Rural Sky in Goondiwindi, Queensland | Mental health service

Rural Sky

Locality: Goondiwindi, Queensland

Phone: +61 438 711 500

Address: GMC House, 47 Bowen Street 4390 Goondiwindi, QLD, Australia

Website: http://www.ruralsky.com.au

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25.01.2022 Care Goondwindi is endeavouring to gather input from clients and community to feed into their strategic plan review process. Care is hosting a community forum to share the breadth of their services with the community and to identify gaps, strengths and weaknesses. All of community are encouraged to attend the Goondiwindi Community Centre on Tuesday 29th September from 9.30 am - 11 am.

24.01.2022 The amazing Kath Johnstone chats with us about the basics of sleep and how we can make sure we are getting those precious z’s! Kath is one of the lovely ladies... at Rural Sky based on Goondiwindi. Did you know that you don’t even need a referral to be able to have a chat with this amazing team? Simply give them a bell and they will be able to give you some advice about the best way to go about getting the right assistance for your specific needs. Thanks again ladies for all of your help with This Is Our Conversation 2020!

24.01.2022 AUGUST 4-10 OCD AND ANXIETY DISORDERS WEEK Anxiety Disorders week is an awareness week dedicated to OCD and Anxiety Disorder sufferers. "What is obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)?... Anxious thoughts can influence our behaviour, which is helpful at times. For example, thinking 'I may have left the oven on' leads to you checking the oven and keeping things safe. However, if that thought becomes obsessive (recurring), it can influence unhealthy patterns of behaviour that can cause difficulties in daily functioning. Obsessively thinking 'I've left the oven on' can lead to repeated checking. For someone with the anxiety disorder known as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), obsessions or compulsions (acts performed to alleviate the distress or neutralise the thought), or both, are present. People with OCD often feel intense shame about their need to carry out these compulsions. These feelings of shame can exacerbate the problem and the shame, and consequent secrecy associated with OCD can lead to a delay in diagnosis and treatment. It can also result in social disability, such as children failing to attend school or adults becoming housebound." Beyond Blue For personalised support please contact your preferred Rural Sky practitioner or email [email protected]

24.01.2022 A stunning new website for Rural Sky, Clinical & Counselling Psychologists and Family Therapists of Goondiwindi. They specialise no only in Counselling and Psyc...hology Services but also in presentations for events, workshops, psychometric testing and coaching to individuals and businesses with a desire to realise their potential and experience lasting success. Fundamental to their practice is that we live in the community that they serve. They understand what it means to live in a rural town. They understand distance, drought and flooding rains, small-town intricacies, local issues and services. Check out their website here: https://ruralsky.com.au and like their page here: Rural Sky - Realise Your Potential Happy Monday Funday! Nat:) #WebDesign #GraphicDesign #LogoDesign #Branding #Communications #Businesspromotion #VigourGraphics #Toowoombawebdesigner #ToowoombaGraphicDesigner #SmallBusinessMarketing

24.01.2022 From 5-11 July, in partnership with Lifeline and Kids Helpline Official ABC will shine a light on mental health and wellbeing to help those struggling with the ...ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, bushfires and drought. You can show your support using our #YourMentalHealthAU Facebook frame http://ab.co/ABCYMH Need help? You can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 (they're open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or text with them nightly (6pm to midnight AEST) on 0477 13 11 14.

23.01.2022 Once you know your values, it's so much easier to start moving toward the life you want to live (: Need a bit of help adjusting your rudder? Contact the team at Rural Sky for personalised support on [email protected]

22.01.2022 Mental wellbeing is a multifaceted concept, and there are so many little things we can do throughout our day that will either add or take away from our mental health. Taking microbreaks in our day to tend to our mind and body can have a powerful impact on improving our ability to concentrate, change our point of view and reduce workplace injuries. This includes any brief activity that helps to break up the monotony of physically or mentally draining tasks. They can last anyw...here from a few seconds to several minutes and involve anything from making a cup of tea, to stretching or watching a music video. Here's a simple stretch for you to try, next time you need a brief distraction.

