Being Well – Black Dog Institute Blog for Health Professionals
Latest Blogs
Why are we so bad at making the self-care message stick?
March 10, 2020
Dr Jan Orman
Dr Jan Orman
“I looked at that list you gave me.” There was no mistaking the anger in my patient’s eyes. “I can’t believe you would suggest that I could get better from this by taking some deep breaths or going for a walk! I don’t think you understand my situation at all” Oops!
Easing the Lingering Symptoms of Depression
February 25, 2020
Jill Newby
Jill Newby
Despite our best efforts, most patients who experience depression are left with residual symptoms that linger beyond the completion of treatment. Whether it be low motivation, low mood, self-criticism, guilt or worry, residual symptoms of depression are not only disabling, they place patients at greater risk of relapse and future depressive episode
A new approach to mental health care
February 11, 2020
Dr Janette Randall
Dr Janette Randall
I’m a GP with a special interest in mental health. For the past three years I have been working with Medibank health solutions to support the implementation of a range of programs for people with chronic and complex health conditions.
Moments of Joy
January 28, 2020
Dr Jan Orman
Dr Jan Orman
This year I’ve decided to practice what I preach. I’m starting with something that has evolved from last year’s eye-opening experience with keeping a gratitude diary when, along with other members of my team at work, I participated in the 6-week Mental Fitness Challenge on the BiteBack website. BiteBack is a positive psychology-based website for ad
On being a GP seeking help
January 07, 2020
Dr Jan Orman
Dr Jan Orman
I had an interesting experience at my GP recently. I don’t go to the GP very often. Mostly I don’t get sick. Sometimes I treat my own ills or just soldier on. On the few occasions that I have been to see someone about something concerning me, my overwhelming experience has been of being judged and dismissed. I feel that they think that, as a doctor, I should have not only made the diagnosis but also treated myself. In fact, I should have been better way before I thought to come along!