Mental health

Students, parents, curricular and extracurricular activities, playground duties, administration and those Friday afternoon meetings are just some of the elements that contribute to teacher burnout and stress. In today’s article Donna Smith, an experienced teacher and sessional tutor at the University of the Sunshine Coast, shares four fundamental pillars that have been identified in the research literature in promoting resilience.

We often hear about why it’s important that children read for pleasure, but we don’t seem to place that same importance on adults’ reading habits. So, is it important that adults read for enjoyment? And if so, how many adults actually read for pleasure on a regular basis? We talk to Dr Judith Seaboyer from the University of Queensland to find out more.

The fundamental reason we eat food is to provide our bodies with the nutrients and energy we need to function. But, we often eat for other reasons too. In today’s article we speak to Associate Professor Esben Strodl about emotional eating, why people turn to food in times of stress and why it’s important to understand our emotional triggers.

Keeping physically fit, eating a healthy diet and doing regular mental exercises can help to maintain your brain’s functions and boost its capacity for recall. Professor Kaarin Anstey from UNSW joins us today to discuss how the brain changes as we age, lifestyle factors that affect the brain and tips for improving our brain function and memory.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a group of stress symptoms that can develop after one (or sometimes more than one) traumatic event. Dr Joanne Beames, from the Black Dog Institute, joins us today to discuss the signs and symptoms of PTSD, how prevalent it is in society, and explain ways people experiencing it can find help and support.

Depression is more than just a low mood – it's a serious condition that affects your physical and mental health. Dr Grant Blashki, a practicing GP and Lead Clinical Advisor at Beyond Blue, discusses what it feels like for the person experiencing depression, how prevalent it is in society, and how to start a conversation that could save a life.

What is mindfulness? And, what impact does practicing mindfulness have on our physical and mental health? In today’s article we speak to Dr Addie Wootten, a clinical psychologist and CEO of Smiling Mind, to find out more.

Kahli Schroder, a Teacher and Wellbeing Leader at St Bede's School in Victoria shares insights into how she cares for her own mental health and wellbeing.

Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia. Feeling anxious is one way our bodies keep us safe from danger – it is an emotion that we feel when we’re under pressure or threat. In today’s article Dr Jill Newby from the Black Dog Institute and UNSW discusses how to recognise physical signs and symptoms of anxiety, and where to get the support you need to manage it.