22.01.2022 Chalk It Up - Goondiwindi, will again be a part of Queensland Mental Health Week, Oct 1018. Continuing on from last year, the theme in 2020 remains Take Time ... for mental health. I will keep you posted about free events that are planned. During the campaign I will share simple actions we can take to improve our moods, build resilience, and boost wellbeing.

22.01.2022 Welcome to 'This Is Our Conversation 2020', proudly brought to you by Lucy Walker Pharmacy TerryWhite Chemmart Goondiwindi and TradeMutt, and supported by Rural Sky. This Is Our Conversation 2020 aims to raise awareness and education about mental health in our region. If you or a friend needs a chat, reach out to Rural Sky on 0438 711 500 (Suzie) or 0475 391 260 (Kath) or one of the many allied health professionals in our community, or visit https://www.tiacs.org, a free text..., voice and call back counselling service in partnership with Trademutt. #mentalhealth #thisisaconversationstarter #trademutt #tiacs

22.01.2022 LOOKING FOR INSPIRATION? Awards Australia has launched a brand spanking new website in the last week brimming with the personal stories of Australian's making a difference. Be inspired by ordinary people achieving extraordinary things.... So much nicer to listen to than the news on the car drive to work (:

21.01.2022 FREE ONLINE YOUTH PROGRAM WITH BUTTERFLY FOUNDATION Need help with dieting or body image concerns? Butterfly’s Youth Program is a skills-based group therapy treatment program for young people aged 18-24 years.... Join their virtual program for anyone anywhere in Australia via Zoom. If you are experiencing symptoms of disordered eating, Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder (BED) and feel you need more support, this program may help you. How the program can help In a safe, supportive and recovery-focused environment this program will aim to help you: * Reduce symptoms of your eating disorder * Improve body image * Develop skills to manage stress and emotions * Manage relationships * Enhance self-compassion * Increase mindfulness * Build a healthier relationship with food. Next program: registrations or referrals now open Program starts: November, 2020 Register as soon as possible for upcoming programs by clicking on the link below.

21.01.2022 Don’t miss this free and fabulous workshop by local legend, Donna Squire. Happy Mental Health Week

21.01.2022 HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT! Wishing you peace, joy in the every day, and hope that 2021 will allow us to be together again. Lots of Love... The Rural Sky Gals xx See more

20.01.2022 WORRY & STRESS IN CHILDREN series Episode 3: Body & Muscle Relaxation Thanks UQ - The Brave Program

20.01.2022 FREE ACCESS TO CHILD & YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES Rural Sky are thrilled to announce their successful tender with Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN through the Australian Government’s PHN Program, to deliver child and Youth Mental Health Services (Mental Health Stepped Care) in Goondiwindi and Inglewood until June 2022. So what does this mean?... Children and young people up to the age of 25 years of age with, or at risk of developing mental health conditions, and who can be appropriately managed in a primary care setting under the care of a GP, pediatrician and/or psychiatrist, can access mental health services at no out of pocket expense (FREE), with Rural Sky. This is subject to availability. Appointments are available face-to-face or online, depending upon your needs. For more information or to schedule an appointment contact your preferred Rural Sky practitioner, Suzie Collins 0438 711 500 or Katherine Johnstone 0475 391 260, or email [email protected].

20.01.2022 NATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY WEEK This week, we celebrate National Psychology Week. The focus for this year is pain. This is such an important topic with one in five Australians suffering from chronic pain. The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) defines pain as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage. Chronic pain evolves when the pain continues beyond the expected healing time following surgery, traum...a or another condition. There is often no known explanation for chronic pain. Pain Australia explains that ‘although chronic pain can be a symptom of other disease, it can also be a disease in its own right, characterised by changes within the central nervous system. This happens when neuroplastic changes occur within the nervous system making the body more sensitive to pain and can create sensations of pain even without external pain stimuli.’ Psychology can play a big role within this neuroplastic area. Neuroplasticity refers to the ability of the brain to change and make new connections. Psychological input may assist in the management of chronic pain. Contact your preferred Rural Sky practitioner to explore how we can support you.

