The SANE Blog

Remembering the past is important. It defines who we are. But sometimes the process of storing an experience as a memory can go awry.

These memory disturbances can present later in life where the event is relived in the form of a flashback.

Psychiatric medications, also known as psychotropic medication, play an important role in the treatment and management of mental illness.

Yet despite being commonplace, there are many myths surrounding the use and effectiveness of psychiatric medication.

When a loved one is diagnosed with a mental illness, the automatic concern is for their wellbeing, treatment and recovery. This is a normal and natural response.

Yet many people fail to realise the process can change the family dynamic. Schedules and priorities may change, with time required for appointments, treatment and support. 

Menopause is a normal transition for women, and every woman will experience menopause differently. 

Some have symptoms that are barely noticeable, while others experience significant changes. In some cases menopause and the reduction of estrogen can impact on someone's mental health or exacerbate a preexisting mental illness.

Awareness of Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is certainly growing.

The term is now commonplace in the Australian vernacular and characters with the disorder are regularly depicted on television and in the movies.

But do these adjectives, analogies and representations come close to depicting the experiences of people living with the disorder?

Feel like you've been struck with a case of the winter blues? 

You're not alone. The dark and gloomy winter weather can make us stay indoors, exercise less, be unsociable and eat unhealthily.

Here are six tips from the SANE Help Centre to help you look after your mental health this winter. 

There's a proven relationship between stress and mental illness. It can worsen an episode, or even result in symptoms returning.

A balanced lifestyle and coping strategies can help with the management of stress. But how do you start?

The following suggestions can be implemented right now, or they can form part of an ongoing plan. 

Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia, on average one in four people will experience the illness at some stage in their life. 

Yet a common myth is that anxiety disorders are rare.

Despite the prevalence there are many myths surrounding anxiety. These myths can create stigma and prevent help seeking. So it's important to know the facts.