Mental health

Grief caused by bereavement is something we will all encounter at some point in our lives, but there are also many other different types of grief and loss that we can experience – whether it’s the loss of a pet, having a sick or elderly relative, or grief caused by natural disasters. Here, we look at the different types of grief and loss and how they can impact our overall wellbeing.

How do you relax and unwind when you have spare time outside of work? Do you like to listen to music, read novels, sew, paint, or perhaps watch a movie? These are just a few examples of engaging in the arts, and research shows this engagement has a positive impact on our mental wellbeing.

‘I am still an advocate of moving for wellbeing, but the way that I do that movement has been adjusted. My biggest take away, so far, has been that changing how you move is okay, just as long as you do move.’ Teacher Aimee Blazek shares how she adjusted her exercise regime while pregnant so she could still move her body.

It’s safe to say we’ve all been grappling with uncertainties around how our work and personal lives will be affected by the unpredictable nature of the pandemic for longer than we thought. Here, Mary Spillane, Clinical Psychologist and Headspace App Mental Health Expert for Australia, joins Wellbeing by Teacher to share some strategies for coping with uncertainty and change in life.

Recent research highlights the impact of the pandemic in exacerbating pre-existing risk factors for social isolation and loneliness. In this infographic, we share some of the findings.

Having meaningful friendships as an adult is important for our overall health and wellbeing. So, as we head back to work for another year, how can we make sure we maintain these friendships? What about making new friends? Associate Professor Roger Patulny shares some strategies with Wellbeing by Teacher.

After many educators experienced lengthy periods of remote learning once again this year, the challenges of switching off from work might be even greater these holidays. In this article, we’re joined by Dr Joanne Beames from the Black Dog Institute, who shares some evidence-based strategies educators can use to switch off and put their wellbeing first.

We know what it means to be kind and compassionate towards others, but practicing self-compassion can be something that many people struggle with. So, what is self-compassion? And, what impact does it have on our overall health and wellbeing? We speak to Dr Judy Pickard from the University of Wollongong to find out more.

A quarter of Australians aged 15 years and over participated in unpaid voluntary work through an organisation in 2020, whilst almost half provided unpaid work or support to others outside their households. In today’s article we speak to Dr Darja Kragt from the University of Western Australia about why people are motivated to volunteer their time, and how it boosts their overall sense of wellbeing.

Educators have been on the 'frontline' of the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting students and their families through this challenging time. For some, this will have taken a serious toll on their own wellbeing. Here, Professor Alison Calear from ANU discusses some of the mental health impacts of being in this caregiving role, and how we can do more to support teachers during this time.