20.01.2022 UNCOMFORTABLE FEELINGS are often really difficult to experience. We spend much of our time either avoiding them or fighting with them. Our emotions are be viewed as like the weather.......some days its raining, some days its sunshine, some days its snowing and other times it's a massive storm. Just like the weather, we can't change our emotions or wish them away. What happens if we just ride out the emotions like the storm?

19.01.2022 ‘FLIPPING THE SCRIPT: CHANGING THE NARRATIVE ON BPD’ is the national campaign focus of BPD Awareness Week 2020 (1-7 October) We know that much of the (mostly) historical language contained in research and training concerning people living with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is stigmatising, discriminatory and inappropriate. Many people with BPD experience self-stigma which impacts upon the way they (and others) see them.... This year’s campaign aims to change the way we think and talk about borderline personality disorder. It encourages people living with BPD to change the way they think about themselves, allow others to see their challenges, educate others where appropriate, move towards strengths-based self-talk and to celebrate their strengths. It also challenges families, supporters and people working with those living with BPD to change the way they speak and write about people living with BPD, to encourage and promote the individual’s strengths, reframe their challenges into strengths-based language, educate themselves by accessing new research, and amplify the voice of lived experience. For more information check out the BPD Awareness website https://www.bpdawareness.com.au

18.01.2022 LOCAL IDEAS THAT WORK - IMPROVING YOUR MENTAL HEALTH We've had a bloody awesome time over the past month being a part of This Is Our Conversation 2020, a mental health awareness initiative by the incredible team at Lucy Walker Pharmacy TerryWhite Chemmart Goondiwindi. Two of the many people that participated, were Kerry and Ken of RHealth. They hosted a raffle and asked people who attended the big event at Custom's House, Gundy, 'What do you do to help your mental health' ... .... and here are the unfiltered answers .... tried and true tips from locals, for locals ... NB: We definitely do not advocate the use of alcohol as an effective coping strategy

18.01.2022 SUPPORTING CHILDREN THROUGH DROUGHT The long term nature of drought can wear on even the toughest individuals. Just like adults, children can be impacted by the stress that drought can cause, particularly when it comes to worries in the family. But, there are some simple strategies that parents and carers can use to help. In this series of eight podcasts, hear from parents, practitioners and community members about practical ways that they have supported children's mental hea...lth during drought. https://emergingminds.com.au/resources/podcast/

17.01.2022 Due to overwhelming demand, we will be kicking off This Is Our Conversation 2020 at 5pm on July 24 now! With a bit more time to get yourselves ready after work ...- you have no excuse to miss this event If you haven't registered for your ticket yet, get in quick! https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/this-is-our-conversation-20

16.01.2022 HAPPY HORSE'S BIRTHDAY Today is the day that all horses in the southern hemisphere celebrate their birthdays (: OK, so maybe it's more like the Queen's birthday holiday rather than the actual horses's birthday, any excuse for cake!... For those of us who have ever loved horses, you will understand the joy that they bring to our lives. This sense of happiness is something that is not the domain of horses alone, and any pet can invoke a positive connection. Whether it is the nuzzle of a dog's nose as it greets you at the door, a cat curled up on your lap on a winter's day or even fish casually going about their business. Pets can provide companionship and unconditional affection. This bond can do wonders for our mental health. Beyond Blue have offered just a few ways that pets can positively impact our wellbeing: "PETS DON'T JUDGE You don’t need to explain to them why you haven’t left the house in a couple of days or why you haven’t brushed your hair. You don’t need to impress them with witty one-liners or solve problems for them. Pets love you without judgement and they’re happy to be in your company. PETS KEEP YOU COMPANY When you’re not feeling great about yourself or you’re not up to interacting with people, pets are there for you. They’re great to talk to (perhaps because they can’t talk back) and they pick up when you’re not feeling 100 per cent. They often have a calming influence. And let’s be honest, they’re the only housemates you can’t stay mad at when they make a mess. PETS CAN ENCOURAGE YOU TO BE MORE ACTIVE Ok, so you can’t walk a fish, but pets such as dogs, cats and rabbits often enjoy spending time outdoors. Head outside; join your pets in their playtime and enjoy the fresh air together. Walking the dog is one of those activities people often think of as a chore, but moderate exercise is just as helpful for your wellbeing as it is for your pet’s. It also gives you and your dog the opportunity to socialise. Mingling with other dog owners can be a great way to manage social anxiety because you can ease into a conversation by talking about your dogs. TAKING CARE OF A PET CAN REMIND YOU TO TAKE BETTER CARE OF YOURSELF If you’ve ever owned a pet, you will have been on the receiving end of the wide-eyed stare that says it’s dinner time, human. Please feed me. Pets love routines and routines are good for people too. Pets encourage you to wake, eat, play, exercise and sleep at regular times. Routines give your days purpose and structure which are supportive factors to manage conditions depression and anxiety." Have you had a special animal in your life? https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=613490602590855

