Public Health & Community Topics

Could It Be More Than PMS? Understanding Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) By Susan George

As a psychologist who works with many women dealing with hormonal mood changes, I often hear the same question: “Is this just bad PMS or is it something more?” For most women, premenstrual symptoms are manageable. But for others, the days before a period can be overwhelming emotional storms that disrupt work, relationships, and self-worth. This is often Premenstrual Dysphoric...

From Curriculum to Capacity: Neurodiversity, Autism, and the Reality of Australian Classrooms By Susan George

Walk into almost any Australian classroom today, and you will see a something’s changing. More kids than ever are being recognised as neurodivergent. Some with formal diagnoses like autism, ADHD, and others with sensory processing differences, learning disabilities, or overlapping profiles that do not always fit neatly into diagnostic boxes. This change isn’t just a matter of numbers; it is a real cultural change. Schools are where the old way of thinking about neurodivergent kids as having a disorder are being challenged by...

Are We Protecting Youth Mental Health With the Social Media Ban—Or Creating New Challenges? By Susan George

The rise of platforms designed to be endlessly engaging has shaped the way an entire generation experiences connection, approval and identity. Even adults recognise how easy it is to fall into patterns of checking notifications without thinking. For teenagers, whose sense of self is still forming, the emotional pull of these interactions can feel even more intense. From 10 December 2025,...