Chronic Immunological and Neurological Disease (CIND)

Written by Kelsey Woods

Every year on May 12th, the world celebrates  international awareness day for Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases (CIND). This day is intended to spread awareness, raise funds for patients and care providers, and provide education to the wider community about the illness. 

Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases or CIND is a term used to refer to a group of diseases affecting both the central nervous system and immune system. CIND covers a range of illnesses like that of Fibromyalgia, Gulf War Syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinsons to name a few.

The central nervous system (CNS) is made up of the brain and spinal cord. This system is incredibly important as it is responsible for the body's automatic functions like breathing, digestion and heart rate. The brain receives information from the body's other systems and uses that to respond and make adjustments to maintain balance, or homeostasis, within the body. The spine is vital for relaying sensory and motor information back to the brain. The CNS is responsible for our fight or flight response, pain response, emotional processing, sensory feedback and much more (Thau et al., 2022).

Nerves located in the brain and spinal cord are coated in an insulating layer called a myelin sheath. This sheath allows electrical signals to transmit quickly through the nervous system to reach the brain (Vorvick, 2023). Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases cause inflammation or damage to this protective sheath, causing the impulses to slow and the signals to become lost or confused.

Until recently, CIND’s were identified based on the pathological origination of the inflammatory response within the CNS. Conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS) and ALS are often triggered or influenced by another system, like the immune system. Recent studies show that there is also a role that chronic inflammation plays in neurological conditions like Alzheimers, Parkinsons, Huntington disease and following traumatic brain injuries. There have also been studies that have shown evidence that there is a correlation between a small number of patients who have contracted COVID-19 and presented with neurological disorders with CIND-like symptoms (George et al., 2021). Better understanding how these inflammatory processes affect different diseases is the first step to developing advanced therapeutic interventions and pharmacological approaches (Degan et al., 2018).

Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) present issues with chronic inflammation of nerves, caused by damage to the myelin sheath. Although the cause for MS is unknown, inflammation occurs from immune cells attacking the nerves in the brain, optic nerve or spinal cord (Campellone, 2022). Patients display mild to severe symptoms of vision loss, inability to speak, loss of mobility, fatigue, and memory loss. This disease is chronic and presents more frequently in women between the ages of 30 to 40. 

People living with these conditions often require additional care due to the severity of their symptoms. In Australia, CIND illnesses are eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme where patients are able to access support for their physical, psychological and social needs. Carers spend significant time working with CIND patients and despite heavy emotional and physical strains, often report positive benefits from providing care (Fisher, et al., 2011). Diagnosis is essential and the first steps look like visiting a General Practitioner (GP) and going through a series of specialist tests.

You can find more information on education and support on CIND conditions via Me & CFS Association website: https://may12th.org.au/international-me-cfs-awareness-day/ 

Moving From Surviving to Thriving - Autistic Peoples Perspectives.

As the illuminating three-part series as part of World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) draws to a close, it's paramount to emphasize the significance of listening to and respecting the perspectives of Autistic People from all around the globe. Throughout this journey, we've been privileged to hear a spectrum of experiences, challenges, and triumphs directly from the Autistic community. These narratives underscore the importance of centering their voices in conversations about autism, as they are the true experts on their own lives.

This series serves as a much needed reminder that the most effective way to support Autistic People is by listening to their needs and preferences. By fostering a culture of empathy, understanding, and respect, we can create environments that empower Autistic People to thrive authentically.

As we move forward, let's commit ourselves to amplifying the voices of the Autistic community and ensuring that their perspectives guide our efforts towards creating a more inclusive and accepting world for all.

Unveiling Manipulation: Recognizing, Understanding, and Defending Against It

In our interconnected world, the rise of manipulation is a growing concern. Recognizing the signs and understanding the tactics employed by manipulators are essential for safeguarding ourselves and maintaining healthy relationships. In this post, we'll delve into the concept of manipulation, its underlying motives, its impact on mental health, and practical strategies to deal with manipulative behavior.