16.01.2022 Take Time is a great little magazine by the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program with stories of hope and courage from across NSW. Read about life’s challenges and how real people have found connection through change. Inspiration from everyday peeps.

15.01.2022 Queensland Mental Heath Week is fast approaching so I have started putting together some FREE Workshops for you to participate in. #1 Decorate Your Decor. Bri...ng along a small piece of decor (preferably wooden) eg; tray, photo frame, mirror, small lamp base, jewellery box etc. You will learn how to apply chalk, mineral or milk paint to give it a new lease of life! Saturday 17th October | 9:30am - 11:00am OR 4:00pm - 5:30pm Please secure your spot ASAP as they are limited. Comment below or via message. ‘Keep learning learning new things will make you more confident as well as being fun’

14.01.2022 It's Week 2 and my TradeMutt shirt looks better than ever! Faciliated by Lucy Walker Pharmacy TerryWhite Chemmart Goondiwindi and supported by Rural Sky, This Is Our Conversation 2020 is tackling mental health across our region, so that we can all be better informed. Do you need a bit of support? Contact Rural Sky on 0438 711 500 (Suzie) or 0475 391 260 (Kath) or email [email protected]. ... Or if you'd like to catch up with someone over the phone, This is a Conversation Starter is a free text, voice and call back counselling service availalble at www.tiacs.org #mentalhealth #thisisaconversationstarter #trademutt #tiacs

13.01.2022 Hey Ladies ... Time for some social connection. We both know you need this!!

13.01.2022 R U OK?'s NEW CAMPAIGN FOR OUR SPORTING COMMUNITY 'Hey Sport, R U OK' is a campaign that has kicked off with resources and tips for coaches to help them build an R U OK? culture, where all members of our sporting community feel safe and supported. The new resources will help coaches share the R U OK? message, spot the signs that someone might be struggling and provide tips to guide them on what to say and do in the event one of their players is not OK.... Download your free coach toolkit today (:

12.01.2022 Rural Sky welcomes the federal government’s announcement that the 2020 Federal Budget includes a doubling of support under MBS Better Access (mental health treatment plans), from 10 to 20 Medicare-funded sessions. From 9 October 2020 until 30 June 2022, 10 additional individual psychological therapy sessions, previously available only to people whose movement was restricted by a state or territory public health order, are now available each calendar year to all eligible patients under the existing Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the MBS (Better Access) initiative. If you had used all of your 10 sessions for this calendar year, you can now schedule a review with your GP for a referral to access the further 10 sessions.

12.01.2022 Tomorrow on Motherland! Edwina shares her story of motherhood on the land, including her very powerful account of her struggles with postnatal depression in t...he early years. I'm very passionate about postnatal mental health. It can strike anyone at anytime. Edwina is well past the trenches now, with her two children in boarding school. There is much more to her story than this, and so much joy! But she's a very powerful advocate for other rural mums and how important it is to seek help. Tune in tomorrow on iTunes or Spotify! *If you or someone you know needs help now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Also, remember there are resources available for rural mums such as the Gidget Foundation which provides 10 free psychology sessions up to one year post partum.

