By the time December arrives, many people notice the same pattern. Your calendar fills up. Your thoughts speed up. And your mind feels louder than usual even when you’re trying to rest. You might find yourself lying awake running through lists. Or feeling irritated by small things. Or wondering why, at a time that’s meant to feel joyful, you mostly feel...
When we think about improving our mental health, it’s easy to picture big changes—quitting a stressful job, moving to a new city, starting therapy, or completely overhauling our daily routine. And while those steps can sometimes help, they’re not always feasible—or even necessary. More often than not, it’s the small shifts that make the biggest difference. I like to think of it...
Despite its undeniable importance, discussing mental health often invokes discomfort and apprehension in our society. Why is it that something so fundamental to our existence remains shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding? Conversations surrounding emotional well-being are frequently dismissed or avoided, perpetuating a culture of silence, shame and misunderstanding. These barriers not only impede open dialogue but also deter individuals from...
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that can significantly impact a person's ability to regulate behaviour and attention. One of the core deficits associated with ADHD is impaired executive functioning. As we discussed in a previous post on neurodiversity and executive functioning, executive functions are cognitive processes that help us with planning, organisation, managing time, paying...
Gender identity development is complex, personal, and unique to each individual. For some, it’s a smooth trajectory that aligns with their sex assigned at birth. For others, it’s a winding path of questioning, exploration, and discovery. As a parent, you may notice your pre-teen or early adolescent child expressing curiosity about gender. They may ask questions, explore different forms of dress...
Introduction In the digital age, social media platforms have become an integral part of our daily lives, offering connection, information, and entertainment. However, for some, these platforms can become a source of addictive behaviours, causing negative consequences in various aspects of life. To delve into the psychological factors that contribute to this addiction, we need to explore why people turn to...
In a world where unprecedented connectivity allows plans to be made, rearranged, or cancelled within minutes through texting alone, and the ability to converse with loved ones even continents away, occurs simply via “WhatsApp or Messenger”, the irony remains that a significant prevalence of social isolation and loneliness persists among elderly Australians over 65yrs. Is Being Alone the Same as Feeling...
Do you find yourself anxious about being judged by others? Are you frequently self-conscious in typical social scenarios? Does the thought of meeting new people make you fearful or uneasy? If these emotions have persisted for a minimum of 6 months and are interfering with your ability to perform everyday activities, like engaging with colleagues or classmates, you might be...
We all have experiences in life that are difficult, painful, or challenging. Our internal voice can be harsh, judging us for our perceived shortcomings and mistakes. Instead of getting caught up in self-criticism or negative thinking patterns, self-compassion encourages us to approach ourselves with kindness and explore constructive ways to address our challenges. As Dr Kristin Neff (Educational Psychologist) states, "Self-compassion...
Are you struggling with falling asleep or staying asleep? Do you find that your mind is constantly racing, making it nearly impossible to get a good night's rest? You are not alone. Research shows that inadequate sleep is a common issue for four out of every ten Australians. Sleep is incredibly important for our physical and mental health. Yet, sometimes it's...
