Tag - mentalhealth

How Can You Reframe Negative Thoughts: How to Challenge Negative Thinking? By Susan George

It's natural to feel worried from time to time; however, our anxious thoughts can sometimes be unhelpful. Our emotions, thoughts, and actions are all linked, constantly affecting one another. Unfortunately, we may develop thoughts or behaviour patterns that affects our well-being. These negative thought patterns can affect how we feel, which can, in turn, affect how we think and behave,...

When Parents Should Be Concerned About Their Child’s Development? By Susan George

Introduction

As you're watching your child play in the park, and something doesn't quite feel right. You might notice that they're not as verbal as their other kids who are at this age, or maybe they seem unusually withdrawn during playgroup sessions. As parents, we often find ourselves wondering whether our children's behaviours are just part of normal development or if...

What Do Most People Get Wrong About OCD? By Susan George

Picture this: Just as you're getting ready to head out for a crucial appointment, you can't seem to rid yourself of the nagging worry that you forgot to turn off the iron. You check once, twice, three times - each time knowing it's off, but unable to trust your own eyes. Your hands are clammy, your pulse is rapid, and you're...

Who am I Now? By Susan George

As I sat glued to my screen. I found myself incredibly humbled by the remarkable stories of resiliency and triumph watching the Paralympic Games in Paris. One such story, is an extremely personable young lady: Alexa Leary, an Australian swimmer who defied seemingly insurmountable odds to not only compete but also succeed at the pinnacle of parasport. Three years ago, Alexa...

Coping with the Loss of a Dream: How to Rebuild Your Life By Susan George

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...

Maladaptive Schemas: What They Are and How They Affect Our Lives By Susan George

Have you ever found yourself repeating the same patterns in relationships, work, or personal life, despite your best efforts to change? The answer might lie in understanding maladaptive schemas, which are deeply rooted patterns and beliefs that influence how we perceive the world and ourselves. We'll look at what maladaptive schemas are, how they develop, and how they affect our...

Surviving the School Holidays: Tips for Parents By Susan George

The school holidays are upon us, and while they provide a needed break from the daily grind of school routines, they can also pose unique challenges for parents. On the other hand, it can be a time of stress as parents try to keep the kids entertained, to managing sibling rivalries, accommodating the needs of neurodivergent children, whilst trying to...

Small Steps to a Healthier Life: Daily Habits for Living Well By Susan George and James McIntyre

Living well is about integrating small, manageable changes into our daily lives to boost overall well-being. We can significantly improve our physical and emotional well-being by implementing these small changes. This holistic approach revolves around several key elements: taking care of our bodies, challenging our minds, showing kindness, connecting with others, practising mindfulness, and caring for our environment. It's better...

Quieting the Mind: Overcoming Cognitive Fusion and Intrusive Racing Thoughts at Night By Susan George

Introduction: 

We've all experienced those restless nights when our minds seem to be racing a million miles per hour, making it impossible to drift off into peaceful slumber. Thoughts swirl around incessantly, ranging from mundane to-do lists to deep existential worries, leaving us tossing and turning until the wee hours of the morning. This common phenomenon can leave you feeling frustrated...

Neurodiversity: Stimming and Sensory Overload By Susan George

For those on the autism spectrum and with other neurological differences, the world can often be an intense sensory experience. Everyday sights, sounds, smells, textures and tastes that may go unnoticed by neurotypical individuals can be amplified and overwhelming for neurodivergent people. This sensory overload can lead to meltdowns, shutdowns, and a desperate need to stim (self-stimulatory behaviour) to regain...