September 2020
The 9th September marks International Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day. The condition develops when the foetus is exposed to alcohol during pregnancy. FASD leads to significant permanent and life-long cognitive, behavioural, health and learning difficulties. We all have a role to play in supporting women have an alcohol-free pregnancy. Pregnancy Pause is one initiative to help, and soon there will be mandatory labelling of alcohol. Red Shoes Rock is a worldwide campaign inspired by an adult living with FASD, to highlight the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy and to acknowledge that an alcohol-free pregnancy is a whole of community responsibility.
August 2020
Difficult times for all of us, with changes to our daily routines and our very way of life. A recent ANU study shows that Australians are drinking alcohol more frequently during this pandemic than before. Alcohol can make us more depressed and anxious, impact our sleep and physical health. Online help is here:
Hello Sunday Morning and their Daybreak app.
Sober in the Country
And this great Australian Story episode.
July 2020
We have all witnessed the incredible world-wide demonstrations for the Black Lives Matter movement.
Australia has our own history that continues to mark our present.
The Healing Foundation partners with communities to address trauma and healing with a pro-active and future-focussed strategy. Strong Spirit – Strong Culture – Strong People
Voice. Treaty. Truth.
June 2020
June 15 marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Wear a purple ribbon to raise awareness of elder abuse, which can be financial, physical, psychological, sexual or the result of intentional/unintentional neglect. In an ageing population, the rate is increasing. There will be city buildings lit up in purple in recognition as well.
Advocare
World Health Organisation
Relationships Australia
WA services and resources
May 2020
Many tragedies around the world. And the ongoing tragedies of Suicide.
Many thanks to just a few of these organisations working tirelessly:
Anglicare’s Arbor
Standby
Life In Mind
Postvention Australia
CBPATSISP
April 2020
A recommended read with ABC Journalist Leigh Sales’ book: Any Ordinary Day: Blindsides, Resilience and What Happens After the Worst Day of Your Life. This candid book explores personal experiences of tragedy and grief, uncovering resilience, humour and hope.
On the topic of personal stories and the ABC, check out Heywire, putting young Australians stories out there. https://www.abc.net.au/heywire/
We have to love our ABC! https://iloveabc.org.au/
Challenging Times in 2020
Life has certainly changed over the past few weeks. The Government is continuing to review Telehealth, and we will update patients regarding any changes to appointments.
Please keep abreast of Government advice, social distancing and caring for yourself and loved ones. Remember to share kindness and thanks with all you meet as everyone is impacted and adjusting.
10 Tips for Coping with Infectious Diseases.pdf
Looking after your mental health during the Coronavirus outbreak
Best wishes, Dr Rho
March 2020
Those in the process of trauma recovery, hope and healing have an angel with Ann O’Neill and her WA based Trauma Recovery Angels. Read about her story and the organisation AngelHands here: https://www.angelhands.org.au/
If you have suffered extreme trauma, or wish to support people who have experienced trauma, this will be of interest.
February 2020
We are members of the Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association: https://anzmh.asn.au/.
This organisation hosts “The Pebble in the Pond” which continues to deliver excellent podcasts, with its second series. The podcasts hope “to create a ripple of change for mental health”, as they interview those from backgrounds in lived experience, research, academia, and industry. Available via search on Spotify and Anchor.
January 2020
I enjoyed reading Jane Fonda’s candid autobiography recently “My Life So Far”, released in 2006. I was not aware of her long struggle with an eating disorder, as well as esteem issues, and complex family issues.
For those struggling with, or impacted by, an Eating Disorder, this website is very helpful: https://thebutterflyfoundation.org.au/
We are also encouraged by the new MBS item numbers for eating disorders, to promote a better treatment approach to management.
December 2019
International Day of People with Disability occurs on 3 December.
https://www.idpwd.com.au/
Kurt Fearnley, the patron for 2019, has achieved amazing things. Read about him here: https://www.kurtfearnley.com/
“People with disability are entitled to the same respect, independence, equality and choice as others. We need to talk honestly about the barriers in society that prevent this and work together to break them down, to ensure people with disability can reach their full potential.”
November 2019
Suicide is a tragic event. There are supports out there if you have been impacted by the loss of a loved one.
http://standbysupport.com.au/
https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/topics/suicide-bereavement
https://wingsofhope.org.au/
https://postventionaustralia.org/finding-support/local-support-groups/
October 2019
October is a big month for mental health movements.
This includes Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Week and Mental Health Week in Australia.
Then there is 10/10 – World Mental Health Day. This is an initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health, a global mental health organisation spanning 150 countries: https://wfmh.global/
September 2019
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex condition with sufferers often feeling stigmatised and misunderstood.
Symptoms of the condition can also be challenging for carers and clinicians.
