Infinite Balance Holistic Kinesiology | Mental health service

Infinite Balance Holistic Kinesiology

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25.01.2022 In training Mental Health First Aid we teach people an acronym called ALGEE as an Action Plan to assist someone as a MHFAider. The ALGEE action plan is: Approach, assess and assist with any crisis Listen and communicate non-judgmentally... Give support and information Encourage the person to seek appropriate professional help Encourage other supports The signs and symptoms of depression (and many other mental health illnesses) can be missed, particularly when emerging and being experienced during adolescent years as they can be seen as "normal teenage behaviour". Mrs Hunt is a gem. She read something that didn't sit right with her and followed it up with a question; trusting her instinct to approach and assess this student was life changing for her. And it can be that simple to help someone. With clients I am always looking and listening and trusting my instinct to ask questions, and I talk about this in my training courses with attendees. You may not always get the question 'right'. You may be thinking "what the heck do I do if they say Yes to what I ask". I want you to know this, you do not have to have the solution. By asking you are giving someone the opportunity to receive the support they need from professionals and other supports. Well done to Humans of New York for sharing this story and helping to educate on mental illnesses, MHFA and as always to work towards removing the stigma around this. And well done Mrs Hunt and to this lady for sharing her story, I have no doubts it will help others in different ways.

25.01.2022 Ok.... so here we go, an update on me, my business, new offerings / training! These video gives more info, but for those who like the highlights (like myself) here they are: My Bondi clinic closed in March due to Covid ... I AM seeing clients online and taking on new clients I do have intentions to be in person again at some stage (both in ACT and Sydney from time to time) I have moved from Bondi to Canberra after two years of going between both After a few years off new training, I’ve spent the last few months adding to my toolkit I am now an accredited Mental Health First Aid Instructor and offering course for individuals and organisations, in person and online (nationally) find out more at Mental Health First Aid Australia I have undertaken training in Trauma Release and integration that I will be offering as standalone sessions or part of a holistic package I have studied in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with Russ Harris. ACT encourages people to embrace their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting or feeling guilty for them, using mindfulness tools and aligning with our values as some of the strategies. I further increased my knowledge in Tapping (often known as EFT) studying a weekend workshop course with Steve Wells from Eftdownunder on Intention Tapping which is a powerful tool that myself and clients are feeling the benefits of already. I’m looking to do more training in this too. It’s safe to say that it’s been a busy few months along with the move and my energy has been scattered at times, however as always, my gratitude practice has kept me grounded. I’ve been letting my mind wander back to how I started my gratitude journey and what impact it has had on my life and I’ll be looking to share an online offering around this soon for those who’d like to build their gratitude muscle in their life So there you have it! If you’re interested in any of the new trainings, please PM me or email through and I’d love to talk and see how I can connect with you. And I would LOVE if you pop a comment below to share what you’ve been up to in 2020, if you’d like to share any challenges you’d like help with and/or what are YOU grateful for right now

25.01.2022 It’s been a little while since I posted and I touch on why in this video.... During quarantine and social distancing some of us have found that we have more time available due to not travelling, having to leave the house etc and others have found that they have less time available (work from home, home schooling ...). I’ve noticed as restrictions are lifting that my energy has been impacted. Trying to do what I was doing before covid-19, to some degree, as well as what I’ve b...een doing during this isolation time has meant I have had less energy resources available to me. My aha moment was recognising what things I started to drop the ball on that I previously had been tolerating, and what things I didn’t want to continue to tolerate once the restrictions have been released. This took me back to remembering how powerful writing a toleration list can be and taking action steps from it. I take you through how to do the list and start to gain some momentum on these tolerations in the video below! If this is is helpful, I’d love you to share to others who may find it beneficial too. And if you’re stuck on making headway on your tolerations, send me a message and let’s chat!