What is Manipulation?

Manipulation is coercive or unethical behavior driven by the goal of exploiting or controlling another person for personal gain. As Dr. George Simon emphasizes, "If someone can manipulate you, they can control your thoughts and behavior."

It is important to be aware of the signs of manipulation so that you can protect yourself, and others, from this type of exploitation.

Why do People Engage in Manipulation?

• Control and Safety:

Some individuals are drawn to manipulation due to a desire for control. For them, steering situations and relationships offers a sense of empowerment and fulfillment, providing a perceived safety net in an unpredictable world. The pursuit of control might stem from various life experiences, shaping their inclination towards manipulation.

• Low Self-esteem:

Manipulation can serve as a coping mechanism for those grappling with low self-confidence or self-esteem. Individuals may resort to manipulation as a way to navigate challenges and secure their needs, particularly when they feel uncertain about their abilities to achieve goals through conventional means.

• Ego:

Narcissistic individuals may gravitate towards manipulation to satisfy their need for acknowledgment and admiration. Driven by a belief in their own capabilities, they may utilize manipulation as a means of showcasing their perceived superiority, often unintentionally affecting those around them.

• Personal Gain:

Manipulation is sometimes employed by individuals seeking personal benefits, such as acquiring resources, recognition, or attention. The focus on personal gain can be a learned behavior shaped by various influences, leading them to prioritize their objectives over considering the feelings of others.

• Avoidance:

For some, manipulation becomes a way to sidestep accountability for their actions. It acts as a defense mechanism, allowing individuals to deflect attention from their own perceived shortcomings or avoid confronting the consequences of their behavior.

Understanding these underlying motives provides insights into the nuanced reasons behind manipulation. Factors such as personal experiences, coping mechanisms, mental health, and disability can contribute to the complexity of this behavior. Approaching the subject with empathy and recognizing the diverse influences on individuals engaging in manipulative behavior can open the door to constructive conversations and promote healthier interactions.

Manipulation and Mental Health

While most people engage in manipulation from time to time, a chronic pattern of manipulation can indicate an underlying mental health concern.

Manipulation is particularly common with personality disorder diagnoses such as borderline personality (BPD) and narcissistic personality (NPD). For many with BPD, manipulation may be a means of meeting their emotional needs or obtaining validation, and it often occurs when the person with BPD feels insecure or abandoned. As many people with BPD have witnessed or experienced abuse, manipulation may have developed as a coping mechanism to get needs met indirectly.

Individuals with narcissistic personality (NPD) may have different reasons for engaging in manipulative behaviour. As those with NPD may have difficulty forming close relationships, they may resort to manipulation in order to “keep” their partner in the relationship. Characteristics of narcissistic manipulation may include shaming, blaming, playing the “victim,” control issues, and gaslighting.

Why Are We Vulnerable?

As human beings we are “hardwired” to be social, to attempt to belong, because we know deep down that survival is more likely if we are part of the tribe — and if the tribe values us. So, gaining approval of the “tribe” seems tantamount to survival. Beyond that, some people have chronically low self-reliance, an external locus of control, emotional dependency, or loneliness, which exacerbate the built-in programming to try to belong.

Most of us did not have perfect parenting or perfect childhoods. In addition, many have survived various sorts of trauma. Thus, we currently “carry” these past experiences as what some call our “baggage”: the leftover psychological effects of childhood wounding, which have covered our psychological bodies with “hot [easily ‘pushed’] buttons.” These include our hardwired need to belong, the desire to please, lack of assertiveness, fear of confrontation, low self-confidence, naiveté, immaturity, and/or an unclear sense of identity (Psychologia, 2019; Dawson, 2018).

Common Manipulation Tactics

Manipulators are often intelligent, and they’re good at using subtle aggression to get what they want. They may also be highly skilled at deception, which can make it difficult to spot their behavior in the first place. Some of the tacticsa to be aware of include:

• Coercive persuasion: Manipulative people may use bribery or offer other rewards or inducements to get what they want. And They may also bully people. This can look like making threats, challenges, and requests, and it can be verbal, emotional, or physical.

