The SANE Blog

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.

Human Rights Day is celebrated on 10 December, and is a time to reflect on the fundamental rights and freedoms every individual is entitled to.

I grew up completely ‘normal’, or at least in my own narrow mind it was. I did what I wanted when I wanted, went places without physical challenges, social or emotional. Played community and school sports, performed in bands, productions – I was absolutely, “normal”. I had no true understanding or construct of disability - or so I thought. I thought that because I had no form of diagnosed disability, I was much like everyone else and everything in my life I was exposed to. I saw disability as, “different”. How wrong I was.  

International Men’s Day aims to raise awareness of issues that impact men’s health and well-being. This year, the focus is on suicide and mental health, reflecting the fact that men are significantly more likely to die by suicide compared to women.  

It’s Psychology Week in Australia, a perfect time to highlight how psychology can help promote wellbeing, growth, and resilience.

My journey has seen me go from serving in the Australian Army to being self-employed. My life took an unexpected turn when I was diagnosed with mental illness in 2008, following a sexual assault. I have lived with the impacts of bipolar affective disorder, complex PTSD, and psychosis for over 20 years. 

Lesley is a SANE Peer Ambassador with a lived experience of complex mental health.  SANE spoke to NSW resident Lesly about her experience in managing her health in the lead up to Mental Health Awareness Month 2023.  

Therese is a passionate social work student and hiker who has worked in early education for over 20 years. She grew up with a father who had schizophrenia. Last week Therese spoke with SANE about her experience of living with someone with a complex mental illness, how things have evolved over time, and how talking about everything has helped.

Anita is a vet and a published author who loves reading, writing, baking and throwing a good party. She’s also a SANE Peer Ambassador with lived experience of postnatal psychosis and bipolar 1 disorder.