24.01.2022 How "Mental Health Smart' are you? Take this quiz online from Mental Health First Aid Australia and see how good your Mental Health knowledge is. Room for improvement? I'd love to have you join me for a Mental Health First Aid course to learn more. If you, or an organisation you work for would like more information, please connect with me. ... Let me know below you you went with the answers to the questions.

24.01.2022 What are you doing on Saturday 29th August from 10am - 1pm (AEST)? I’d love to invite you to join an online conference being hosted by College of Complementary Medicine - RTO 91396 on MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING. With 8 speakers covering a variety of topics, you’re guaranteed to take away at least one new piece of knowledge / experience. ... I’m grateful to have been asked to speak and will be talking around current Mental Health in Australia and Mental Health First Aid. Monies raised will be donated to charities supporting this. We’d appreciate you sharing and hope to see you online on the day in the conference. https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/mental-health-and-wellbeing

24.01.2022 I had the pleasure today to speak on an online conference hosted by College of Complementary Medicine on Mental Health and to plant the seed of Mental Health First Aid as well. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community. We’re livin...g in a time where ‘normal’ is vastly different for many people than what it was pre early 2020. I invite you to check in with this video on what you’re doing this weekend for your Mental Health! Me? I went for a riverside walk, did a meditation (and realised how fast my mind was moving ) and came home to do some exercise and tonight is all about offline time and R&R. Every single day, choose an action to support your Mental Health and if you can - and it’s ok if your well only has enough for you right now - reach out and check in on other people’s mental health too and support if you can. I’d love to hear what you’re doing for your Mental Health in the comments. #mentalhealth #wellness #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthfirstaid #mhfa #mindfulness #meditation #sunshine #riverwalk #meditation #exercise #centr6 #randr #lessscreentime

23.01.2022 I had the pleasure recently to be interviewed for a podcast by The Energy Healing Magazine with an opportunity to provide a follow up article. This article shares how I first came to kinesiology as a client, with physical shoulder and neck pain that was really being set off by emotional stress at the time - a perfect example of the issues being in the tissues. I hope this provides some food for thought around the mind body connection, and you take a moment to do the exerci...se I suggest at the end of the article. https://theenergyhealingmagazine.com//stacey-bout-are-the/

23.01.2022 It can feel overwhelming to pick up the phone and call for help. Here’s what happens when you call Lifeline.

23.01.2022 A little reminder that when we take care I’d others, we need to take care of ourselves as well. There is a saying I always come back to you can’t give from an empty well. What could you do today to add some wellness water to your self care well? ... I have a HIIT exercise session coming up, walk in the sunshine later today and yummy dinner planned to cook. Pop yours below in the comments and maybe we’ll find a new idea from someone else’s well filming practices.

23.01.2022 Black Dog Institute are looking for people to complete Suicide Awareness Training online for 1 hour and compete a short survey. I’d invite all who’d like to know more and be better prepared to have conversations around suicide to take part. The link is: https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au//recognise-and-resp/

22.01.2022 A little Tuesday reminder for us all. I did my exercise today, will do my gratitude journaling tonight and took time to enjoy a cup of chai tea this afternoon. Self care comes in many forms. ... How are you taking care of yourself today?

22.01.2022 It’s important to me all attendees of the MHFA training feel included; so Mack the Kelpie helped the humans decide on the order in the Drug Use in Australia exercise in training last week. On Thursday and Friday, I had the pleasure to be one of the first workshops hosted at the old Carmelite Monastery that has been recently taken over by Defence Shed Wagga Wagga and is being transformed into Pro Patria Centre Wagga, with plans for it to be a health and wellness centre for ...the Veteran and First Responder community in Wagga Wagga. The small amount I learnt about about the amazing vision is inspiring and Mental Health First Aid Australia education for Veterans and First responders is a part of the plan Each and every session I facilitate is different; from the attendees, the lived experiences, the locations, the professional experience and I love that about facilitating this course. Thank you to the people who showed up last week, shared, participated and laughed. It was an absolute pleasure to facilitate this for you on behalf of Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling. (I forgot to take ALGEE the so Merv the Merino got a stand in gig provided to me by one of the attendees ). #mhfa #OpenArms #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #anxiety #depression #SocialAnxiety #psychosis #PanicAttacks #BipolarDisorder #Trauma #AlcoholAndOtherDrugs #SubstanceUseDisorder #SuicideAwareness #facilitation #SharingTheKnowledge #RemoveTheStigma #InfiniteBalance

