away from the relationship. Like most couples we had our ups and downs but my problems with agoraphobia, anxiety and depression took a big toll on him. He was very supportive but there is no doubt that living day and day out with an agoraphobic person can be difficult for partners.
I live on my own now and that has also been challenging for me.
Apart from the more personal aspects, it also has been hard for my progress with my agoraphobia. I was at the stage where I was trying new things and venturing further and I could do this as long as he accompanied me. I felt safe with him knowing he understood about my anxiety and knowing that if it became too much for me he would gently coax me along, or would take me home if need be. With that confidence I was doing more and more new things which I was totally enjoying.
The freedom of being able to go out! It felt so liberating to be finally able to go out. I felt like I was part of the world again, instead of being trapped inside by my fear. This may sound like I was just doing it easily. I wasn’t. I would often be anxious, sometimes very anxious but I was able to now cope better with this anxiousness and not let it overwhelm me.
Then when my partner left I had less opportunities to try to get out more. I am doing things on my own more and more but I am not at the stage yet where I can do a lot on my own. I can walk short distances on my own and I have started to drive again but I can only go around quiet streets near my home.
Another big change for me was one of my closest friends whom I have known since we were kids, and who has also been a great support to me, moved interstate.
Again, apart from purely missing her and her loving friendship, she was also a practical help to me as she would take me to my therapist every week. She would also take me out when she could. Thankfully her sister has been able to take me to my therapist for my sessions. She usually can’t take me every week but I am grateful that she can take me at all. My therapist and I do phone sessions when I can’t get there in person.
I must admit I have felt frustrated that just as I am ready to explore the world the two people I have relied on to do that with are not available!
I do have other friends but they generally live too far away to be able to help. It is times like these when I really miss having family for help and support. I am an only child and have no family. Still I know having a family is no guarantee of help and support!
However, I have kept on with my own work that I can do, which is trying to work further everyday and trying to drive again.
Getting in a car again has been very scary for me but I have taken it very slowly. At first I was only able to drive a few houses down and then turn around but I have gradually widened that to be able to drive a few streets away. I am lucky that the streets where I live are very quiet with hardly any traffic. My car is an old bomb that is falling apart and I had the experience of it breaking down when I was going on one of my drives. That was extremely challenging for me!
It actually happened twice. The first time the car just stopped in the middle of the road and thankfully a nice passerby helped me to get the car off the road. I was one street away from my house
He could tell I was shaken up so he offered to drive me home. I was so relieved that he was so kind.
The next time I had a bit of warning and I pulled over to the side of the road before the car stopped dead. This time there was no kind passerby so I had to walk home on my own. It was a little bit further than I was used to walking and I become quite anxious. I wanted to just run so I could get home quickly and not panic but I knew that running was not the answer!
With legs shaking I just started walking slowly but steadily trying to loosen my tight grip on myself and my muscles and let go of the tension. That helped enormously and I made it home.
I have kept up my meditation and truly believe that has been a huge factor in my progress in dealing with anxiety and panic.
I have had days and nights when I have felt so alone that I didn’t know how I would make it through. I have also had days when I have realized that being on my own is helping me know my self more, the good the bad and the painful.
I have had a lot of childhood issues that I have been working through with my therapist and this time alone has allowed me to really feel the pain of my past and my present.
More than my progress with going out, I think what I am most proud of is that I have let myself feel my pain, let my tears flow freely, and let the loneliness envelop me without being quite so afraid of all of it.
It hurt like nothing else to face my deepest pains. I had stuffed all the pain down, deep down inside and tried to ignore it. I used to be afraid that if I let myself feel all of that it would overwhelm me and I would have the ‘big’ panic attack that I had always dreaded. In fact it is the opposite, by letting all that out and feeling it all, the anxiety lessens.
I am still a work in progress in this regard but there is progress.
Sometimes it is easier to see how far I still have to go rather than how far I have come. But when I think back to the person I used to be…… so very frightened and existing with a level of anxiety most of the time… I see how far I have come.
By Janesse – September 2011
It has been a while since I have written, and I apologise.