• Conditioning: Manipulators might "condition" someone into forming a relationship with them by using flattery, intimacy, or sympathy, so that they get what they want in the future.

• Misusing authority: They may use hierarchies or power structures to undermine the position of those they want to control.

• Fraud: Manipulators may lie to people, con them, or exploit their trust.

• Conflict: They may create conflict by pitting people against one another. They often use existing weaknesses or conflicts within a group.

Importantly, individuals engaging in manipulative behaviors may not always be fully conscious of their actions, as manipulation can become ingrained in their communication patterns.

This lack of awareness on their part adds another layer of complexity to recognizing and addressing manipulative tendencies. Understanding that manipulation may, at times, be unintentional underscores the need for empathy and open communication when navigating such situations.

Common Manipulative Behaviors

• Lying by omission: Manipulators may hide a significant portion of the truth.

• Diversion: They may change the subject abruptly to avoid discussing topics or answering questions.

• Denial: Manipulators may deny that they have done anything wrong when they are confronted.

• Rationalization: They will attempt to justify or explain their behaviour.

• Minimization: This is a subtle blend of denial and rationalization. Manipulators often play down others' concerns about their behaviour or actions.

• Guilt: Manipulators might try to "guilt-trip" people into doing what they want. Guilt tactics can be passive, such as using body language or vocal tone, or overt, for example by saying things to make people feel bad.

• Shaming: Manipulators might use sarcasm or put-downs to increase their power over their victims.

• Playing the victim: They might try to make others feel sympathy or compassion for them, so that they can get what they want. [3]

How to Deal with Manipulation

Being a victim of manipulation is often upsetting and emotionally draining, especially if it happens repeatedly. Use these five strategies to stop being manipulated:

1. Identify Your Weaknesses

Manipulators are often highly skilled at "reading" people. They look for specific weaknesses that they can exploit.

Dr George Simon identified the following character traits that can make it easier for you to be manipulated:

• You have a strong desire to please others, without taking your own needs into account.

• You don't believe that others would manipulate you, or do you harm, on purpose.

• You find reasons to excuse people's poor behaviour.

• You have low self-confidence and self-esteem.

• You are emotionally dependent on others.

Consider whether you have any of these traits. Then think about what you could do to deal with them. For instance, you could build your confidence and develop an internal locus of control, so that you have more belief in your ability to control what happens in your life.

2. Spot Potential Manipulators

It's important to identify people who have manipulative tendencies. Awareness is the first step toward avoiding manipulation.

Look out for the behaviours we highlighted above, and also keep an eye out for people who:

• Want to have their own way, all the time.

• Won't take no for an answer.

• Will stop at nothing to succeed.

• Make excuses for hurtful or damaging behaviour.

• Frequently make you feel guilty.

• Act differently with different people, putting on a "face" to serve an immediate purpose.

While you might not be able to avoid these people entirely, you can be on your guard when you're with them.

Also, take time to listen to possible manipulators and watch how they behave. You can learn their tactics when you pay attention to what they say and do – as well as what they don't say and do. When you understand the weapons and strategies they use, you're better able to sidestep them, laugh them off, or confront them.

3. Be Assertive

When you suspect that someone is trying to manipulate you, be assertive – this means that you stand up for your own interests, while still respecting his or her needs.

First, recognize how the other person views the situation. Then, express your needs directly – you'll project strength and confidence when you're specific about what you want.

Be direct and persistent, and use "I" statements to avoid generalities and accusations. For instance, you could say, "I would feel taken advantage of if I did that" instead of, "You're taking advantage of me!"

Manipulators will often change the subject or use other avoidance tactics when you confront them. For example, if you turn down a request, they might suggest a meeting to discuss it again later.