12.01.2022 CELEBRATING WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY - 10 OCTOBER 2020 Wishing you all the very best of mental health today, and on every other day. Making a mental health promise is a great way to remind yourself to look after your wellbeing.... What will you promise yourself today?

11.01.2022 This Christmas, we can ALL make a difference - by giving the gift of conversation, particularly those who might be struggling at this time of the year. Festivities and talk of family holidays and gatherings can make this an isolating time for those who have lost a loved one, are feeling disconnected or who can’t be with family and friends through distance or circumstance. Need some ideas on how to give the ‘Gift of Conversation’? Free downloadable resources are available on ...the R U OK? website including a personalised e-greeting card and conversation tips. https://www.ruok.org.au/gift-of-conversation

10.01.2022 Today is Positive Thinking Day! Did you know that positive thinking is just one helpful way of thinking? How is your thinking today? Is is helpful or not so helpful. How can we find the silver lining amongst our clouds of thoughts? Please share your more helpful positive thoughts. Here's one to get you started "Although the washing wasn't done, I spent some quality time with the kids today!"

10.01.2022 TODAY'S NEWS! Find us in today's Goondiwindi Argus, free online for all to enjoy. https://digital-print-edition.austcommunitymedia.com.au//i

10.01.2022 Trademutt 120.GRIT Podcast Trademutt's Dan and Ed catch up with founder of Human Connection Project Foundation Matt Boyce on their podcast, 120.Grit. The Hu...man Connection Project is an enterprise that seeks to change the rate of suicide in Australia. Catch the chat here: https://youtu.be/q8O0bK0MZAM

09.01.2022 WORRY & STRESS IN CHILDREN series Episode 5: Calm Positive Thinking Thanks UQ - The Brave Program We hope that you have found this series helpful. If you'd like more information on how to support your child, please contact your preferred practitioner at Rural Sky

09.01.2022 Today is GOOD NEIGHBOUR DAY! A key part in maintaining healthy well-being is to be socially connected. The pandemic has certainly created a barrier to some of our social connections. Today is the day to step out into the sunshine and share a chat with your neighbour over the fence or in the driveway. If you don't know your neighbour, maybe take a few minutes to say hello and introduce yourself.

09.01.2022 Join the QUEENSLAND MENTAL HEALTH WEEK social media competition Aligning with the 'Take time - for Mental Health/ theme, we are inviting people across Queensland to share with us what it looks like when they ‘take time’ for the things that boost their mental wellbeing during QMHW (10-18 October). The Instagram Challenge is starting early, on Sunday 4 October to give people plenty of time to get involved! ... You can join in by following QMHW on Instagram, and posting a photo with the hashtag #QMHWTakeTime before Sunday, 18 October. Two lucky winners will receive a copy of The Little Book of Mindfulness, thanks to sponsorship from CheckUP.

08.01.2022 ALCOHOL The start of the new year often means making a new year’s resolution or two and they are usually focussed on improving our health and wellbeing. The tip is to ensure that these resolutions are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time Specific). With Australia releasing new guidelines around alcohol use late last year, now might be a time to reflect on your alcohol use and whether any changes might be helpful for you and your loved ones. If you would like assistance to change your alcohol use, contact your preferred Rural Sky practitioner, [email protected] or [email protected]

08.01.2022 Our mind’s job is to think. It is constantly thinking and never stops. Our minds are problem finding and problem fixing machines. It is constantly looking for problems to solve. Sometimes it even tries to make things up just so it can solve it. Step back from your thoughts and just notice them. What problem is it trying to find and solve? Is it a real problem or is it just doing its job and looking for a problem. Often it can’t find a problem and then makes one up.... To learn more about how to notice your thoughts and determine which are true or not, contact your preferred Rural Sky Practitioner on [email protected].

