Tag - mentalhealthaustralia

How Can Neurodivergent Individuals Find Motivation in Their Own Way? By Susan George

Have you ever stared at your to-do list, feeling completely stuck, unable to begin even though you know exactly what needs doing? Do you find yourself sitting at your desk, thinking about starting a task, yet somehow hours pass by with nothing accomplished? Perhaps you've experienced the frustration of watching deadlines approach while feeling powerless to overcome the invisible barrier...

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,...

How Can You Help Your Child Cope with Disappointment in a Healthy Way? By Susan George

As a parent, you’ve probably experienced the heartbreak of watching your child deal with disappointment. Maybe it was the tears after losing a game match, the disappointment of not making it onto the school play, or the sadness that came with a cancelled birthday party. In those moments, it’s normal to want to protect your child from pain, to make...

Why Are Teens Feeling More Lonely Than Ever (And What Can We Do)? By Susan George

It’s a quiet evening. Your teenager sits in their room, phone in hand, scrolling endlessly. Her phone pings with notifications from group chats and social media. They seem “connected” to the world, yet they seem distant at home.You wonder: Why does my child feel so lonely despite being more connected than ever? As a parent, this question may tug at your...

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 You might notice that they're not as verbal as their other kids who are at this age, or maybe they seem unusually withdrawn during playgroup sessions.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...

How Can You Make Festive Gatherings Inclusive and Enjoyable for Neurodivergent Loved Ones? By Susan George

Many neurodivergent people have heightened sensory experiences. Vibrant lights, busy crowds, intertwining conversations, and the aroma of festive cooking can overwhelm the senses. Although some people may find these joyful, they have the potential to cause distress for others.  Picture this:  You walk into a room filled with blinking lights, multiple conversations are happening at once, and someone hands you a...

How Is Screen Time Affecting Children’s Mental Health? By Susan George

It's dinnertime, and you're calling the kids to the table. There's no response. You walk into the living room and find them sitting on the couch, completely absorbed in their tablet, scrolling, gaming, or watching videos. Maybe it’s not an unusual sight; it has become a routine for many households. But then you notice something else: they get cranky when...

How Can Journalling Help You Explore Your Emotions for Mental Clarity? By Susan George

Many people find themselves trapped in a spiral of overwhelming emotions and cluttered thoughts that seem impossible to untangle. It can feel hard to believe that writing in a diary could help with such complexity. Scepticism often lingers, leading to thoughts that problems are too intricate to be resolved by putting pen to paper. The reality is that journalling doesn't provide...

How to Determine if You are Having a Panic Attack Versus a Heart Attack? By Susan George

Picture yourself sitting silently in a meeting or a busy café when out of nowhere, you feel a sharp, stabbing pain in the middle of your chest. Your heart beats quickly, your palms sweat, and it feels like the walls are closing in. It feels like you have tilted too far back in a chair, but instead of stopping, the...

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...