Depression is very common, with one in seven Australians experiencing it in their lifetime. Its severity can range from being mild to extremely debilitating, such that the World Health Organisation estimates that depression will be the number one health concern in both developed and developing nations by 2030. The positive aspects of this rise in …
Ever since hunter-gatherer days, social connectedness has played an important role in helping people cope with life’s challenges. The findings of an 80-year long Harvard study indicate that the quality of our relationships is the single most important determinant of wellbeing. So it is fair to say that tending to our relationships (friendships, romantic, or …
We’ve turned the calendar to a brand new decade, all shiny and full of promise. Yet now that we’re in February, disappointingly 80% of us will have already given up on our new year’s resolutions. Why is it that with such good intentions, improving ourselves seems so elusive? Part of the problem is that we …
So what is this thing called mindfulness? If you’ve read any self-help books or lifestyle articles over the last couple of years, chances are you’ve come across this word. Even my son in Year 4 has done a mindfulness exercise at school! Mindfulness is not a new concept; it has been practised for over 2500 …
How many of us truly feel good about ourselves? It is often the case that in order to feel worthy we need to feel special and above average, or at the very least, “good enough”. This is problematic when it is (by definition) not possible for everyone to be above average! In part for this …
It is timely that my first article for Hello Neighbours magazine coincides with the month of October, which is Mental Health Month in NSW, and World Mental Health Day falls on 10 October. This initiative aims to improve public awareness and interest in mental health and wellbeing, and I am very pleased to be able to contribute …
