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25.01.2022 What does it mean to be a carer of someone with a mental illness? One in five Australians will experience an episode of mental illness in their lifetime. In many of these situations their friends and relatives will care for them on a daily basis, whether this is for a brief period of recovery or over the long term, carers need support and information to help sustain them in this role When someone you know is diagnosed with a mental illness it can be confusing and distressing.... As time goes on you may struggle with conflicting feelings and concerns about how to keep providing care. Along with the joy and relief that comes with supporting recovery and successful management of the illness, there can be cycles of despair and exhaustion. You may experience impacts on your own health and wellbeing or there may be financial and lifestyle implications Being a carer is a complex and demanding role that is focused on enabling the person you love to be as independent and fulfilled as possible whilst not losing sight of your own independence and fulfilment. It is a hugely valuable and important role and you do not have to do it alone If you or someone you know needs to talk, please reach out to @lifeline. They are there 24/7 on 13 11 14 Information gathered from @lifeline Tool Kit, Carers of people with mental illness

24.01.2022 What do you love to do? Talk a walk outside, listen to your favorite music or a podcast, journal, meditate. Its important to take time for yourself - especially during busy times

24.01.2022 We’ve all seen the stories of women who are the victims of domestic violence but we rarely hear the voices of the children who are impacted. Growing up, Cameron not only suffered the loneliness of trying to make sense of his parents’ violent relationship but also the after-effects of a devious sexual abuse at the hands of a stranger. His is a story of survival, revived faith in humanity, and a passion for music that has helped him find a new hopeful future. Listen to Camero...n's story, Holding on to hope at: https://www.lifeline.org.au//cameron-s-story-of-holding-o/ See more

22.01.2022 Mateship - Australian way of friendship but is greater than friendship. It is treating people equally, regardless of race, gender, creed, religion, etc, and isn't shallow The inspiration behind this bracelets comes from the memorial for the Battle of Isurava found on the Kokoda trek Lapis Lazuli is an ancient stone said to represent friendship and truth. Blue lapis lazuli gems are believed to help bring about harmony in relationships. It is a stone of wisdom and awareness... Lava gives us strength and courage, allowing us stability through times of change. It provides guidance and understanding in situations where we may need to "bounce back". A calming stone, it is very useful in dissipating anger Wood creates a connection with the earth, it is stable and grounding. It represents reliability, warmth, and honesty. Natural wood beads are porous, allowing essential oils to be easily absorbed into the bead $5 from each bracelet sold will be donated to Lifeline Canberra DM to purchase yours today

20.01.2022 Doing something for someone else can really help make their day - especially if it something they dont like to do

20.01.2022 What do you want to do for you or someone else? Take a moment to be kind to yourself or someone else

20.01.2022 The word gratitude is derived from the Latin word gratia, which means grace, graciousness, or gratefulness (depending on the context). In some ways gratitude encompasses all of these meanings. Gratitude is a thankful appreciation for what an individual receives, whether tangible or intangible. With gratitude, people acknowledge the goodness in their lives. In the process, people usually recognize that the source of that goodness lies at least partially outside themselves. As ...a result, gratitude also helps people connect to something larger than themselves as individuals whether to other people, nature, or a higher power. Gratitude is a way for people to appreciate what they have instead of always reaching for something new in the hopes it will make them happier, or thinking they can't feel satisfied until every physical and material need is met. Gratitude helps people refocus on what they have instead of what they lack. And, although it may feel contrived at first, this mental state grows stronger with use and practice. Here are some ways to cultivate gratitude on a regular basis: Write a thank-you note - You can make yourself happier and nurture your relationship with another person by writing a thank-you letter expressing your enjoyment and appreciation of that person's impact on your life. Once in a while, write one to yourself Thank someone mentally - No time to write? It may help just to think about someone who has done something nice for you, and mentally thank the individual Keep a gratitude journal - Make it a habit to write down or share with a loved one thoughts about the gifts you've received each day. Count your blessings - Pick a time every week to sit down and write about your blessings reflecting on what went right or what you are grateful for Pray - People who are religious can use prayer to cultivate gratitude. Meditate - Mindfulness meditation involves focusing on the present moment without judgment