Overall my progress is coming along, still slow and steady for me.
I have had some changes in my life which I have found difficult to deal with, so the fact that I am still making progress, however slow it may be, is good!
A few months ago my long term partner and I separated.
We have been together for twenty years so this has been very, very hard for me. We have remained friends and that is something I am happy about. He just felt he needed time and space away from the relationship. Like most couples we had our ups and downs but my problems with agoraphobia, anxiety and depression took a big toll on him. He was very supportive but there is no doubt that living day and day out with an agoraphobic person can be difficult for partners.
I live on my own now and that has also been challenging for me.
Apart from the more personal aspects, it also has been hard for my progress with my agoraphobia. I was at the stage where I was trying new things and venturing further and I could do this as long as he accompanied me. I felt safe with him knowing he understood about my anxiety and knowing that if it became too much for me he would gently coax me along, or would take me home if need be. With that confidence I was doing more and more new things which I was totally enjoying.
The freedom of being able to go out! It felt so liberating to be finally able to go out. I felt like I was part of the world again, instead of being trapped inside by my fear. This may sound like I was just doing it easily. I wasn’t. I would often be anxious, sometimes very anxious but I was able to now cope better with this anxiousness and not let it overwhelm me.
Then when my partner left I had less opportunities to try to get out more. I am doing things on my own more and more but I am not at the stage yet where I can do a lot on my own. I can walk short distances on my own and I have started to drive again but I can only go around quiet streets near my home.
Another big change for me was one of my closest friends whom I have known since we were kids, and who has also been a great support to me, moved interstate.
Again, apart from purely missing her and her loving friendship, she was also a practical help to me as she would take me to my therapist every week. She would also take me out when she could. Thankfully her sister has been able to take me to my therapist for my sessions. She usually can’t take me every week but I am grateful that she can take me at all. My therapist and I do phone sessions when I can’t get there in person.
I must admit I have felt frustrated that just as I am ready to explore the world the two people I have relied on to do that with are not available!
I do have other friends but they generally live too far away to be able to help. It is times like these when I really miss having family for help and support. I am an only child and have no family. Still I know having a family is no guarantee of help and support!
However, I have kept on with my own work that I can do, which is trying to work further everyday and trying to drive again.
Getting in a car again has been very scary for me but I have taken it very slowly. At first I was only able to drive a few houses down and then turn around but I have gradually widened that to be able to drive a few streets away. I am lucky that the streets where I live are very quiet with hardly any traffic. My car is an old bomb that is falling apart and I had the experience of it breaking down when I was going on one of my drives. That was extremely challenging for me!
It actually happened twice. The first time the car just stopped in the middle of the road and thankfully a nice passerby helped me to get the car off the road. I was one street away from my house
He could tell I was shaken up so he offered to drive me home. I was so relieved that he was so kind.
The next time I had a bit of warning and I pulled over to the side of the road before the car stopped dead. This time there was no kind passerby so I had to walk home on my own. It was a little bit further than I was used to walking and I become quite anxious. I wanted to just run so I could get home quickly and not panic but I knew that running was not the answer!
With legs shaking I just started walking slowly but steadily trying to loosen my tight grip on myself and my muscles and let go of the tension. That helped enormously and I made it home.
I have kept up my meditation and truly believe that has been a huge factor in my progress in dealing with anxiety and panic.
I have had days and nights when I have felt so alone that I didn’t know how I would make it through. I have also had days when I have realized that being on my own is helping me know my self more, the good the bad and the painful.
I have had a lot of childhood issues that I have been working through with my therapist and this time alone has allowed me to really feel the pain of my past and my present.
More than my progress with going out, I think what I am most proud of is that I have let myself feel my pain, let my tears flow freely, and let the loneliness envelop me without being quite so afraid of all of it.
It hurt like nothing else to face my deepest pains. I had stuffed all the pain down, deep down inside and tried to ignore it. I used to be afraid that if I let myself feel all of that it would overwhelm me and I would have the ‘big’ panic attack that I had always dreaded. In fact it is the opposite, by letting all that out and feeling it all, the anxiety lessens.
