What is Telemental Health?
Telemedicine
Telemental Health is part of ‘Telemedicine.’ Telemedicine is a word you hear more often, or even for the first time, since the advent of COVID-19. It refers to the delivery of health care by means of technology, rather than a 1-1 physical interaction. ‘Health’ refers to disease and injuries, physical and mental. And ‘Health care’ includes diagnosis, treatment, prevention, research, evaluation and the education of health care workers.
‘Telemental Health’ is therefore, part of Telemedicine. Furthermore, Telemental Health is also ‘Distance Therapy or Counselling,’ ‘Remote Therapy or Counselling,’ ‘On-line Therapy or Counselling’ and similar. Therapists deliver Telemental Health services in various formats.Read more
Depression and COVID-19
Depression and COVID-19
We regularly hear that Depression has increased since the advent of the Corona Virus. COVID-19 has changed the world, possibly forever. Life has pretty well been turned upside down. Daily routines are not what they used to be. School and work life are unrecognisable for many people. And the change was sudden and unexpected. Depression and COVID-19 are not a good combination.
To help us navigate the world of COVID-19, national state and territory governments tell us what we can and cannot do. By now you will be familiar with how far you can physically place yourself in relation to others and how to wash your hands. In addition, many of us are learning how to use Zoom, Skype and other distance communication platforms. Also, we know that self-care is crucial to our well-being, such as eating well and talking to friends. In particular, keeping in touch with vulnerable others is important. Furthermore, we know when to and when not to go to the supermarket and how to order food on-line. As a starting point to your wellbeing, please adhere to these guidelines and those issued by health experts from time to time. Regardless of all this helpful information, however, many people are suffering serious depression.Read more
Bereavement and Spirituality
Bereavement refers to the death or loss of a loved one. Should spirituality be discussed when counselling a bereaved client? When exploring the meaning of a serious loss with clients, discussing spiritual beliefs can be helpful. At most it can be reassuring, and at least, it can put the loss into context.
Grief
Grief is the sad, unhappy feelings we have when we lose something precious. Grief is a normal reaction to an ‘abnormal’ situation.’ While the cause of our grief may not be part of our usual experience, it is likely to be a normal part of life.
Unhappy and unexpected events occur all the time. Serious events such as the death of a loved one, a severe disability, or losing a job can take one by surprise. The more serious the loss, the more intense the grief. Read more
Grieving Children
Children everywhere are gong back to school. For some it will be a return. For others, it will be a new beginning. Some will readily adjust. Others will find it harder. They will feel acutely the loss of familiar routines and the impact of starting new ones. Some may even suffer symptoms of grief. So it is an opportune time to remind ourselves that just like adults, children can experience grief. And just like adults, we can help them through it. Read more
About Grief
Sadly, there is much grief and distress in our communities right now. Events far and near touch us deeply, as we mourn for lost lives and senseless suffering. Grief is a very intense, sad feeling that we experience when we lose something precious. It does not matter what the item is, if it is important to us, we are likely to grieve if we lose or begin to lose it.
We especially grieve for other vulnerable, innocent human beings, adults and especially children. My eyes were more than a little moist this morning when I watched the television news while waiting for my dental appointment, and saw the flowers placed as caring memorials in Melbourne CBD. Read more
'Sadness' or 'Depression?'
If you are sad, does it mean you are ‘depressed?’ Confusion often exists between using the word ‘depression’ informally when you are sad and feeling low, and a serious illness called ‘Depression.’ Lack of clarity can make you feel worse than you already do. And worse, it may hinder your recovery.
Many people think that sadness and depression are the same thing. Sad people often say they are ‘depressed’. But when you are sad, does it mean you are depressed? No, not necessarily. In fact, in most cases, you’re probably not. Being sad is a normal part of life. It would not be realistic to be ‘jolly’ all the time, or not to have sad feelings when you’re let down, or lose someone or something precious.Read more
Overcome Anxiety
If you experience anxiety, there are things you can do to help feel better. This time of the year brings many pressures that can get you down. Take control of things before things take control of you.
We all get so busy. And as we prepare for Christmas, we ‘have so much to do.’ No wonder many people feel anxious and stressed! Whether your anxiety has a particular cause, or is just the result of mounting demands, you can do something about it.Read more
Scope of Practice Registered Counsellors
The Scope of Practice for Registered Counsellors document will advance the struggle for recognition of registered counsellors by the government (federal, state, territory, local), medical and mental health professions, employers, training providers and the public. The Australian Counselling Association has just released this document, which outlines what counsellors actually do and ‘what constitutes a registered counsellor.’Read more
Blue Knot Day
Today, 24th October is Blue Knot Day, otherwise the Blue Knot Foundation’s annual national awareness day. Blue Knot is an organisation set up to support survivors of childhood abuse and trauma. Did you know that one in four people in Australia (or 5 million people) have suffered abuse of some kind during childhood? Read more
Are you one of the 14.25%?
…. of Australians who regularly experience Anxiety? If you are not, you probably know someone who is. Recent ABS statistics show that anxiety regularly affects one in seven people in Australia.
Anxiety can be debilitating and spoil your day – and your life. Some people worry all day long. It’s hard to relax and ‘let go.’ Others worry only sometimes. And others feel only anxious rarely, if at all. Which of these are you? Read more