20.01.2022 This year's BPD Awareness Week campaign, 'Flipping the Script: Changing the Narrative on BPD' aims to change the way we think and talk about borderline personality disorder. It encourages people living with BPD to be mindful of the way they think about themselves, allow others to see their challenges, move towards strengths-based self-talk and to celebrate their strengths. This is important for our self-worth, helps us to understand behaviours and leads to sustainable wellnes...s. We are investing in stories of hope, triumph and recovery. As such, we and want to hear from Australians who live with BPD and amplify their voices. For more information go to: www.bpdawareness.com.au/ #repost @bpdawarenessweek

20.01.2022 A volunteer is a person who does something, especially helping other people, willingly and without being forced or paid to do it In Canberra, we are blessed with a community of people who are happy to help. They come from all walks of life and help in so many ways. The volunteers of @lifeline_act help in so many areas and we are all so grateful for them... To everyone who has given their time to support others, we thank you.

19.01.2022 Everyone knows that rural depression is an issue. But few have considered the issues that cause it. Farmer Brendan Cullen reached such a dark place he regularly sat in his car shouting at himself or on his bed sobbing. Today, it’s hard to believe the cheerful sheep station manager from Broken Hill found himself in such pain until he lists the many factors that caused it - isolation, being on duty 24/7, feeling reluctant to ask for help during drought, dealing with so much an...imal death he felt numb, constant pressure of new technology, being responsible for the heartbeats of 10,000 sheep, and burdening himself with unnecessary pressures. His new goals are well unexpected but a range of initiatives from baking cakes to getting up at 4.30 am to go swimming at his local pool a 120 km return drive are all in his self-help toolkit. Listen to the podcast, Holding on to hope via the below link: https://www.lifeline.org.au//brendan-s-story-of-holding-o/

17.01.2022 Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, affects around 1 in 150 Australians. People with autism can find they have difficulties with communication and social interactions. They might prefer routine to change. They might have ideas or behaviours that are repeated. Or they might be very sensitive to things that they smell, hear, see, touch or taste. These issues might be very severe, or they may be very minor. They might show up in children, or they might not be obvious until late...r in life. People with autism may benefit from: learning about autism and teaching others about their diagnosis having clear rules for social interactions (if someone says ‘hello’ say ‘hello’ back) visual aids (e.g. a drawing of what they should to do) a familiar environment reducing sensory overload good daily routines lots of socialising and play opportunities to develop things they are good at support for parents, siblings, grandparents, spouses and children Autism is not a mental illness. But people with autism have higher rates of mental illness such as depression and anxiety than others. It can be very difficult to tell if someone with autism also has a mental illness, because they may have trouble communicating how they feel If you, or someone you care for is in need of support, please call Lifeline to speak to a trained Crisis Supporter on 13 11 14 (24 hours / 7 days) or text Lifeline on 0477 13 11 14 (6pm-midnight AEST, 7 nights). We are here to listen.

17.01.2022 Back when traveling to the coast was the normal weekend activity, I remember walking along the beach, the sand squishing between my toes and the sun on my face. It was a beautiful sunny day and the beach felt deserted. It felt like it was just my husband, my daughter Nina and I. The sky was clear, the waves were steady and the sand so clean.... Then I noticed a large blackened area of sand ahead of me and a small figure that seemed to bob up and down. Everything is so perfect, what on earth could this be. As we got closer to the blackened sand, I realised that the black was starfish that had washed ashore. There were hundreds of them scattered along the shoreline. They were just lying there in front of us seemingly helpless. Then I noticed that the small figure I saw bobbing up and down was a man. He was maybe in his mid-30s. Slender build with short blonde hair, dark sunnies, and tropical print boardies on. He must have been a local as he was far too tanned to be from anywhere but the coastline. What are you doing? Nina asked as she tip toed through the scattered starfish. Helping these little guys he responded as he bobbed down and tossed and another starfish into the sea. But there are so many she said and you’re on your own. How could you possibly help them all? I can’t help them all he replied, but I can help this guy as he picked up another star fish and gently tossed it back into the ocean, and this one tossing another one to safety. Nina looked at me He’s crazy Mum. There are hundreds, THOUSANDS of starfish on the beach there is no way he is helping The man heard this and bent down to talk to her, another starfish in hand I am helping. He said holding the starfish up for her to see I may not be able to help them all, but I can help some gently tossing the starfish away and picking up another. But there’s so many. Nina said as she reached down and picked one up Why can’t they help themselves? Well you see. These guys over here near the water have been working hard to help themselves and these guys at the back are stuck and do not know what to do. Just like us, there are some people who need help sometimes and we can’t always help everyone. He tossed another starfish into the sea and gestured for Nina to do the same. With all her might she threw the starfish towards the water and it made it. The smile on her face went from ear to ear. I did it she squealed as she reached for another. See the man said I can only help one starfish at a time, but together, we can help more. Just one at a time adapted from The Star Thrower, by Loren Eiseley (1907 1977)