07.01.2022 Another great free community event, right here in Gundy!

06.01.2022 YOUR FESTIVAL OF HEALING On Friday 28th October, the Blue Knot Foundation is hosting a virtual day of healing, with 12 hours of online inspiration for adult survivors of complex trauma to celebrate Blue Knot Day. Running from 7 am to 7 pm AEDT "Your Festival of Healing" will deliver an exciting program providing opportunity for connection, tools, stories, engagement and inspiration for survivors, professionals and ... well everyone really!... Blue Knot Day is an Australian national day in support of the more than 5 million (1 in 4) Australian adults who have experienced complex trauma.

06.01.2022 WORRY & STRESS IN CHILDREN series Episode 4: Mind Relaxation Meditation Thanks UQ - The Brave Program

05.01.2022 EMOTIONAL WAVES The emotions that we feel every day are important to our survival. Some indicate that we are in danger, others indicate we are having fun, some create trepidation while others tell us to keep going. We often divide our emotions into either negative or positive emotions. This is not an accurate process. Our emotions are just that, emotions: neither good nor bad. They are there to give us clues of our experiences. What is interesting is that no one emotio...n lasts forever. They come and go throughout our journey of life. We can liken our emotions to the waves of the ocean. They are forever coming and going, some build more than others and they all eventually crash on the beach. Sometimes when they appear to be growing bigger than expected, it may be helpful to go with it and surf your way into the beach. If you’d like some support to learn more about surfing the wave of your emotions, contact your preferred Rural Sky practitioner on [email protected]

04.01.2022 ALLEVIATING THE DISTRESS OF TRAUMATIC MEMORIES Are you affected by intrusive thoughts of past trauma? When triggered, do these memories reappear, bringing back all the emotional charge associated with them, and subconsciously feeling like the trauma is happening NOW? ... If so, EMDR may be the tool you need! EMDR stands for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. So how can it help you? When trauma happens, our brain’s information processing system can get stuck and the trauma memory can remain undigested and unprocessed in our memory network. EMDR is a process that helps to kickstart the brain’s information processing system, especially for trauma memories. These memories can then get digested and processed by the brain. Once processed, these memories lose their emotional charge. We are then able to recognise that these are just memories from the past, and that they are not happening now. EMDR therapy can also be used to alleviate symptoms related to anxiety, low self-esteem, traumatic grief and panic attacks, apart from its traditional role in healing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For more information, or to schedule an appointment please contact your preferred Rural Sky practitioner, Kath 0475 391 260 or Suzie 0438 711 500, or email [email protected]

04.01.2022 Yep .... that makes sense. For personalised support, call your preferred practitioner at Rural Sky, Katherine 0475 391 260 or Suzie 0438 711 500.

04.01.2022 IS AUTISM A DISORDER, DISABILITY OR JUST DIFFERENT? There is much controversy about this at the moment. Check out this clip that explores how everyone is different in a range of ways including physical aspects, interests, perception, feelings, senses and more. How can you be more accepting of the differences between people? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbwRrVw-CRo

04.01.2022 HEY LOVEBIRDS! Are you seeking a bit of fun and spontaneity in your love life? Here's an activity to bring some joy back in to your relationship. ... Coz it's the little things, every day, that count. For personalised support contact your preferred couples therapist, Suzie 0438 711 500 or Kath 0475 391 260.

03.01.2022 In a world filled with sharks ... be a Ben

03.01.2022 THREE GOOD THINGS - PRACTICING GRATITUDE Our brains have a built-in negativity bias. From an evolutionary perspective, paying attention to bad, dangerous, and negative threats in the world was literally a matter of life and death. Those who were more attuned to danger and who paid more attention to the bad things around them were more likely to survive.... But today many of us find ourselves constantly stuck on problems, or ruminating about negative events from our day, which can lead to anxiety and depression. Research tells us that to combat this tendency we need to deliberately and consciously shift our attention away from the bad and move toward the good. An easy exercise to address this is to take the time to notice and appreciate the positive experiences that occur throughout our day. Over time, this will help shift our focus more naturally to these events. So ... each night for the next two weeks before you go to bed, write down three things that went well for you in the day. These things can be relatively small, even seemingly minor occurrences e.g. having enough money to enjoy a cup of delicious coffee from The Larder, or they can be larger more significant events. There's no right or wrong answer. Simply write three positive experiences from the day, followed by a brief explanation of your contribution to it, or why you think it happened. To challenge yourself even further, and make the exercise more powerful, never repeat an item from your list over the course of the two weeks (or longer, if you choose).