21.01.2022 It’s Men’s Health Week. WHY MEN'S HEALTH? All this emphasis on the health of boys and men - what's that about? They're alright, aren't they?... In many cases, the answer is no. A boy born in Australia in 2010 has a life expectancy of 78.0 years while a baby girl born at the same time could expect to live to 82.3 years old. Right from the start, boys suffer more illness, more accidents and die earlier than their female counterparts. Men take their own lives at four times the rate of women (that's five men a day, on average). Accidents, cancer and heart disease all account for the majority of male deaths. ~ Western Sydney University - Men's Health Information & Resource Centre ~

20.01.2022 GRATITUDE (post 1 of 2) I know, I know.... I’ve vanished off here and regular updates, however here is a short video on gratitude from me as I go through a major life change (more on that to come!). As many know, I’ve been living in Bondi for the last 7 years with a full life and happy heart and for the last 2 years I’ve been going between here and Canberra as my 2 homes, due to my partner living down there. ... 2020 has seen lots of changes for many of us globally, and the last year has seen significant endings for me personally which have all lead to the path aligning for it being time to make the move to live with my partner full time. Yesterday I sat and watched the sunset and let myself deeply move into my gratitude practice. Below is a little video about that and another video (on post #2 after this) for you to watch as you take a few moments to dive into your own gratitude. The list of benefits for practicing gratitude includes; - positive mental health - Immune system - Decreased inflammation - Resilience To name a few. In case you hadn’t noticed yet, it’s one of my favourite tools and things to speak about Thank you to all who have supported me and to my wonderful clients, old and new, who have moved to working online. Once the boxes are unpacked, I’ll be here more often sharing knowledge and how I can support you! (And while I am at it, I’ll send some gratitude for my Hairdressers who are right now helping to tame the Covid locks after 6 months of messy buns and not much else thanks Ara HAIR)

19.01.2022 Release Cleanse Renew These 3 photos sum up that energy for me the last days of 2020 and first day of 2021. As the year of 2020 ends and I say hello to 2021, I want to take this moment to share gratitude, intentions and reflections. ...Continue reading

16.01.2022 GRATITUDE (post 2 of 2) And here is the video that got cut off at the end of the first post. Take a moment, breath in and out a few times, drop your shoulders, listen to the waves, look at the sunset and ask yourself WHAT AM I GRATEFUL FOR IN THIS MOMENT?

15.01.2022 I posted this 3 years ago, the irony is I drove past that exact spot of the accident last night and was talking about it - probably the only time I have done so since then. This post popping up today is a timely reminder to keep focusing on my strengths. As I have recently completed more study, the tools learnt will help me to dive deeper into using my strengths to support others. ... What can you reflect on that has become your strength?

15.01.2022 There are many ways to support our health and mental wellness. One of them is diet and below is a link to a course to help understand how diet impacts mental health provided by Deakin University. It’s estimated 90% of the serotonin (often called the happy hormone) in the body is made in the digestive tract. When you hear the saying heal the gut this is one of the reasons why. A healthy digestive system is paramount to healthy mind and body. ... https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/food-and-mood

