Specialist Psychiatrist and Consultant Psychiatrist discuss the mental health problem prevention and support on how to help the suffering Australian’s who have got anxiety, mood disorders, and PTSD.
John Brownhill
John’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Graduate Diploma in Psychology and a Post-Graduate Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. In addition to an interest in treating common mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and PTSD.
John maintains special interests in the fields of substance abuse, cannabis dependence in particular. John is a current full member of The Australian Psychological Society (MAPS), and is a member of the Clinical College of Psychologists (MCCP). John works from the Gold Coast office.
Dr Mark Whittington
Dr Whittington has worked as a Consultant Psychiatrist for more than 30 years. During this period, he has had over 150,000 consultations and has acquired a wealth of experience dealing with mental illness at the clinical coalface. Driven by a desire to help more than one patient at a time he has condensed and crystallised his interventions in a complete system of mental health education called Metaphorical Therapy.
Metaphorical Therapy employs the power of specifically chosen metaphors to explain abstract psychological concepts in concrete digestible small pieces. Each metaphor is linked to create a “frame of understanding” upon which a substantial, simple, yet deceptive comprehensive education occurs that is aimed at prevention of mental illness.
Metaphorical Therapy has the capacity to reach the world in desperate need of practical mental health education and help.
About the author
Metaphorical Therapy
Metaphorical Therapy is an innovative new way to deliver essential psychological education, support psychological wellness, and prevent mental illness.
AS THE NIGHTS GROW LONGER OUR MOODS GROW DARKER
It was by no accident that we chose winter as the pivotal metaphor in the way that Metaphorical Therapy approaches the serious growing problem of depression. For some of us, the seasonal affective disorder appears to be a genuine problem. Here’s why it happens and how you might manage it better.
There is absolutely no doubt that bullying is unacceptable and should be stamped out. However, the culture of bullying is endemic in some organisations and it may not be realistic to prevent it as the behaviour of many people is entrenched, justified by blaming the victim or dismissing their behaviour as just being a “joke “and that the complainant is being “over sensitive”.
The connection between crisis, anxiety, and depression is well established. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of these conditions and seeking appropriate help can help you manage your mental health and improve your psychological well-being.
“AGAINST THE ASSAULT OF LAUGHTER NOTHING CAN STAND.”
-MARK TWAIN
Laughing not only helps improve physical and mental health, but it also strengthens relationships and enhances creativity. Best of all, laughing is a “medicine” that is free (and lots of fun to take). The old saying, “Laughter is the best medicine” isn’t a metaphor. It’s a precious human truth.
Laughing has been proven to reduce stress, promote happiness, and provide other physical health benefits. Think of how you feel after watching your favourite comedy or after spending a few hours with a hilarious friend. There’s nothing like a full-belly laugh.
Learn how to inject more humour into your life and it will almost certainly benefit both your mental and physical health.
THE BIG BENENFITS OF A GOOD BELLY LAUGH
Who doesn’t love a good laugh? Laughing has been shown to relieve tension and stress with the benefits lasting long after your chuckle. In fact, a good belly laugh can relax the body for up to 45 minutes!
WHY LAUGHTER IS LITERALLY “THE BEST MEDICINE”
Gets your heart pumping
Burns a few calories
Decreases stress hormones
Improves immunity
Releases pain-reducing endorphins
Overall, laughing will make you happier and even a bit healthier if you do it often enough. Plus, it’s free and is a perfect therapy for any time of day.
MENTAL BENEFITS OF LAUGHTER
If you’re in a bad mood, laughter can recalibrate your mindset in an instant. We’ve all experienced that moment when we suddenly see humour inherent in a particular situation and succumb to it. Rage to raucous laughter in an instant. Whether it’s stress from too many deadlines piling up or problems with a relationship, taking a moment to laugh it off can do wonders for the mind. Laughter is a form of surrender. It literally opens us up. Try it right now. Even just pretending laugh changes our posture. You straighten up and push back your shoulders. You lift your head and tilt your head back opening your airways. The positive effects are long lasting. And you don’t even have to think of a joke. It is virtually impossible to think about laughing without a ghost of smile creeping onto your face. If we’ve a had a great evening when we’ve gone out “for a couple of laughs” and have had a wonderful time, just remembering it will bring a chuckle to your chest and a smile to your face.
Aside from reducing stress and minimizing negative feelings like anger and anxiety, laughing can help you be more creative, too. One study found that boosting your mood through laugher can lead to successful brainstorming and creative output.
Perhaps the biggest benefit of laughing is the activation of both sides of the brain. LPerhaps the biggest benefit of laughter is that, like music, it stimulates the whole brain. EEG’s show that laughter causes flares of activity in both the left and right frontal lobes of the brain. There is also evidence that suggests that laughter stimulates limbic system. Imaging studies suggest that “the happiness response” originates partly in the limbic cortex In simple terms: This is why laughing feels so good. What’s more, it stimulates creativity and enhances learning. So when if you are brainstorming and trying to come up with creative solutions, start with something that cracks you up.
LAUGHTER MAKES YOU MORE PRODUCTIVE
It doesn’t hurt to have a good time while also getting work done. Happier, livelier workplaces tend to be high-energy but also output excellent products and services, too. If you can make light of challenging work projects and have fun while doing it, do so! Benefit in the workplace include;
Raises energy levels and increases focus
Alleviates stress during high-pressure projects
Builds trust and stronger team relationships
Encourages thinking “outside of the box”
Meetings that are more “fun” tend to be more effective
Studies have found that humour at work is associated with an overall better work environment. Employees tend to perform better and are more satisfied overall. In addition, there is less reported stress and burnout. The quintessential win-win situation
LEAD WITH LAUGHTER
Some of the greatest orators and leaders of our time were known not just for their wisdom but for their wit. When a woman told Churchill, he was drunk he responded, “Yes. And you madam are ugly, and tomorrow I shall be sober.” Paul Keating, Former Australian Prime Minister said of an opposition Member, “He is a chill looking for a spine to run up.” Leaders with a good sense of humour are regarded as more trustworthy.
Humour is great medicine. And I’m not Joking.
Dr Mark Whittington.
About the author
Dr. Mark Whittington
Founder
A graduate of the distinguished Otago Medical School, Dr Mark Whittington has more than 30 years’ experience working at the clinical coalface as a Consultant Psychiatrist.
AS THE NIGHTS GROW LONGER OUR MOODS GROW DARKER
It was by no accident that we chose winter as the pivotal metaphor in the way that Metaphorical Therapy approaches the serious growing problem of depression. For some of us, the seasonal affective disorder appears to be a genuine problem. Here’s why it happens and how you might manage it better.
There is absolutely no doubt that bullying is unacceptable and should be stamped out. However, the culture of bullying is endemic in some organisations and it may not be realistic to prevent it as the behaviour of many people is entrenched, justified by blaming the victim or dismissing their behaviour as just being a “joke “and that the complainant is being “over sensitive”.
The connection between crisis, anxiety, and depression is well established. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of these conditions and seeking appropriate help can help you manage your mental health and improve your psychological well-being.
