I’m living proof that curiosity can influence our wellbeing. No doubt we have all had encounters where we feel threatened. It could involve colleagues at work, family members, parenting or other personal conflicts. It’s part of life.
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For as long as I can remember, I’ve yearned to experience and sustain balance. Perhaps because it’s a state of being that renders utter contentment physically, mentally and emotionally. And it feels damn good! Simply put, I desire passion, energy and will to actively participate in this life with a healthy dose of steadfast stability.
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I have always had a natural tendency to compare myself to others. This is both human and normal. But overdoing it can lead to going down a rabbit hole and eventual despair if we don’t catch ourselves. You may relate in some way.
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When I share a first-hand account of living with mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression, I feel an urgent and immediate need to share what it’s like with those who’ve not felt what I have. While this aspiration to enlighten others may be virtuous, I’ve recently realized that binary categories don’t work.
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In light of World Suicide Prevention Day (and R U OK Day in Australia) this Thursday Sept 10, I value the opportunity to write more openly about thoughts of death and not wanting to be here.
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I was recently reminded of the role of listening to our instinct when we feel the need to act for someone who is greatly suffering.
Either because of the COVID-19 pandemic, or despite it, there are people experiencing significant mental health challenges. Some who are on the brink of tragedy. To the point that life is so punishing and exhausting, it seems like they cannot take it anymore.
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As someone who has personal experience of at-times debilitating anxiety and depression, I was asked to reflect on what I’ve learnt about myself during the COVID-19 pandemic.
If there’s one thing we all should have learnt during recent times, it’s to be less surprised by the unexpected.
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It may be untimely to stand up for inequality and injustice through protests because of the COVID-19 pandemic but it’s imperative that we listen, reflect and act in some form. Now more than ever.
Inequality and injustice in all forms is contentious – gender, race, religion, socioeconomic status, disability and the list goes on.
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Given the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, when it comes to your mental health, it’s more important than ever for you to continue with regular professional support if you need it.
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We are all dealing with change yet again as COVID-19 restrictions ease around the world. Our relationship with acceptance, facing uncertainty and relinquishing control hangs in the balance. If not before the pandemic, we are experiencing this now and we can use these developing ‘muscles’ going forward.
Having lived with mental health challenges for over four decades, these are the three muscles I’ve been working on for many years. They have ultimately aided me in better dealing with life while we have been in lockdown.
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Geoffrey Roberts died of natural causes in March this year. Geoffrey’s daughter-in-law – writer, mental health advocate and mother-of-three Dr Deb Roberts – provides a personal account of her family’s grief and how they coped with losing a loved one during the coronavirus pandemic.
A crashing wave-like sensation comes over me and I feel empty. On hearing the sudden news. At the funeral. Turning into his old street. And so many other times. Please come back Geoffrey.
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When we encounter setbacks physically, mentally or emotionally it’s sort of like a building that gets cracks in it. We can take a few knocks and totally handle it, but eventually, with too many cracks, the building takes a tumble. The foundation beneath the building, however, remains.
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‘Mirror, mirror what do I see? Is there a way to be kinder to me?’ This is my story
Our relationship with eating, and food, is a relationship we will have for our entire life. The most basic reason to eat food is that it keeps us alive, but a more subtle and relevant reason is that it plays an important role in our physical and mental well-being. Therefore we should aim to have the best relationship with food we possibly can.
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Due to the pandemic, people are losing loved ones and having to arrange funeral services with major restrictions. In an already overwhelming time, it has made everything seem even more cruel. This has been our family’s recent reality. Our beloved father, father-in-law, poppy, brother and friend passed away and the service arrangements had to be within strict boundaries including a maximum of 10 people who could attend (including the celebrant) and chairs separated to abide by the social distancing rule! This is not dissimilar to many countries around the world who have put in place similar controls.
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Reassurance comes from decreasing doubts and fears. In a crisis like the global spread of COVID-19 it has a significant part to play. Our bodies and minds need rest and repair in order to optimally function and reassurance is as valuable as ever. It doesn’t matter whether you are the prime minister or president of a country, the CEO of a multi-national business, a single person, a parent, a teen who is finishing their last year at school, a 4 year old or among the elderly.
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Imagine being allowed rest and recovery in the comfort of your own dwelling with loved ones present and a pile of books or a movie that you can’t wait to absorb.
Compare that to the frenzy about potential infection and disaster that is spreading like wild fire on social media and more generally in some of the media outlets. You wouldn’t think that the former was even on offer.
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When I feel anxious or depressed I feel like I’m viewing life through a dirty lens. My thoughts impact the colours and the clarity, finding focus feels exhausting and tiresome. However cleaning that lens is possible, but it takes effort, especially when things feel bleak.
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As the holiday season is drawing near, this months blog asks the question, ‘Are you ever satisfied?’. Read on to inquire about how we can gain more satisfaction as we develop goals for the new year.
In light of Mental Health week, I’ve decided to share a personal story of my experience with Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) for major depressive disorder. As a society we need to be more open to discussing interventions that can save lives.
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Recently, I got to meet one of my all-time heroes, author and researcher Brené Brown. She was in Melbourne speaking about her book Dare to Lead.
To be honest I would have gone to see her speak about shelling peas. She is an awesome speaker and often hilarious. She makes you think, laugh and cry all the while discussing some very serious topics.