14.01.2022 In March this year I undertook my training to become a Mental Health First Aid Instructor with @mhfa_australia The day after my training finished, covid promptly shut down NSW! This week has finally provided the opportunity for me to get into the room to co-facilitate in person with a group that is close to my heart. ... #openarms through the Department of Veterans Affairs is an organisation that supports veterans and their families and provided this course as part of their support to these people. With someone with a lived experience as a defence (ex)wife/partner, with a close friendship network of people met through this time of my life, I am acutely aware of the Metal Health issues and challenges experienced in this community and it’s always been a desire of mine to provide more support. To be able to provide knowledge and training today to a group of people - veterans, partners and staff from support organisations to up skill in Mental Health First Aid was a special moment in my career! I am looking forward to supporting this community further and also others in the general public, corporates and Holistic wellness industries. I’ll be listing some public courses soon so reach out if this is of interest and you’d like to know more, or you’re interested in this for your workplace. ln person and online training is available. And if you’re a veteran or partner (or ex partner) and interested, reach out to open arms for courses near you - or to discuss organising one! Thank you to my co-facilitator Thomas for the ease in jumping into this at short notice and to all our attendees for their sharing, participation and laughs along the way too. #mhfa #mentalhealth #dva #defence #veterans #partnersofveterans #familiesofveterans #anxiety #depression #ptsd #mentalwellness #training #education #removethestigma

14.01.2022 ** TRIGGER WARNING this video talks about suicide and how to ask if someone is suicidal ** Today is World Suicide Prevention Day and RUOK Day. Both days that provide awareness around Suicide Prevention and Mental Health. Both necessary days as we continue to work towards removing the stigma around suicide and mental health. ... My biggest wish is that EVERY DAY is suicide prevention and mental health awareness day. I shared with my partner this week that I enjoy delivering the suicide section of the Mental Health First Aid course and then took a moment to explain it further to him . What I said was something along the lines of when I say ‘enjoy’ what I mean by that is that I am passionate about educating others on all areas of mental health but particularly suicide. To share knowledge, tools and awareness on a topic that is close to home and means so much to me and to empower others to help create change means the world to me. I ‘enjoy’ being part of the change. My invitation for you today is to click on at least 1 post you see sharing knowledge, tools and education about World Suicide Prevention Day and RUOK Day. Learn something new. Share it with someone who you may feel would benefit from seeing it too. https://www.ruok.org.au/ https://www.iasp.info/wspd2020/ And my invitation for every other day is to make them all RUOK days to the people in your community, be that near or far. There are many resources also listed here (National as well as NSW): https://www.health.nsw.gov.au//P/support-contact-list.aspx LIFELINE: 13 11 14 SUICIDE CALLBACK SERVICE: 1300 659 467 BEYOND BLUE: 1300 22 46 36 MENSLINE AUSTRALIA: 1300 78 99 78 OPEN ARMS (VETERANS & FAMILIES): 1800 011 046 KIDS HELPLINE: 1800 55 1800 EMERGENCY: 000 #suicide #ruok #ruokday2020 #lifeline #mhfa #beyondblue #suicideawarness #mentalhealth #removethestigma #infinitebalance #mentalhealthfirstaid #openconversations

13.01.2022 Do you have an hour to make a difference to someone at risk of suicide? We’ve partnered with the Black Dog Institute to trial a new online training program desi...gned to reduce suicide in the community, by teaching participants how to recognise and respond to the signs. We’re looking for former ADF personnel, and/or their partners to take part. We’ve extended the recruiting period to 14 December. You will be reimbursed for your time. Find out more: https://gatekeeper.blackdoghealth.org.au/ #StrongerTogether