I am still a work in progress in this regard but there is progress.
Sometimes it is easier to see how far I still have to go rather than how far I have come. But when I think back to the person I used to be…… so very frightened and existing with a level of anxiety most of the time… I see how far I have come.
By Janesse – September 2011
Workplace Bullying
Brodie Panlock committed suicide in 2006 at the age of 19 after being repeatedly bullied by three co-workers. In early 2010, four workers at Café Vamp, a small restaurant in Melbourne Victoria, were fined a total of $335,000 for repeatedly bullying or allowing bullying to occur to Brodie. In this particular case, the victim’s life was cut short when she began to feel unhappy and unsafe and the only solution she could find was to end her own life. “Brodie’s Law” represents a necessary increase in the penalties for bullying.
Workplace bullying is a large issue in Australian culture. I can think of several friends of all ages who have experienced this. I have even seen it happen and taken to initiative to complain to management, with zero action. It appears that unless someone is seen repeatedly engaging in bullying behaviour by a manager, they have the upper hand and cannot be fired. It is problems like this that allow bullying to continue.
In doing some online research for this story, I saw similar complaints by thousands of Australians. People feel helpless and believe that even if they speak up, nothing will be done to the perpetrator. The victim even begins to feel like it is their fault.
“Brodie’s Law” or to be specific, the Crimes Amendment (Bullying) Bill 2011, is a change to the Crimes Act that introduces 10-year prison terms for bullying. We have to ask however, if this is going to be enforced. One thing that has been reiterated throughout my research is that bullying in the workplace is everybody’s responsibility. Considering that about one in six people are bullied at work; in some industries the figure is higher, ranging from 25%, 50% to 97% (Duncan and Riley study), this sounds like sound advice. I would urge not only those being bullied, but those who witness it, to stand up and declare that it is not acceptable. This is the first step to a safer work environment for all Australians.
Not surprisingly, bullying has been an increasingly important area for psychologists to understand. Psychologist Evelyn Field’s website, www.bullying.com.au has sections devoted to workplace bullying. Evelyn is available for counselling and has recently published a book entitled ‘Strategies for Surviving Bullying at Work’. I would recommend viewing the information on the website if you are dealing with workplace bullying or suspect that someone you know may be. To take it a step further, I suggest that all of us make an effort to understand what workplace bullying may involve. Australia needs to join together to educate ourselves and make a stance against workplace bullying. Let’s respect the passing of Brodie Panlock by not allowing this to happen again.
Jessica—ADAVIC Volunteer
Workplace bullying is a large issue in Australian culture. I can think of several friends of all ages who have experienced this. I have even seen it happen and taken to initiative to complain to management, with zero action. It appears that unless someone is seen repeatedly engaging in bullying behaviour by a manager, they have the upper hand and cannot be fired. It is problems like this that allow bullying to continue.
In doing some online research for this story, I saw similar complaints by thousands of Australians. People feel helpless and believe that even if they speak up, nothing will be done to the perpetrator. The victim even begins to feel like it is their fault.
“Brodie’s Law” or to be specific, the Crimes Amendment (Bullying) Bill 2011, is a change to the Crimes Act that introduces 10-year prison terms for bullying. We have to ask however, if this is going to be enforced. One thing that has been reiterated throughout my research is that bullying in the workplace is everybody’s responsibility. Considering that about one in six people are bullied at work; in some industries the figure is higher, ranging from 25%, 50% to 97% (Duncan and Riley study), this sounds like sound advice. I would urge not only those being bullied, but those who witness it, to stand up and declare that it is not acceptable. This is the first step to a safer work environment for all Australians.
Not surprisingly, bullying has been an increasingly important area for psychologists to understand. Psychologist Evelyn Field’s website, www.bullying.com.au has sections devoted to workplace bullying. Evelyn is available for counselling and has recently published a book entitled ‘Strategies for Surviving Bullying at Work’. I would recommend viewing the information on the website if you are dealing with workplace bullying or suspect that someone you know may be. To take it a step further, I suggest that all of us make an effort to understand what workplace bullying may involve. Australia needs to join together to educate ourselves and make a stance against workplace bullying. Let’s respect the passing of Brodie Panlock by not allowing this to happen again.