Increased funding and programs are still required to reduce the distress and poor outcomes from this condition, with SA leading the way with the BPD Collaborative.
Some recommended links below:
BPD Central = http://www.bpdcentral.com/
The Linehan Institute = https://linehaninstitute.org/
Project Air Strategy = https://www.projectairstrategy.org/whoweare/index.html
August 2019
“All of us want to have a happy life”. Healthy relationships, managing stress, building resilience and finding meaning in life are important components. The University of Auckland has developed CALM – Computer Assisted Learning for the Mind. This website has great content, links and guided meditations to help: http://www.calm.auckland.ac.nz/
The Black Dog Institute has developed myCompass – “a personalised self-help tool for your mental health”. The content includes skill-building modules using various psychology techniques, designed to be completed on a weekly basis. https://www.mycompass.org.au/
July 2019
Some great initiatives to update you with.
The first is the Head to Health website that provides resources regarding mental health services and care. This can include apps, online support communities and online/phone services.
The second is the #WeSpeakUp social media campaign to reduce stigma and tell authentic recovery stories. http://www.comhwa.org.au/experienced-storytellers-wanted/
The third is the Thrive at Work website to assist workplaces to promote positive mental health and wellbeing. This builds on the release of the study ‘Impact of FIFO work arrangements on the mental health and wellbeing of FIFO workers’. https://www.thriveatwork.org.au/
June 2019
I enjoy rural/remote work, and have great respect for the world’s oldest, living, continuous culture. An article this week in the MJA by Dr Wilson & Dr Blow, had some great ideas to improve respect, understanding and reciprocity with Australia’s indigenous peoples. These included learning about and acknowledging traditional land owners, using indigenous language for places etc and participating in Reconciliation and NAIDOC weeks. These and other small steps are ones we can all embrace and will help strengthen relationships, understanding, and long-term healing.
https://www.reconciliation.org.au/what-is-reconciliation/
https://www.naidoc.org.au/about/naidoc-week
May 2019
World Autism Awareness Day was on April 2. https://www.autismawareness.com.au/
Australia is leading in Autism research and treatments, to significantly improve outcomes.
I was very interested to learn about development of an app (ASDetect App – http://asdetect.org/) to assist parents see the early signs in their toddler.
Watch this on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxLh3M5UO00&feature=youtu.be
April 2019
Mindfulness is the awareness that comes from paying focussed attention to the present to alleviate stress, anxiety and low mood.
We recently came across two excellent 8-week programs:
For those that like online work (and free) – https://palousemindfulness.com/
For those that like book work – Mindfulness in Eight Weeks by Michael Chaskalson – https://mindfulnessworks.com/michael-chaskalson
Start today !
March 2019
I received a leaflet recently from Consumers of Mental Health WA, who have a program supporting conversations about medication.
http://www.comhwa.org.au/programs/about-my-medicines-and-me/
Melville Clinic understands the importance of you understanding medications. Please remember you can go to our website’s Medication page and click on View Printable Leaflets. This has drop down menus and many other handy fact sheets.
https://www.choiceandmedication.org/melvilleclinic/
February 2019
I was fortunate to visit Zimbabwe many years ago. And I have been fortunate recently to meet a driving Zimbabwean force behind this inspiring charity, with local and international projects. Nokutenda Disability Foundation focuses on promoting mental health for diverse immigrants, displaced persons, refugees and indigenous people. Their understanding of African history, culture and stigma, places them in a unique position to help this cohort.
https://nokutenda.org/
January 2019
There are many Australian regional champions for mental health.
I particularly appreciated Katrina Myers approach – “sharing stories and starting conversations”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVL5cUquC8M – the avocado farmer planting seeds of positivity.
http://thesplendidword.com.au/test-record-for-podcast-category/ – a podcast for regional women.
https://therippleeffect.com.au/ – helping to beat rural suicide.
December 2018
Another fantastic interview from ABC Conversations radio program, recorded at this year’s Byron Writers’ Festival. Matt Haig is a UK novelist. His latest book, Notes on a Nervous Planet, looking at the way we live our lives and the impact of stress and social media, is sobering. He talks about his perspective from a lived experience viewpoint, particularly relevant for anxiety, panic and depressive disorders.
https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/conversations/conversations-matt-haig/10103590
http://www.matthaig.com/
November 2018
A colleague recently sent me the link to Luke Jackson. Luke has Asperger’s Syndrome and is a respected writer and public speaker on Autism Spectrum Disorders. He wrote the bestselling ‘Freaks, Geeks and Asperger’s Syndrome’ (adolescence guide) and his new book ‘Sex, Drugs and Asperger’s Syndrome’ (adult guide). Read more about Luke here at his website:
http://www.lukejacksonautism.com/
October 2018
Community support is becoming more inclusive and innovative. I recently learned of this great initiative:
https://www.facebook.com/safespacecafe/
I am recommending this latest enjoyable and enlightening read: “The Courage to be Disliked”. It views our life narrative from a different perspective and allows us to shift towards feeling more free and happy. Given it is a dialogue between teacher and student, it suits the audiobook style.