13.01.2022 Depression is not the same as feeling down. It’s not something that can be ‘gotten over’ or ‘pushed away’ by the person experiencing it. We all experience things in life that can make us feel sad. And in the moment of feeling this, it can feel all encompassing and overwhelming, however with sadness there may be moments to smile, laugh or be comforted. Sadness is temporary and it will change with time. ... Depression is not the same as sadness. Depression impacts all aspects of someone’s life. There are 9 criteria listed in the diagnostic manual (DSM-V) of potential symptoms of depression. The severity of each symptom is also weighed as part of the diagnostic process. The nine symptoms are: feeling depressed throughout each day on most or all days lack of interest and enjoyment in activities you used to find pleasurable trouble sleeping, or sleeping too much extreme fatigue trouble eating, or eating too much, coupled with weight gain or weight loss irritability, restlessness, or agitation unwarranted or exaggerated feelings of guilt or worthlessness inability to concentrate or make decisions suicidal thoughts or actions, or thinking a lot about death and dying If you’re concerned about someone you know and the depression they are experiencing, here is a useful guide to help you understand and support; https://mhfa.com.au//mhfa_depression-guidelines_sept2019.p Be kind. Be gentle. Be patient. I feel pretty certain in most situations that the person experiencing the depression is the person who wants the feelings to end more than anyone else. How you speak to them, offer support and listen can be life changing.

12.01.2022 One of the things that makes hosting the Mental Health First Aid Australia workshops so enjoyable for Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling is the diverse range of people who attend, from veterans to partners, people from DVA staff to external support workers, children of Vets and more. Each session we set up and agree to our group guidelines for the training and each time fun is an addition. While Mental Health is a serious topic, bringing fun and laughter appropriate...ly to the sessions is part of the learning experience too. Thank you Legacy Sydney for hosting us for this weeks training and thank you to all who attended for your input and engagement in insightful, respectful and open conversations about Mental Health First Aid. #mhfa #mentalhealth #removethestigma #infinitebalance #gratefultosharethisknowledge #humour #respect #anxiety #depression #psychosis #mooddisorders #awarenessiskey #suicideprevention #askdirectly #legacy #openarms #veterans #ADF #military #warwidows

11.01.2022 Yesterday I shared a post written by another person about the advice given to them by their therapist - run the dishwasher twice (if you haven’t read it, scroll down, have a read and this will make more sense ). light bulb moment! There are times rules, routines and rituals help us. And there are times we keep doing them because it feels safe (remember our brains are wired to keep us safe so it’s doing it’s job, or thinks it is )... As a lover of Christmas I have had a self imposed rule ‘no Christmas tree buying before December 1st each year. This year, I broke my own rule This may seem like a silly example of rule breaking but it got me thinking, how many rules do we continue to follow in our life ‘just because’. I’m going to start questioning myself more - 2020 kind of feels like the year that’s laid the foundation for deeper questioning - and checking in what rules and routines are still working for me and which ones are up for review. I’d love to hear yours in the comments, and if you need assistance to re write rules and routines in your life to create more of what YOU want, send me a message and let’s chat.

11.01.2022 What is Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)? The Mental Health First Aid Australia website gives this definition of MHFA; The Mental health first aid is the help provided to a person who is developing a mental health problem, experiencing a worsening of an existing mental health problem or in a mental health crisis. The first aid is given until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis resolves.... In this video I provide my story of how I came across MHFA, the similarities and differences with physical first aid and why I think, like physical first aid, MHFA is essential for everyone to know. It can, and does, save lives. Let me know any questions in the comments below and if this is something you personally are interested in knowing more about, or you know organisations or groups that are looking to increase their MHFA, send me a message and I’ll connect to follow up. #mhfa #mentalhealth #mentalhealthfirstaid #infinitebalance #removingthestigma

11.01.2022 I love what I do. Educating others on Mental Health First Aid Australia was on my desired work intentions list for a number of years and here I am now, doing it and loving it. This week saw me co-facilitate another 2 day course on behalf of Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling in Wagga Wagga with a great group from the community who all left with new knowledge and MHFA skills. ... Thanks to all who came, contributed and made it an enjoyable two days together. #mhfa #openarms #veterans #communityawareness #mentalhealth #removingthestigma #educatingonmentalhealth #infinitebalance #pilotage #mypassion #sharetheknowledge #savelives #supportothers

10.01.2022 For those in the Illawarra, Lifeline South Coast is offering **free** wellbeing workshops.

10.01.2022 Is this you or someone you know? Mental Health First Aid Australia would love to have you take part in a survey. Details in post below.