Jessica—ADAVIC Volunteer
Monday, September 19, 2011
Advocacy for Carers - ARAFEMI
ARAFEMI
Advocacy for Carers
On the path to self-advocacy
Learn how to champion the best interests of your loved one and yourself (for carers)
Saturday 15th October 2011
10am - 1pm
This workshop assists carers to navigate the mental health system and effectively communicate his or her own interests, desires, needs and rights.
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL
Seminars/Workshops: $5.00 and are facilitated from ARAFEMI’s head office, Ground Floor 270 Auburn Road Hawthorn.
Booking Form:
http://www.arafemi.org.au/family-support/carer-education.html
For further information or to book email volunteers@arafemi.org.au or contact Carer Helpline
1300 550 265
Advocacy for Carers
On the path to self-advocacy
Learn how to champion the best interests of your loved one and yourself (for carers)
Saturday 15th October 2011
10am - 1pm
This workshop assists carers to navigate the mental health system and effectively communicate his or her own interests, desires, needs and rights.
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL
Seminars/Workshops: $5.00 and are facilitated from ARAFEMI’s head office, Ground Floor 270 Auburn Road Hawthorn.
Booking Form:
http://www.arafemi.org.au/family-support/carer-education.html
For further information or to book email volunteers@arafemi.org.au or contact Carer Helpline
1300 550 265
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Probiotics May Help Treat Anxiety & Depression
New research has found that good bacteria, or probiotics like those found in yoghurt could help treat people with anxiety and depression because it helps to reduce stress and has the potential to change the chemistry of the brain, thus relieving symptoms.
Watch a video from The Today Show to find out more: Yoghurt Magic
Watch a video from The Today Show to find out more: Yoghurt Magic
Cluttered lives of hoarders
Compulsive hoarding is where people have trouble discarding items. This leads to the person's house becoming cluttered to the point they can no longer move freely within their homes and begin to face unnecessary risks such as injuries from tripping and difficulties with hygiene. Hoarding afffects about one million Australian's and will soon be recognised as a medical condition in its own right. The Sunday Night show presented some very interesting information on this topic along with additional links on this issue, for further information please click here.
"Questions and Answers" - Anxiety, Depression and Treatment Options.
Each year one in five Australians experiences a mental illness, yet due to stigma associated with these conditions many do not seek assistance. On Tuesday the 20th September ADAVIC are providing everyone with the oppurtunity to Ask Questions and Get Answers from Clinical Psychologist Dr Sallee McLaren and Psychotherapist Pauline McKinnon. For more information or to book online please click here.
A mother's journey dealing with a child suffering panic attacks!
By Georgette Anderson-Reed
My eldest daughter Rhiannon always had a spark about her that made me envious, people were drawn to her, her smile was contagious. She had an essence for life that was inspiring. We had just had the most amazing start to the year as her father and I married after thirteen years together, we were all on top of the world. Rhiannon gave a speech in front of eighty people expressing her love to us both, we were so proud. So why two months later did it all come crashing down around us?
It started off as small spurts, little things that no one else would have picked up on, but as a mother I knew something was not right with my little girl. She was ten and struggling at school and letting little things get to her. She was stressed getting up in the morning to go to school and that was a sign that something was wrong as Rhiannon loved school and hated the thought of not going. In the six years of her education, she had only ever missed a handful of days and when she did, she was usually very ill. Day by day she began to deteriorate and as a mother I knew I needed to be strong to get her through this, but on the inside I was screaming for someone to give me back my daughter.
Doctors after doctors, tests after tests, no one could tell me what was wrong with my angel. As I held her in my arms while she cried, screaming that she wanted to hurt herself or someone else for all the pain to stop, I knew a piece of Rhiannon had died and it was going to be my job to find a new piece for her to develop. I told her to start writing down and explaining her feelings. Her first piece of work explained more than I could have ever imagined. Reading your daughter’s pain and how trapped she feels you begin to wonder where you went wrong as a parent.
