We all know sadness. It’s a natural, human response to life’s disappointments, losses, heartbreaks, or even just a run of exhausting days. It feels heavy, but it usually has a story — a reason that makes sense. Depression, however, is something different. It’s not “sadness that won’t go away.” It’s a clinical condition that can reshape how you think, feel,...
Mood swings are a normal part of being human. We all have good days and bad days, but bipolar disorder is something else entirely. It brings episodes of intense mood between (mania or hypomania) and deep depression. It is a condition that can affect the person's thinking, behaviour, energy, relationships, work, and even self-care. These aren’t just “bad moods.” These are...
As a psychologist, I often meet people who have lived with a quiet, heavy sadness for years without realising it had a name. Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), formerly known as dysthymia, is a chronic form of depression where low mood lingers most days for at least two years (in adults). While the symptoms are usually less intense than a major...
Understanding the Grief of Lost Dreams Losing a dream often brings about an intense emotional response akin to grief. Just like grieving the loss of a loved one, grieving for a dream goes through phases of denial, anger, bargaining, despair, and finally acceptance. While frequently linked to other forms of mourning, these phases also apply when dealing with the loss of...
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...
Introduction In the midst of the festive season, where joy and togetherness are celebrated, trees adorned with twinkling lights, windows decorated with Christmas ornaments, classic films airing on every channel, and carols echoing through the streets—all these holiday symbols have the power to evoke the most wonderful emotions. However, they can also feel oppressive when we’re finding it difficult to catch...
Introduction Ecotherapy, is an emerging nature-based therapy has been found to significantly improve mental well-being. Ecotherapy is a form of experiential therapy that uses nature as a therapeutic tool to promote mental health. It's rooted in the idea that humans have an innate connection with nature, and this bond can be used to foster psychological well-being. The history of ecotherapy can be...
Eating Disorders in General Eating disorders are severe mental health conditions that impact individuals regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or background. Those affected by eating disorders employ disordered eating behaviours as a means of managing challenging emotions or situations. These behaviours can encompass various patterns, such as restricting food intake, consuming excessive amounts of food in one sitting, engaging in harmful...
‘Wear it Purple” Day (based in Australia) occurs this year on Friday 25th August and is a day for the whole community to go purple in support of LGBTQIA+ youth, and to stand out against bullying and discrimination. It was founded by 2 students Kate Hudson & Scott Williams who saw the high rates LGBTQI+ people at risk and has changed...
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...