10.01.2022 I couldn’t think of a better way to round out Mental Health Awareness Month then hosting another MHFA workshop for Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling A shout out to Craig from the The Military Brotherhood Military Motorcycle Club (MBMMC) Illawarra Branch for reaching out to Open Arms to get this happening for those in his community. An extra bonus for me was being able to host this time in my home town of Wollongong.... On our first morning we always set up the guidelines for the training ahead as a group and every time someone adds fun to the list which I love. We can learn about Mental Health First Aid and have fun and giggles along the way and the banter amongst this group of friends made it a fun workshop to facilitate. As you can see from the photo.... there was some serious ‘cocaine’ debate occurring on where it landed in the order If you’re a Veteran or associated with a Veteran group and interested in organising a MHFA workshop or attending, jump onto the Open Arms website for more info. If you’re a member of the public or organisation who’d like to know more or attend one of the MHFA sessions I run, connect with me for more information. #mbmmcillawarra #DepartmentOfVeteranAffairs #OpenArms #mhfa #MentalHealth #InfiniteBalance #CreatingAwarenessAndSupoort #RemovingStigma #EducationIsKey #SuicideAwareness #MentalHealthWeek #Wollongong #MentalHealthTraining #MentalHealthEducator #Veterans

09.01.2022 Today is Wear It Purple Day. Wear It Purple Day aims to bring visibility to the many issues the LGBTQ+ and rainbow youth face, along with showing support, particularly amongst tough times. LGBTI people are more likely to experience depression and anxiety than the broader population, and at risk of suicide and self harm.... Where to get help; If you need someone to talk to, or want to find out more, these organisations can help you. Many have specific support for people who are LGBTI. Head to Health a guide to digital mental health services from some of Australia’s most trusted mental health organisations QLife (counselling and referral service for LGBTI people) call 1800 184 527 or chat online Beyond Blue (for anyone feeling depressed or anxious) call 1300 22 4636 or chat online headspace (mental health service for ages 12-25) ReachOut.com (youth mental health service) visit the website for info or use the online forum. Lifeline (support for anyone having a personal crisis) call 13 11 14 or chat online Suicide Call Back Service (for anyone thinking about suicide) call 1300 659 467 You may also be interested in visiting these sites: ACON for LGBTI health and HIV prevention and support PFLAG Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays #wearitpurple #wearitpurpleday2020 #mentalhealth #inclusion #diversity #awareness #lgbtqi #lgbtqiplus

09.01.2022 It’s been a few weeks since I posted a video and in the time warp that is 2020, it feels it was only a week ago I posted. I know talking to others that I am not alone in finding the sense of time shifted this year. What has helped me feel grounded this year is simple daily rituals and the word there is SIMPLE! ... Too complicated, tiring, overwhelming or it feels like a ‘should’ and I know I tap out of doing them pretty quickly. I share a simple mindfulness tool I use each day, a Q&A a day journal that I’ve been doing for 8 years now. As I mentioned already, simple is key for me. Be it meditation, mindfulness, gratitude journaling, exercise.... for it to stick simple works best. And sometimes simple means using already designed tools and tricks. We have a tendency to over complicate things as humans and I hope this video is a reminder that it doesn’t have to be that way. Keep safe, keep well and pick a simple mindful moment today from the list below: - As you walk, feel your feet on the ground, hear the sound your steps make and give your full awareness to the act of walking - As you shower, feel each drop of water on your skin and notice how your body reacts to it, maybe change the water temperature and see what happens - Stop and take a deep breath, notice if there is tension or tightness or if it comes and expands easily. Hear the sound of breathing in and out and feel it below your nostrils - Stop reading right now. Look up and name 5 things you can see. There’s a mindfulness check in done #Mindfulness #BreatheInAndOut #KeepItSimple #UseTheTools #2020TimeWarp #InfiniteBalance #Kinesiology #Coaching #SmallStepsCreateBigChange #CovidTips #SelfCare #Breathe #BePresent

05.01.2022 What is Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)? Thank you ABC for adding to the conversation around MHFA, what it is and why it’s important.