17.01.2022 Evereyone one is in a hurry but letting someone go first is just a nice thing to do The favour might just be returned when you least expect it

17.01.2022 Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions due to an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behaviour areas. These conditions begin during the developmental period, may impact day-to-day functioning, and usually last throughout a person’s lifetime People with an developmental disability experience mental ill health at a rate which far exceeds that of the general population. The vulnerability to mental disorder is complex, and arises from an interplay between... the intellectual disability and other medical, social and psychological factors The number of people with a mental illness is significantly higher for people with a developmental disability. Mental illness can remain undiagnosed because communication difficulties often make it harder for the person with intellectual disability to describe their feelings, concerns, experiences and fears Someone who lives with intellectual disability and mental illness is often referred to as having ‘dual disability’ Having a disability does not mean a person is not healthy or that he or she cannot be healthy. Being healthy means the same thing for all of usgetting and staying well so we can lead full, active lives. That includes having the tools and information to make healthy choices and knowing how to prevent illness If you, or someone you care for is in need of support, please call Lifeline to speak to a trained Crisis Supporter on 13 11 14 (24 hours / 7 days) or text Lifeline on 0477 13 11 14 (6pm-midnight AEST, 7 nights). We are here to listen

15.01.2022 At 25, soldier Ben Farinazzo was sent to East Timor as assistant to the forces commander. It was 1999 and the country had just voted for independence. Being fluent in Indonesian, Ben formed a deep bond with the locals and saw the best and worst of humanity there. He helped deliver a baby subsequently named after him but also witnessed the terrible Suai Church Massacre. Although he returned to Australia in body, his spirit was elsewhere. The experience left him battling PT...SD for decades. It wasn’t until he called Lifeline and was advised to see his GP that he was finally diagnosed. Ben went on to spend months in a mental health unit recovering. However, after returning home for Christmas with his wife and three children, he was given a mountain bike as a present. On Australia Day he fell off the bike, slamming face first into boulder, breaking his neck and back in five places. Ben tells how his family, competing in the Invictus Games, discovering a talent for art, equestrian therapy, rowing at sunrise and simply enjoying being ordinary all helped him return to life. Listen to Ben's story, Holding on to hope at: https://www.lifeline.org.au//ben-s-story-of-holding-on-to/

15.01.2022 By any standards, Leilani Darwin’s childhood was difficult she dealt with violence, alcoholism, neglect and worse. Yet with fierce strength, empathy, respect and intelligence she has turned her experience into a force to dramatically reduce youth suicide statistics and help develop ground breaking Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suicide prevention programs. The joy she gets from her work has also given her a reason to feel hope again Listen to Leilani's story, Holding on to hope at: https://www.lifeline.org.au//leilani-s-story-of-holding-o/

15.01.2022 In 2018, 3,045 Australians lost their lives to suicide which is more than double to road toll in the same year Imagine if we spoke about those number more would you sit up and listen? Imagine if we spoke about suicide and mental illness the same as we did road safety would it make a difference?... Let’s start to check in and chat, I’ve got your back - just like click clack, front and back If you or someone you know needs to talk, please reach out to @lifeline. They are there 24/7 on 13 11 14