Sadly no one was taking this seriously and her school was only treating this as if I was a crazy mother and my daughter was trying to get attention. She started seeing the school psychologist which was helping, and I began to see Rhiannon’s new path. She started talking about wanting to help other kids that may feel the same way as she does and arranged a group for kids just like her to be heard and for someone to just listen. I was so proud, but deep down I could see Rhiannon was still struggling. She had always been a highly anxious child, stressing about the little things; however I was clueless to the depths of her discomfort. She began to panic at the smallest things, to the point where she would almost faint.
I must admit, as a control freak myself, I was struggling with her. I just wanted her to get back on track and live a happy normal carefree life. Everything became an issue - cutting her hair, going up and down stairs, escalators and elevators, and even eating meat became problematic as she was fearful of choking. I knew she was struggling but I did my best to make everything ok, but I was only making matters worse. The sad point is that I too suffer from panic and fear, so how could I of all people not understand? Because I believe I have mine under control. Mine is all hidden where no one can see, then escapes at night in my sleep where I have nocturnal panic attacks.
It wasn’t until I started student placement at ADAVIC, and I started reading books on anxiety, that it hit me smack in the face. Rhiannon was caught in her own nightmare where everyone could see her anxiety on display. I asked Rhiannon to share her feelings in writing an article, so I could understand how she was feeling around her panic and fear. It was right in front of me the whole time that she was suffering from a panic attack disorder and I got so caught up with trying to fix her that I did not stop to see her discomfort. Whilst Rhiannon and I share a beautiful relationship, I was trying to control her disorder rather than helping her live with it.
I am slowly adjusting to having a daughter who suffers from a panic attack disorder, giving her the time she needs when she faces her fears. My husband, on the other hand, does not understand as he has never suffered anything like this and acts as cool as a cucumber, and does not have the tolerance with her. However, we are taking it day by day and learning to work with her instead of against her. When an attack comes on we help her, talk her through it, and we learn more and more everyday from her. Although I lost a piece of my daughter, I have gained a new piece, a strong inspiring piece that will not only teach me but will help and teach many more in the future. If Rhiannon has taught her father and I anything, it is that living with panic attack disorder should not be a life sentence, it will take time, patience and support but as a family we will learn to live with it, not against it…
My eldest daughter Rhiannon always had a spark about her that made me envious, people were drawn to her, her smile was contagious. She had an essence for life that was inspiring. We had just had the most amazing start to the year as her father and I married after thirteen years together, we were all on top of the world. Rhiannon gave a speech in front of eighty people expressing her love to us both, we were so proud. So why two months later did it all come crashing down around us?
It started off as small spurts, little things that no one else would have picked up on, but as a mother I knew something was not right with my little girl. She was ten and struggling at school and letting little things get to her. She was stressed getting up in the morning to go to school and that was a sign that something was wrong as Rhiannon loved school and hated the thought of not going. In the six years of her education, she had only ever missed a handful of days and when she did, she was usually very ill. Day by day she began to deteriorate and as a mother I knew I needed to be strong to get her through this, but on the inside I was screaming for someone to give me back my daughter.
Doctors after doctors, tests after tests, no one could tell me what was wrong with my angel. As I held her in my arms while she cried, screaming that she wanted to hurt herself or someone else for all the pain to stop, I knew a piece of Rhiannon had died and it was going to be my job to find a new piece for her to develop. I told her to start writing down and explaining her feelings. Her first piece of work explained more than I could have ever imagined. Reading your daughter’s pain and how trapped she feels you begin to wonder where you went wrong as a parent.
Sadly no one was taking this seriously and her school was only treating this as if I was a crazy mother and my daughter was trying to get attention. She started seeing the school psychologist which was helping, and I began to see Rhiannon’s new path. She started talking about wanting to help other kids that may feel the same way as she does and arranged a group for kids just like her to be heard and for someone to just listen. I was so proud, but deep down I could see Rhiannon was still struggling. She had always been a highly anxious child, stressing about the little things; however I was clueless to the depths of her discomfort. She began to panic at the smallest things, to the point where she would almost faint.