http://duffythewriterblog.com/the-courage-to-be-disliked-do-you-really-want-to-change/
September 2018
Don’t forget that September 13 is RUOK day. But we can all start a conversation with anyone we are worried about on any day.
https://www.ruok.org.au/>
Regional and rural areas have a new champion with the Naked Farmer, raising money through this fun initiative, and encouraging the community to open up and discuss mental health.
https://www.theland.com.au/story/5204739/farmers-bare-all-for-mental-health/
August 2018
I thank my friend for introducing me to this fantastic ABC programming. Tall Tales and True is live storytelling by unique and brave Australians,
baring their souls to tell moving stories. Have a listen.
http://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/talltalesandtrue/episodes/
July 2018
It was Telehealth awareness week last week 25 June-28 June. Read what this rural GP has to say about the improving health access for regional Australia.
http://www.wapha.org.au/newsletter/ceo-message-june-2018/digital-health/
June 2018
Doctors’ mental health issues have an advocate in Dr Toogood, an Australian cardiologist. He has come up with an idea to raise better awareness of these issues in the medical profession. That idea became June 1st as #Socks4Docs or #CrazySocks4Docs day. Please wear some crazy or odd socks on 1st June and let people know about the cause when they ask.
https://www.peninsulahealth.org.au/2017/06/01/doctors-wear-crazy-socks-raise-awareness-mental-illness-medical-profession/
May 2018
We were impressed with this fantastic UK charity that inreaches into schools with programs to improve diversity, and LGBT acceptance and understanding. This improves mental health, social, family and educational outcomes.
https://www.diversityrolemodels.org/
April 2018
If you need a pick-me-up song, this classic always helps. This you-tube link has the lyrics for you to sing along to this great version of “Keep On The Sunny Side”. https://youtu.be/dNToRJI_oeg
March 2018
March 30th is World Bipolar Day, a date chosen because it is Vincent Van Gogh’s birthday.
http://www.worldbipolarday.org/for-more-information.html
February 2018
Jordan Peterson summarises his best-selling book “Twelve Rules for Life” in this YouTube video.
https://youtu.be/-5RCmu-HuTg
January 2018
We have a special interest in Diabetes and follow the research and progress closely. Greater awareness of the associated mental health complications is beginning, summarised in this article. Please seek us out at Melville Clinic if you identify with this. Our specialised knowledge of diabetes and mental health at Melville Clinic means we are motivated to understand and assist.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4439400/
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00125-017-4517-7
December 2017
We were inspired to learn of this charity, working towards educating people about synthetic drugs. From tragedy can come meaning.
http://sideffect.org.au/
November 2017
Read about this amazing woman and her drive and energy.
www.fortitudeatwork.com.au and https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/mental-health-the-major-issue-small-business-owners-are-facing-in-silence-20171003-gytbpd.html
October 2017
World Mental Health Day is October 10. Get involved.
September 2017
Part of any recovery is Act Belong Commit. This mental health promotion encourages individuals to take action to protect and promote their own mental wellbeing. For more info: http://www.actbelongcommit.org.au/
A courageous example are these Bridgetown dudes, fund-raising for The Kids Cancer Project after the loss of their son. They left Bridgetown on 1st September, for an amazing 600km scooter/bike trip around the South West. Check them out at: http://www.superkidssuperheroes.com.au/2017-scooter-tour/
August 2017
Another inspiring SBS Insight episode, this time regarding veteran issues and the issues they face when they return to civilian life. http://www.sbs.com.au/news/insight/tvepisode/coming-home
June 2017
Two highly recommended smart-phone apps for self help and self management. The “High Res” app has been developed by the Australian Defence Force to build resilience skills to deal with stressful situations. Beyond Blue have developed the “Beyond Now” app which helps you create a structured safety plan if you or someone close is experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings.
May 2017
We were very inspired by the recent SBS Insight episode discussing Autism, giving a voice to those marginalised and stigmatised in our society. We highly recommend this episode.
https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/video/940850755517/insight-diagnosing-autism
April 2017
We are looking forward to the 18th International Mental Health Conference in August. The theme this year is Primary Interventions, Promoting Recovery, Prevention and the latest Policy Initiatives. Full details are here:
https://anzmh.asn.au/conference/
October 2016
Excellent ABC Conversations podcast with Richard Fidler, about early Australian psychiatry and the amazing discovery of Lithium by John Cade:
http://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/conversations/conversations/7899396