4. Identify and Set Personal Limits

Think about what types of behaviour you will and won't tolerate from other people. Setting boundaries like this enables you to offer assistance when they need it, but not allow them to take advantage of you.

Consider how others have manipulated you in the past and what they ultimately wanted from you. Will you tolerate any of these behaviours again, or do you want to "draw a line in the sand"?

It can be useful to keep a journal of your thoughts as you go through this process. Writing down the boundaries that you're comfortable with will help you think about the situation clearly, strengthen your boundaries in your mind, and provide a healthy outlet for your feelings.

5. Stay Focused

When you stand up for yourself, manipulators might use evasive or diversionary tactics to confuse you, weaken your resolve, or throw you off-track.

Don't let them distract or sidetrack you. Stay focused on the issue that you want to address.

Client Manipulation in Peer Support

Understanding manipulation in peer support involves approaching the client with empathy, and recognizing the diverse influences on individuals engaging in manipulative behavior, which can open the door to constructive conversations and promote healthier interactions.

Some of the ways clients may try to manipulate suppport staff include:

• Do not tell the whole story, keeping parts to themselves to disadvantage the victim.

• Deny that the thing they are accused of ever happened.

• Behave “two-faced”, saying one thing today and the opposite tomorrow.

• Minimise (playing down their own actions as not important or not damaging) 

• Induce guilt (e.g., “You don’t care about me. If you did, you would”; “You’re selfish for _”)

• Use over-the-top aggression, including shouting, anger, threats of intimidation or shaming, and aggressive non-verbal communication (physical violence could occur here, too, but we are mainly talking about psychological manipulation rather than physical coercion)

• Flatter, praise, or give intense attention to the victim, even buying expensive presents, until the victim lets down his or her guard.

• Play the innocent victim, which helps them to gain sympathy and compassion from those around them (we are drawn as human beings to helping suffering others)

• Play dumb, feigning ignorance of what the victim is asking in order to avoid complying.

• Divert the conversation away from what the manipulator did so that the victim will “forget” the hurtful act.

By understanding manipulation and implementing proactive strategies, we empower ourselves to navigate relationships more effectively and protect our well-being. Staying informed, being vigilant, and foster healthy connections helps everyone in both their personal and professional spheres.

References

AIPC. (2019). Manipulation: Recognising and responding to it. Retrieved from https://www.counsellingconnection.com/index.php/2019/06/28/manipulation-recognising-and-responding-to-it/

Dealing with manipulative people. Retrieved from the MindTools website: https://www.mindtools.com/axtfdfb/dealing-with-manipulative-people

How to spot manipulation tactics. Retrieved from the PsychCentral website: https://psychcentral.com/lib/tactics-manipulators-use-to-win-and-confuse-you

Manipulation. (2024, January 23). Retrieved from the GoodTherapy website: https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychpedia/manipulation

Coronavirus: The possible long-term mental health impacts

We are a society shattered by causality, with views marred by the onset of the pandemic in early 2020. We are now in late 2021 and the toll on mental health is skyrocketing. Individuals that have been forced into isolation now are at a loss how to reconnect with others. Workers were forced out of work due to strict guidelines or now have spent an extreme amount of time stuck at home. The death of loved ones impacted families and the good, such as marriages also put on hold. We now have secondary pandemics with anxieties, depression, grief just to name a few are all on the rise even amongst those who have never experienced these before. This will no doubt tax the already alarmingly slim mental health resources over the next several years.

With the number of people experiencing mental health issues during this crisis increasing, and those already engaged with the mental health system requiring more support than usual. We are also more limited in our ability to access the services we need or do the things usually suggested to alleviate and manage these conditions. Both appointments and social interactions have moved into the online space in an attempt to fill the gaps, but this can sometimes serve to accentuate the physical disconnect we are already experiencing, access to social media- which we all know by now is a reflection of others highlights reels as opposed to real life. Makes us feel that we are the only ones having a hard time. Options for care and support are harder to access, and for a lot of people, the impersonal nature of talking to a face on a screen can be very alienating.