03.01.2022 ARE YOU READY TO HAVE A CONVERSATION? On our TradeMutt shirts, it is embroidered with 'YNWA' for 'You'll never walk alone' This Is Our Conversation 2020 with Lucy Walker Pharmacy TerryWhite Chemmart Goondiwindi aims to raise awareness of mental health in our rural community and to remind us that there is always help available, we just need to reach out and ask.... Contact Rural Sky on 0475 391 260 (Kath) or 0438 711 500 (Suzie), or [email protected] for support, or any one of our region's highly skilled mental health professionals. Or jump on www.tiacs.org for a discrete and reliable chat. #mentalhealth #thisisaconversationstarter #trademutt #tiacs

02.01.2022 NATURE IS NURTURE! When was the last time you spent some time outside? Research has argued that the increasing rates of depression are a direct result of a growing disconnection from the natural world. This would indicate that nature has a positive psychological effect on human well-being. ... Nature and the outdoors create a sense of well-being and reduces stress. Our brains are hard-wired to seek contact with the natural world. This weekend spend some time in the outdoors. Maybe lay on the grass in the back yard and look at the stars, walk through a local park or botanical gardens. Maybe head out of town and find a walking track. It could however be as simple has bringing a plant inside and place near your work space.

02.01.2022 FINDING HAPPINESS THROUGH FORGIVENESS When we hold onto painful experiences for any length of time, it leads to resentment and bitterness. Which in turn can take its toll on our minds, bodies and relationships. On the other hand, letting go of a grudge and choosing forgiveness can have amazing benefits on our happiness and for our health.... Here's a 10 minute practice to help you to determine whether you want to move towards a decision to forgive, to undo the psychological and physiological effects of holding a grudge, and to take back the power in your own life. Reflect for a moment on a person in your life who has hurt you in some way, and who you have not yet forgiven. How did the person hurt you? What did the person do to you? How did their actions harm you? Next, consider ... What are the ways in which resentment has hurt you? What are the benefits and costs of choosing forgiveness? If you decide that forgiveness is the answer, perhaps you might consider writing a letter of forgiveness to this individual. Explain the way in which you felt hurt by their actions toward you, and how you have continued to suffer as a result. Finally, end the letter with an expression of forgiveness toward that person. Let them know that you are choosing to let go of your anger and move on with your life. There's no need to send this letter, it's a step you are taking for YOU. For personalised support, reach out to your preferred Rural Sky practitioner. Source: The Happiness Toolbox by Jonah Paquette (2018).

02.01.2022 20 DAY MENTAL WELLNESS CHALLENGE As the count down begins to Santa's arrival, how about scheduling a little self care so that you can feel your absolute best on the day. Here's a 20 day wellness program, guaranteed to help you feel more present by December 25th.

02.01.2022 If you could write a letter to your younger self, what would you say? #YourMentalHealthAU

02.01.2022 EMOTIONAL CUP With school due to start back in a couple of weeks time, let us consider ensuring that our children’s cup is full so they can learn and play well at school. Ensuring that your child’s emotional cup stays near the top, will help make your household much more enjoyable over the last of the school holidays and promote good learning.

01.01.2022 WORRY & STRESS IN CHILDREN series. Episode 2: Relaxed Breathing Thanks to UQ - The Brave Program

01.01.2022 WORRY & STRESS IN CHILDREN series This month we thought we would focus on worry and stress in children. This year has been filled with many challenging events including drought, bushfires, coronavirus, home schooling and social isolation. The University of Queensland developed The Brave Program for young children and have also adapted it for adolescents. Each Wednesday for the month of July, we will share a YouTube clip with some great tips and strategies to support children.

01.01.2022 Have you checked out the Smiling Mind app yet? Try it now to support you falling to sleep tonight. https://www.smilingmind.com.au/smiling-mind-app