I must admit, as a control freak myself, I was struggling with her. I just wanted her to get back on track and live a happy normal carefree life. Everything became an issue - cutting her hair, going up and down stairs, escalators and elevators, and even eating meat became problematic as she was fearful of choking. I knew she was struggling but I did my best to make everything ok, but I was only making matters worse. The sad point is that I too suffer from panic and fear, so how could I of all people not understand? Because I believe I have mine under control. Mine is all hidden where no one can see, then escapes at night in my sleep where I have nocturnal panic attacks.
It wasn’t until I started student placement at ADAVIC, and I started reading books on anxiety, that it hit me smack in the face. Rhiannon was caught in her own nightmare where everyone could see her anxiety on display. I asked Rhiannon to share her feelings in writing an article, so I could understand how she was feeling around her panic and fear. It was right in front of me the whole time that she was suffering from a panic attack disorder and I got so caught up with trying to fix her that I did not stop to see her discomfort. Whilst Rhiannon and I share a beautiful relationship, I was trying to control her disorder rather than helping her live with it.
I am slowly adjusting to having a daughter who suffers from a panic attack disorder, giving her the time she needs when she faces her fears. My husband, on the other hand, does not understand as he has never suffered anything like this and acts as cool as a cucumber, and does not have the tolerance with her. However, we are taking it day by day and learning to work with her instead of against her. When an attack comes on we help her, talk her through it, and we learn more and more everyday from her. Although I lost a piece of my daughter, I have gained a new piece, a strong inspiring piece that will not only teach me but will help and teach many more in the future. If Rhiannon has taught her father and I anything, it is that living with panic attack disorder should not be a life sentence, it will take time, patience and support but as a family we will learn to live with it, not against it…
Louise Hay Affirmations!
It is Safe to Look within
As I move through the layers of other people's opinions and beliefs.
I see within myself a magnificant being, wise and beautiful.
I Love what I see in me.
***********************************************************************************
My home is a peaceful haven.
I bless my home with love.
I put love in every corner, and my home lovingly responds with warmth and comfort.
I am at peace.
************************************************************************************
Loving others is easy when I Love and accept myself
My heart is open. I allow my love to flow freely.
I love myself.
I live others and others love me.
As I move through the layers of other people's opinions and beliefs.
I see within myself a magnificant being, wise and beautiful.
I Love what I see in me.
***********************************************************************************
My home is a peaceful haven.
I bless my home with love.
I put love in every corner, and my home lovingly responds with warmth and comfort.
I am at peace.
************************************************************************************
Loving others is easy when I Love and accept myself
My heart is open. I allow my love to flow freely.
I love myself.
I live others and others love me.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Research Participants!
Murdoch Childrens Research Institute
Healthier Kids, Healthier Future
The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne
Healthier Kids, Healthier Future
The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne
PARTICIPANTS REQUIRED FOR RESEARCH PROJECT ON HELPING TEENAGERS WITH ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURY MANAGE ANXIETY
A research study at The Royal Children’s Hospital is currently underway aimed at helping teenagers with acquired brain injury (ABI) manage their anxiety. We are looking for teenagers to participate in the study who have had an ABI and are experiencing anxiety.
Teenagers enrolled in the study will participate in a cognitive-behavioural therapy program aimed at reducing their anxiety. The program runs for 11 sessions over 11 weeks.
We would like to hear from you if you or your child:
(1) is aged 12–19 years,
(2) has had an acquired brain injury (e.g., traumatic brain injury, stroke),
(3) has difficulties with anxiety, and
(4) the injury/onset occurred more than 6 months ago.
Please contact Irene Dinatale on (03) 9090 5224 (irene.dinatale@mcri.edu.au.) or Laura Punaro on (03) 9090 5253 (laura.punaro@mcri.edu.au) for more information about this study.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
ADAVIC Message Board!!!