05.01.2022 My parents will tell you, as a baby, sleep wasn't really my thing. As an adult, I have naturally been a night owl. The night time quiet, moon and stars have been a drawing card to me compared to the morning rise. And yet, here I am writing about sleep rituals and sleep hygiene because I know the benefits of both of these and this year has seen me moving towards improving the duration and quality of my own sleep too. ... Have a read through and let me know where could you tweak either your sleep ritual / routine to benefit your health and wellbeing. I'd also be grateful if you share this with others who would benefit from it too. https://www.ecosa.com.au//sleep-rituals-and-sleep-hygiene-

05.01.2022 Time and again I work with clients to help them understand that even in the present moment of how they are feeling, THEY are NOT broken. We may feel broken. Our body may feel broken. ... Hearts can physically hurt and feel broken. But I promise you (and I don’t make promises lightly), YOU are NOT broken.

05.01.2022 An important online event for the LGBTQ+ community to support mental health and wellbeing. "ACON will be hosting a live online forum to explore our communities resilience and ability to adapt to the ongoing challenges posed by COVID 19. We know the virus is having a profound effect on our community. Some are struggling with isolation, depression, disruption to daily lives and fear in this pandemic.... LGBTI people are: - Twice as likely to experience anxiety disorders - Three times as likely to experience affective disorders such as depression and social phobias - Five times more likely to experience major depressive episodes - Up to 14 times more likely to attempt suicide (ACON Mental Health Outcome Strategy)" More details below and the link to sign up.

04.01.2022 While many people live this time of year, for others it can be lonely, emotionally challenging and impact mental health. Add all that 2020 has been and now more than ever, it’s important to reach out and check on others. And for those who feel a need for support right now, please remember these phone numbers for organisations that are confidential and committed to helping others through their challenging times.... As always, if I can support you know I am here too #lifeline #BeyondBlue #MentalHealth #Kinesiology #SuicideAwareness #SuicidePrevention #SupportIsAvailable #AskForHelp #RemoveTheStigma #ItsOkToNotBeOk #Depression #Anxiety #Loneliness #Overwhelm #PanicAttacks

04.01.2022 I am surrounded by insightful and wonderful practitioners of many modalities in my life - near and far - and when they share their knowledge like Jenn from Luminate Wellness has, I choose to share it for others to learn too. I speak often about feelings (ah-ha, I'm "THAT" person who asks "how do you feel? where are you feeling it in your body?" ) and I love how Jenn has summarised the 6 steps below. I remind clients that the important aspect once 1-5 are done is number 6! If you do what you always did, you're going to get what you always got more often than not.

04.01.2022 I shared this earlier on my personal page and the message is needed by so many I am sharing here too. Run the dishwasher twice, lie in the shower, and remember Ask For Support! It may feel it at times, however you are not alone

03.01.2022 An important share for Victorians; Victorians have been given access to a further 10 psychology sessions under Medicare mental health care plan... Now is an essential time to look after your mental health. If you’re not sure how to access these sessions, the first step is to book into your GP. I am here also to help anyone who needs the support right now. ... Stage 4 lockdowns are going impact mental health, both for those with existing illnesses and will create them for others who have not experienced this before. Domestic Violence is on the increase also impacting this. It is a challenging time. It is a time to learn to look after your mental health (and others around you if you can) in ways you’ve maybe never considered before. Access the resources. Ask for help. Say honestly how you’re feeling.