14.01.2022 The International Day of Non-Violence is marked on 2 October, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence Gandhi, who helped lead India to independence, has been the inspiration for non-violent movements for civil rights and social change across the world. Throughout his life, Gandhi remained committed to his belief in non-violence even under oppressive conditions and in the face of seem...ingly insurmountable challenges The principle of non-violence rejects the use of physical violence in order to achieve social or political change. Often described as "the politics of ordinary people", this form of social struggle has been adopted by mass populations all over the world in campaigns for social justice While non-violence is frequently used as a synonym for pacifism, since the mid-twentieth century the term non-violence has been adopted by many movements for social change which do not focus on opposition to war One key tenet of the theory of non-violence is that the power of rulers depends on the consent of the population, and non-violence therefore seeks to undermine such power through withdrawal of the consent and cooperation of the populace The power to make change by using your voice, not your fist

13.01.2022 Sacrifice - The act of giving up something that you want to keep especially in order to get or do something else or to help someone The inspiration behind this bracelets comes from the memorial for the Battle of Isurava found on the Kokoda trek Amethyst calms the emotions, encourages clarity of thought, and assists in attaining wisdom. Amethyst is a stone of the mind which brings calmness and clarity. Amethyst is said to attune its wearer with intuition, feelings, and values... Lava gives us strength and courage, allowing us stability through times of change. It provides guidance and understanding in situations where we may need to "bounce back". A calming stone, it is very useful in dissipating anger Wood creates a connection with the earth, it is stable and grounding. It represents reliability, warmth, and honesty. Natural wood beads are porous, allowing essential oils to be easily absorbed into the bead $5 from each bracelet sold will be donated to Lifeline Canberra DM to purchase yours today

12.01.2022 Bipolar disorder is a mental illness marked by extreme shifts in mood. Symptoms can include an extremely elevated mood called mania. They can also include episodes of depression. Bipolar disorder is also known as bipolar disease or manic depression People with bipolar disorder may have trouble managing everyday life tasks at school or work, or maintaining relationships. There’s no cure, but there are many treatment options available that can help to manage the symptoms What i...s a manic episode? A manic episode is a period of abnormally and persistently high mood or irritable mood. During a manic episode a person may have a huge amount of activity and energy. It lasts more than one week and is present nearly all the time. Sometimes, a person experiencing mania can have psychotic symptoms like delusions or hallucinations. Individuals that experience psychotic symptoms are more likely to need hospitalisation. What is a hypomanic episode? Hypomania means ‘less than mania’. A hypomanic episode has the same symptoms as a manic episode but is less severe. It’s still a distinct period (at least four consecutive days) of abnormally and persistently elevated or irritated mood and increased energy and activity. However, the mood isn’t so severe that it causes problems with functioning at work or socially. Individuals experiencing hypomania do not require hospitalisation. It’s very important to get help for someone you are concerned may have bipolar disorder or another mental health condition, or if you recognise the signs in yourself. We can’t diagnose bipolar disorder ourselves. Accurately diagnosing bipolar disorder needs to be done by a skilled mental health professional. Make sure you see your GP. They can talk to you about your concerns, and get you help from a psychiatrist or other mental health professional. Bipolar doesn’t go away by itself. It needs long-term management. If you, or someone you care for is in need of support, please call Lifeline to speak to a trained Crisis Supporter on 13 11 14 (24 hours / 7 days) or text Lifeline on 0477 13 11 14 (6pm-midnight AEST, 7 nights). We are here to listen.

12.01.2022 Donations can be made at https://personalchallenge.gofundraise.com.au/p/BeyondKokoda

11.01.2022 Chronic pain is not just uncomfortable or inconvenient. It deeply affects the capacity to work, mental health and wellbeing as well as relationships. Distressingly, it can also end in suicide. This is what we know today: Rates of mental health and suicide are higher amongst people living with pain Major depression is the most common mental health condition associated with chronic pain, with among 30-40% of people with a diagnosed mental health condition also presenting fo...r treatment for chronic pain High rates of generalised anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and substance misuse are often present for people living with chronic pain Almost a third of Australian adults with severe or very severe pain experience high levels of psychological distress; around three times the rate of those with mild pain and six times the rate of those with no pain One in five Australian adults with severe or very severe pain suffer depression or other mood disorders Suicidal behaviour is also two to three times higher in people with chronic pain than the general population Most people with chronic pain do not have access to best practice pain services, which includes mental health care. This is typically due to location and/or cost, with a lack of services in rural and remote areas. Stigma about chronic pain and mental health conditions also prevent people from seeking and receiving treatment If you, or someone you care for is in need of support, please call Lifeline to speak to a trained Crisis Supporter on 13 11 14 (24 hours / 7 days) or text Lifeline on 0477 13 11 14 (6pm-midnight AEST, 7 nights). We are here to listen.