Tyson one of ADAVIC volunteers posted the following post on our message board to get an idea as to why people are using it—
Hey everyone,
Being on the forum for a little while now has got me thinking about how many people out there have got some good advice or any piece of information that has helped them in anyway. I know plenty of people have posted up stories or advice, so this is a chance for everyone who has been helped to post in and tell us how this online forum has made your life that much easier. I know I wont be the only person who will be happy to know this forum is doing some good for people out there.
Thanks to all who would like to share :)
Tyson
What a good idea for a post Tyson.
I have used this forum to vent many different frustrations but I have probably found it most useful for relating to and venting about uni related issues. I think it's because I don't have many friends at all who go to uni so they don't quite understand what it is like.
Looking at it from a different point of view, I have also really enjoyed using this forum to get a better understanding of how other people deal with their own issues and concerns and what advice they find to be useful. Sometimes I like to read the advice people have offered for another persons issueand use it myself.
Amanda
I've had such bad days in the past that the only thing that has kept me going has been the positive support I've had on this forum. It's great to have somewhere to come where you know you won't be judged and a place where people really care.
Sometimes it just helps to have somewhere to get stuff out..........
Thanks everyone
Lee
I don’t use the forum as much as I used to as I don’t need to anymore; however, I can say this forum has had several benefits for me and I believe for others suffering from anxiety and depression. Why? Many of us are afraid to talk or discuss our anxiety and/or depression with our friends or family, so coming to a forum like this where we can share our feelings and thoughts without feeling we are being judged or ridiculed. There are also many opportunities to share personal stories and learn new insights. Thanks for this forum ADAVIC.
Jen
That is very good to hear, I know that the forum is a great way to open up and say some things that you might not do in a face to face situation, so it’s good that everyone gets their information out there and helps someone in need. Thanks heaps for your posts, id love to hear some more.
Tyson
Can I get a woop woop??
for ADAVIC :)
If it wasn't for all the people at ADAVIC, all you lovely ladies on a Thursday, I think that my depression and PTSD from the bushfires would have consumed me. I cant thank them enough.
Amie
Great Idea Tyson,
ADAVIC is fantastic I have found a lot of info on here that has helped me and just reading all the posts helps to know you’re not alone and that there are people out there that are in the same boat as you and going through different stages of anxiety.
Just being part of this amazing forum has helped me.... along with all the friendly members; everyone is going through stuff and a willing to help others
Thanks everyone and ADAVIC
Molly
Should you wish to be part of our community online join our forum—it is free and only takes a few minutes to register.
The direct link is: http://forum.adavic.org.au/index.php
Healing through group support
One in five people experience depression at some stage of their lives. It is one of the most common of all mental health problems. More than 15 years ago, Psychotherapist, Kari Sotamaa was in turmoil, experiencing what many of his clients experience today.
Born and raised in Finland, Kari grew up in a violent and dysfunctional family. Having a speech impediment coupled with depression was a difficult journey for Kari, but a breakthrough occurred when he took responsibility for accepting change. Through various therapies Kari was able to heal his depression.
Today, Kari helps individuals and families overcome depression through the group therapy process. He is a facilitator of a number of workshops held at the Positive Psychology Wellness Centre in Mornington. These include workshops for depression support, authentic happiness, overcoming fears and phobias, meditation and art therapy. For those suffering from depression, anxiety and chronic pain, the Depression Support workshop provides practical techniques to assist them in their journey to recovery. The workshop is also open to friends and family of those who suffer from depression as often they are also deeply affected.
Those interested in understanding the nature of happiness, and how they can achieve daily joy and lasting fulfillment, will benefit from the Authentic Happiness workshop. They will be shown techniques to help them learn forgiveness, heal their inner pain and identify their own individual strengths. They learn how to use these empowering techniques to add more meaning and purpose in their lives.
The Fears and Phobias workshop aims to assist participants to control their fears rather than allowing their fears to take control of them. Individuals are taken through a powerful process which can facilitate the healing of their emotional pain, as well as helping to discover and resolve their causes of their challenges.
Meditation workshops offer practice in a range of meditation techniques and participants have an opportunity to share their experiences with others throughout their journey.
Meditation sessions can assist individuals to feel more compassion, increase their self control, and enhance their ability to ‘let go’ of negative emotions.