03.01.2022 WOLLONGONG & SHIRE PEOPLE (and surrounds).... Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling are holding another Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Workshop on Wednesday 28th Thursday 29th October in Wollongong. This workshop is free for current and ex Defence, current partners and also ex-partners (if you are either (a) co-parenting a child under 18 years of age with someone who has served, or (b) you are within five years after the relationship ended), adult children and parent...s of Vets. If you're unsure, you can contact Open Arms directly about your availability to attend. As you know, I am a MHFA instructor and I cannot recommend highly enough this opportunity for those who are in or have been in the Defence community. This is an opportunity to attend an educational workshop with practical skills taught (without the usual cost)and to gain skills that will impact your immediate community and much broader. I know there are a few spaces left for Wollongong that Open Arms would love to fill up (and fingers crossed I'll be along helping to facilitate this session), so if you are interested or know people who are please click through to here: https://www.openarms.gov.au/ge/programs-workshops/upcoming And if you're not in the Defence community and want to attend a MHFA course, pop me a message and I'll let you know what I am hosting and when/where too separate to Open Arms offerings.

03.01.2022 I know I’ve read/seen a lot of social media and articles since COVID-19 isolation that are along the lines of you must find something positive from this or if you’re not making the most of this time you’re {insert XYZ statement} While I support positive psychology tools and strategies, TOXIC POSITIVITY is very real and can be harmful. Do any of the points below resonate to you? Maybe an experience you’ve had?

01.01.2022 I’ve been noticing a need to do this more for my jaw of late. We hold a lot of our stress and tension in our jaw, shoulders and pelvis. Take a moment now to see where you’re tense. Take a deep breath in, hold and exhale focusing on this area. ... Repeat until you can feel a relaxing sensation occurring.

01.01.2022 WHAT IS THE THYMUS? It’s a small organ behind the breastbone at the level of the heart that plays an important function both in the immune system and endocrine system. It has a vital role in the training and development of T-lymphocytes or T cells, an extremely important type of white blood cell. T cells defend the body from potentially deadly pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The thymus is most active during puberty, decreasing in size after this until around ...the age of 65-75 years, when it’s believed we are unable to make new T-Cells (hence why it’s important to boost your immune function all throughout life!). INTERESTING FACTS; The organ is called thymus because its shape resembles that of a thyme leaf. The word thymus came to be in the late 16th century (denoting a growth or tumour resembling a bud): from Greek thumos ‘excrescence like a thyme bud, thymus gland’. WHY TAP IT? Tapping the thymus helps; - Boost the immune system - Increase and/or stimulate your energy systems (vitality) - Boost your energy Gently tapping on the thymus gland creates vibrations that stimulate an increase in the maturation and release of white blood cells. ENERGETICS The thymus relates to the heart chakra, the chakra related to love, forgiveness, understanding, gratitude, letting go of fear. Thymus tapping can be supportive to use when experiencing anxiety, depression and fear.

01.01.2022 One for the kids (and works great for the big kids too )

01.01.2022 An honour to host another Mental Health First Aid workshop today for Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling Canberra. Thank you for including our group with your staff during the Remembrance Day ceremony, as we all watched and reflected what this day meant to each of us personally. For those not aware, Remembrance Day falls on the 11th of November each year. ... On the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, a minutes’ silence is observed and dedicated to those soldiers who died fighting to protect the nation. In Australia and other allied countries, including New Zealand, Canada and the United States, 11 November became known as Armistice Day a day to remember those who died in World War One. The day continues to be commemorated in allied countries. After World War Two, the Australian Government agreed to the United Kingdom’s proposal that Armistice Day be renamed Remembrance Day to commemorate those who were killed in both World Wars. Today the loss of Australian lives from all wars and conflicts is commemorated on Remembrance Day. {courtesy Army Website} To each of the Mental Health First Aid Australia workshop attendees over the last 2 days, my gratitude for your involvement and questions. On this Remembrance Day and all to come, Lest We Forget #mhfa #mentalhealthfirstaidaustralia #MentalHealth #DVA #OpenArms #RememberanceDay #LestWeForget #militarymentalhealth #Veterans #anxiety #depression #stigma #ptsd #awareness #MentalHealthEducation #Gratedful