11.01.2022 My Christmas wish for you, my friend Is not a simple one For I wish you hope and joy and peace Days filled with warmth and sun... I wish you love and friendship too Throughout the coming year Lots of laughter and happiness To fill your world with cheer May you count your blessings, one by one And when totaled by the lot May you find all you've been given To be more than what you sought May your journeys be short, your burdens light May your spirit never grow old May all your clouds have silver linings And your rainbows pots of gold I wish this all and so much more May all your dreams come true May you have a Merry Christmas friend And a happy New Year, too... by Ruth Kephart

11.01.2022 What is stress? When faced with a challenging situation or stressful event, our bodies respond by activating the nervous system and releasing hormones including cortisol and adrenalin These hormones bring about certain physical changes in the body, helping us to react appropriately and deal with the challenge presented. However, if the stress is ongoing and the physical changes do not subside, we may feel overwhelmed and unable to cope Life pressures that can cause us to feel... overwhelmed and stressed include: Relationship difficulties Family breakdown Illness or injury Work pressures or job loss Bullying and harassment Traumatic events Death of a loved one - including pets Financial difficulties Homelessness Lack of support and isolation People respond differently to stressful situations. Responses to stress will be determined by the situation faced, past experiences, personality, social support, access to resources and cultural background. What one person finds stressful, another may be more easily able to cope with. Knowing yourself and how you respond to different situations is important as you can then learn to manage stress and seek help when necessary. If you or someone you know needs to talk, please reach out to @lifeline. They are there 24/7 on 13 11 14 Information gathered from @lifeline Tool Kit, Life Pressures

09.01.2022 Endurance - The power to withstand something challenging, the ability to do something difficult for a long-time. The inspiration behind this bracelets comes from the memorial for the Battle of Isurava found on the Kokoda trek Smokey Quartz is believed to be nature's stone of endurance, fostering serenity, calmness, and positive thoughts... Lava gives us strength and courage, allowing us stability through times of change. It provides guidance and understanding in situations where we may need to "bounce back". A calming stone, it is very useful in dissipating anger Wood creates a connection with the earth, it is stable and grounding. It represents reliability, warmth, and honesty. Natural wood beads are porous, allowing essential oils to be easily absorbed into the bead $5 from each bracelet sold will be donated to Lifeline Canberra DM to purchase yours today

08.01.2022 As a young girl, Jaz loved playing soccer and riding her BMX bike. When she hit puberty, her love of life deserted her. She’d spend hours standing in front of the mirror, arms straight by her sides wishing she could always hide her curves. For the next 20 years she tried to destroy herself, the thought of being able to end her pain through suicide her only comfort. She wanted to transition but worried about acceptance. Today, Jaz is 37 and three years into his transition. He... hasn’t had suicidal thoughts since making the decision. All along, he has been supported and loved by mum Sheree who has even helped pay for surgery and observed: Every parent has dreams for their children but you have to realise your dreams aren’t their dreams. It’s their life and they have to do what makes them happy. Listen to Ja'z's podcast, Holding on to hope at: https://www.lifeline.org.au//jaz-s-story-of-holding-on-to/

07.01.2022 Everyone’s experience of an eating disorder is unique; they aren’t a lifestyle choice, or a cry for attention A person has an eating disorder when their attitudes to food, weight, body size or shape lead to marked changes in their eating or exercise behaviours, which interfere with their life and relationships. Eating and exercise behaviours that people with eating disorders may engage include: dieting, fasting, over-exercising, using slimming pills, diuretics, laxatives, vom...iting, or binge eating (consumption of an unusually large amount of food accompanied by a sense of loss of control) A person with an eating disorder can experience a wide range of physical and mental health problems. Although rapid weight loss or being very underweight are known to bring about these problems, a person does not need to be underweight for these to occur. Some serious health consequences associated with eating disorders include severe malnutrition, brain dysfunction and heart or kidney failure, which may lead to loss of consciousness or death. Heart failure and death can occur in both anorexia or bulimia It is common for a person with an eating disorder to experience another mental illness, such as depression, and to be at risk of becoming suicidal Eating disorders are long-term problems that are not easily overcome. Although there is no quick and easy solution, effective treatment is available. The most effective treatment involves receiving help from a number of different types of professionals If you, or someone you care for is in need of support, please call Lifeline to speak to a trained Crisis Supporter on 13 11 14 (24 hours / 7 days) or text Lifeline on 0477 13 11 14 (6pm-midnight AEST, 7 nights). We are here to listen.