For those looking for a creative outlet the Art Therapy workshop allows them to express themselves through the creative process. Participants can learn about themselves and how to express emotions and feelings they may be struggling with.
For further information or to secure your place please call us on 5976 8443 or email
wellnesscentre@positivepsychology.net.au
By Daniela Stansfield—Daniela is the Manager of Positive Psychology in Mornington and Oakleigh.
Feedback on Nicky Johnston Lecture: “Go Away, Mr. Worrythoughts!” a mother's story
Nicky’s talk was absolutely awe-inspiring in regard to anxiety in children. Understanding when anxiety starts and how it presents are questions that are still being researched and analysed. As Nicky said: “you don’t just turn 12 and ‘it’s’ there”. Nicky’s story about her son presenting at, what she thinks, three years old and how it wasn’t diagnosed until a few years later was compelling listening. Nicky told us what it was like for parents and family going through the hard work of getting some help for her son, and yet what her son must have been going through at the time, I can’t begin to imagine.
Through Nicky’s talents of story telling, and the open honest communication with her media, whether it be radio or lectures, anxiety is slowly becoming more openly discussed and being made aware of in families and schools – however, there is still a long way to go according to the feedback from the teachers and parents who attended the lecture.
Two things really stood out for me in this lecture that would help parents and that was: a) talk to the teachers, whether kinder/primary or high school…get their support and understanding – it goes a long way for everyone – the child, the parents, the teachers and of course other students who can also help with support and understanding. And if you don’t get it, find a school that will support;
b) find a good psychologist/counsellor who communicates with the child, who doesn’t talk down to or dismiss the child and only wants to talk with the parents…let the child feel be heard, let them know they are being listened to, let them know that someone understands this ‘unknown’.
Nicky is a very down to earth person, who is purely in this to help others. The books that she brought along written by other authors proved that it was not about promoting herself as an author, but to sincerely provide some insight for other parents and/or carers looking for ways to understand and support sufferers of anxiety.
By Mary, ADAVIC Volunteer
For more information about Nicky Johnston visit her website: www.nickysart.com.au
Through Nicky’s talents of story telling, and the open honest communication with her media, whether it be radio or lectures, anxiety is slowly becoming more openly discussed and being made aware of in families and schools – however, there is still a long way to go according to the feedback from the teachers and parents who attended the lecture.
Two things really stood out for me in this lecture that would help parents and that was: a) talk to the teachers, whether kinder/primary or high school…get their support and understanding – it goes a long way for everyone – the child, the parents, the teachers and of course other students who can also help with support and understanding. And if you don’t get it, find a school that will support;
b) find a good psychologist/counsellor who communicates with the child, who doesn’t talk down to or dismiss the child and only wants to talk with the parents…let the child feel be heard, let them know they are being listened to, let them know that someone understands this ‘unknown’.
Nicky is a very down to earth person, who is purely in this to help others. The books that she brought along written by other authors proved that it was not about promoting herself as an author, but to sincerely provide some insight for other parents and/or carers looking for ways to understand and support sufferers of anxiety.
By Mary, ADAVIC Volunteer
For more information about Nicky Johnston visit her website: www.nickysart.com.au
R U OK Day
Next Thursday the 15th of September is R U OK day. The initiative has been going for two years and aims to prevent suicide by encouraging people to ask someone they care about whether they are OK.
The initiative acknowledges that connectedness is an important factor in preventing suicide and believes that striking up conversation has the potential to save lives.
For more information about R U OK day you can visit their website which has lots of resources including videos as well as tips for how to ask someone if they are OK
The initiative acknowledges that connectedness is an important factor in preventing suicide and believes that striking up conversation has the potential to save lives.
For more information about R U OK day you can visit their website which has lots of resources including videos as well as tips for how to ask someone if they are OK
Brodie's Law against bullying to be passed in Upper House today
Brodie Panlock was a victim of workplace bullying and it resulted in her taking her own life in 2006. After years of campaigning for stricter rules regarding workplace bulling, Brodie's parents finally see 'Brodie's Law' being passed in parliament. For more information read this article
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