The SANE Blog

As humans, we’re driven to seek answers.

When the unthinkable happens, our natural instinct is to try to make sense of it.

But in our rush to process the horror that unfolded in Bondi, we must resist the urge to draw simplistic conclusions.

While we grieve with the loved ones of those who lost their lives, the truth is, we may never know what drove this man to commit these terrible acts.

Despite this, many in the media and on social media, have drawn a straight line between his diagnosis of schizophrenia and his actions on that day. For some, this provides a neat explanation for what happened.

April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness and promoting acceptance and understanding for those living with autism.

At just 44 years old Arlene suffered from a stroke. From that moment, everything changed … including a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.  

Dov was 19 years old when he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder but that hasn't stopped him from living a successful and accomplished life.  

Every year on March 30, World Bipolar Day is observed to raise awareness about Bipolar Disorder and to eliminate stigma surrounding this complex mental health condition. It's a day to educate, support, and advocate for those living with Bipolar Disorder, as well as their loved ones. This blog post delves into a general overview of what Bipolar Disorder is, how to differentiate between its subtypes, signs to watch for, common misconceptions, treatment options, and resources for support and management. 

Introducing Dr Carissa Coulston-Parkinson - the brains behind SANE’s latest series of blog posts, including topics on the Power of Psychology, International Men’s Day and Women’s Day, Human Rights Day, Challenges of the Festive Season, Adapting to the New Year, and Returning to School (just to name a few). 

Dr Coulston-Parkinson is a compassionate and dedicated Clinical Psychologist with a profound understanding of complex mental health conditions. She has specialist knowledge in the areas of depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia, intellectual disability, personality disorders, traumatic brain injury, and neurological conditions. Her research publications can be viewed here, and her expertise and insights into some of these conditions will continue on the SANE Blog this year.

International Women's Day is celebrated on 8 March, highlighting the achievements and hurdles faced by women across the globe. A critical aspect of any challenges is mental health, influenced by the distinct biological, social, and emotional shifts that women navigate through various stages of life. This post delves into these stages, the mental health issues they may entail, signs to watch for, and strategies and resources for support and management.

The return to school is a challenging time for most families, but for kids with mental health struggles, the social and academic pressures can be especially difficult. Here are some ideas for a more balanced and supportive experience for yourself and your child.

The transition into a new year often comes with an intensified mental load around various expectations and reflections. These may include changes in routine and lifestyle, pressures to set and achieve new goals, reminders of past traumas or losses, health-related anxiety, and general uncertainty about what lies ahead. This period can therefore be especially challenging for those already dealing with mental ill-health, so here are some strategies to help you manage and adapt to the new year more effectively.

The festive season is often portrayed as a time of joy, togetherness, and merriment. It's a time when families come together to celebrate, share traditions, and create cherished memories. 

However, for individuals impacted by complex mental health issues and their caregivers, the season can bring a unique set of challenges. These are discussed, with strategies on how to manage them.