07.01.2022 October is Mental Health month and here is the ACT, @mentalhealthmonthact is celebrating with the theme conversations and connection A conversation is an informal, usually private, talk in which two or people exchange thoughts, feelings, or ideas, or in which news and information is discussed. It has the power to make you feel. It has the power to build a connection Human connection is an energy exchange between people who are paying attention to one another. It has the pow...er to deepen the moment, inspire change and build trust Who will you have a conversation with today?

06.01.2022 Eight Australians die every day by suicide That’s more than double the road toll It’s time to bring this into the light

05.01.2022 @mentalhealthmonthact will be doing things a little bit differently this year and is launching virtually on October 10 2020 via Facebook to support the mental wellbeing of the Canberra community and the impacts the events of this year have had on us all, in a COVID safe way. ‘Reflections of Connection’ is a video series that explores a diverse selection of community mental health services available in the ACT through conversations on personal experiences and reflections. Keep an eye on their socials for some sneak peeks of what to expect!

04.01.2022 What is depression? Depression is an illness characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities that you normally enjoy, accompanied by an inability to carry out daily activities, for at least two weeks Depression can happen to anybody and is not a sign of weakness What are the signs and symptoms?... Depression presents differently in different people. Some indicators are listed below. Whether you have some or all, it is best to discuss how you feel with a qualified professional: Feeling sad, ‘flat’ or down most of the time (for two weeks or more) Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy (for two weeks or more) Feeling tired or lacking energy and motivation Moodiness that is out of character Increased irritability and frustration Increased alcohol and drug use Changes in your weight or appetite Having problems sleeping or sleeping all the time Feeling worthless or guilty Feeling restless, edgy or slowed down Having difficulty concentrating or making decisions Thinking repeatedly about death or suicide Most people experience some of these feelings and behaviours at different times. The difference with depression is that the symptoms are ongoing and that they impact on the person’s ability to carry out their day to day activities If you or someone you know needs to talk, please reach out to @lifeline. They are there 24/7 on 13 11 14 Information gathered from @lifeline Tool Kit, Depression

04.01.2022 For years, Tanya has struggled with anorexia, the mental disorder that takes the lives of more young women than any other. Today, with her friends first Ali and then Megan, she explains why their empathy, kindness and compassion has been so important to her survival. Listen to Tanya's story, Holding on to hope at: https://www.lifeline.org.au//tanya-s-story-of-holding-on-/

03.01.2022 Carers are people who provide unpaid care and support to family members and friends who have a disability, mental illness or a chronic condition There are over 2.65 million carers across Australia which is nearly 11% of the population Caring may include help and support with any of the daily activities of living of the person being cared for. It may include physical and personal care such as dressing, lifting, showering, toileting, feeding or providing transport.... Commonly, carers are responsible for the management of medications, and also provide emotional and social support. Caring may also involve help with organising and attending appointments, banking and dealing with emergencies Carers need support and information to help sustain them in this role If you, or someone you care for is in need of support, please call Lifeline to speak to a trained Crisis Supporter on 13 11 14 (24 hours / 7 days) or text Lifeline on 0477 13 11 14 (6pm-midnight AEST, 7 nights). We are here to listen.

03.01.2022 The World Health Organisation advises that Close to 800 000 people die by suicide every year For each suicide, there are more than 20 suicide attempts Suicides and suicide attempts have a ripple effect that impacts on families, friends, colleagues, communities and societies ... Suicides are preventable.Much can be done to prevent suicide at individual, community and national levels It’s time to bring this into the light See more

02.01.2022 They say laughter is the best medicine and this year calls for a big dose Make someone laugh, it might just make you both feel great