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It is well known that we all experience stress from time to time and across our lives. We all experience stress in many different ways. For instance, some like to scream, or get angry and punch the wall but this doesn’t solve much. It can also cause more stress. However, other ways that we can deal with stress includes talking to a friend or family member whom we trust. The following steps below are also ways you can deal with stress and get on the road to feeling better: 1. Seek out support when you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed an important step is to reach out to those who care about you. This can include a friend, family member, trusted adult, school counselor, psychologist, doctor, […]

We all have thoughts and feelings about ourselves and how we fit into the world – this is called self-esteem. People may notice a healthy self-esteem when life is going well for them, and sometimes a lower self-esteem when life has become difficult for a prolonged period, or even after a tough situation. Our self-esteem can take a plunge following a range of difficult experiences, including; being teased, being too self-critical, having overly critical parents, relationship breakups, any type of abuse, or even just lacking particular success over some time (and many more reasons). Having a healthy self-esteem is not just about seeing the good things about ourselves. It is important to be balanced and realistic about ourselves, but also accepting and forgiving of ourselves. It […]

Have you heard about Acceptance and Commitment Therapy? Referred to as ACT (as opposed to the acronym A.C.T), ACT is one of a newer generation of cognitive therapies. The aim of ACT is to experience your definition of meaning and richness in your life while accepting the unwanted or uncomfortable emotions or experiences that go with it. Unlike other therapy models, the overall aim is not symptom reduction, however it is typically true that symptom reduction is a consequence of engaging in ACT. The reason for this is that ACT helps us to step away from the struggle. The struggle to avoid unwanted feelings, sensations, thoughts, symptoms, images, memories and so on is analogous to fighting against quicksand. The harder we try to avoid unwanted experiences, […]

Chronic pain is defined as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage. Unlike short-term (acute) pain, chronic pain can last for months or even years and can be present without a clear cause. It is estimated that 20 per cent of Australians live with chronic pain; an invisible illness, which can have a profoundly debilitating and far-reaching effect on the sufferers’ life. Chronic pain can often result in a decline in mental health and quality of life, feelings of depression, anxiety, anger, grief and inadequacy, suicide attempts, a loss of or interruption to employment, financial strain, social isolation and can create tension and conflict in relationships with family and friends. Who can help me cope with my pain? A visit […]