Although we are aware of the limitations of the access to the resources we are required to use during this time. The positive note is that we are all experience the same phenomena, the isolation the pandemic has brought about, and our desire to feel a part of a larger whole.

Asylum Seekers and Cultural Trauma refugees experience in their first year of settlement

One of the most common things that is overlooked when it comes to refugees and asylum seekers is the cultural trauma they experience after resettling in a new country. When they are transplanted from a place they understand and are comfortable in to a place that is completely foreign, the cultural adjustment can be extremely difficult. This trauma can have a very strong effect on someone’s mental health, leading to anxiety, stress, depression, and other mental illnesses. Often, even the most inviting countries will focus support on things like employment, childcare, and physical health, overlooking the mental health aspects of this type of drastic cultural shakeup.

There are also two sides to this issue; competing forces that can have a negative impact on a refugee’s mental health. While it is one thing for a person to experience dramatically different cultural practices when they move to a new place, it is another for the people who have lived there for some time to accept a newcomer. Or to put it another way, an asylum seeker may find it difficult to integrate into new culture and those around them may not accept the refugee right away. This type of situation can have a very negative impact on someone’s mental health. Cultural isolation can lead directly to depression and a whole host of other mental health issues.

One of the most positive things a refugee can do once arriving in a new culture is to build a support system. Asylum seekers will likely experience all kinds of trauma as a result of culture shock, and having the proper assistance in place to help cope can make a significant difference. While making friends and colleagues can take time, professional help in the form of counselling can give refugees an outlet to talk about their feelings and deal with the struggles that can come with dramatically changing your living situation.

It may an individual, a couple, or an entire family seeking resettlement; no matter if it is a single person or a group of people feeling the trauma of having to move to a new country, there is almost always a negative mental health impact. With few physical symptoms, it can sometimes be difficult to notice a mental health issue, especially when there are all kinds of stresses prevalent in someone’s life. With that said, seeking asylum in a new country is something that will take a huge toll on the mental health of even the strongest person. While it is easy for people to offer refugee’s financial aid, being a friend can be just as important. Whether you support them by listening to their concerns and lending a helping hand or by recommending a good counsellor, embracing newcomers is very valuable.

The first year of settlement is the most important time; it is a time when refugees are the most vulnerable and often the least comfortable. Things like language barriers, a lack of socializing, and stress from finding work and building a new home can lead to serious mental health issues. When these mental health problems go untreated they tend to build up and make settling quite difficult. Things like depression and anxiety can be very detrimental for a family trying to turn a foreign land into their new place of residence. Counselling is one type of treatment that can have a very positive impact, although it often goes overlooked in the process of resettling.

That is why having a positive discussion about the trauma asylum seekers and refugees experience during their first year of settlement is needed. Our March Mental Health Seminar aims to promote that discussion, with professionals offering mental health treatment tactics, counselling information, and talking about the topic at large.

Anyone interested in learning more about this topic should attend the seminar; just talking about an issue can lead to a great change. In a world where refugees are very prevalent, it has never been more important to examine these issues.

Domestic Violence and Mental Health - Male Victims

Domestic violence is an issue that is starting to be discussed more, and rightfully so. When stigma is removed from talking about abuse, it is easier for the victims to escape their relationships and find safety. However, with that said, male victims of domestic violence still face extreme cultural stigma, making it difficult to come forward and seek help. With a society that places such importance on masculinity and often disregards violence against men as a joke, men who are being abused in domestic relationships face high levels of scrutiny. This type of treatment can lead to many different mental health issues; ranging from depression and stress to anxiety and panic attacks, male victims face a wide array of challenges that can only intensify their trauma.

Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, and panic attacks can cause intense trauma in an individual’s life. Especially when prior trauma has been caused by domestic violence, seeking help for possible underlying mental health problems is extremely important. There is a real stigma attached to discussing mental health to begin with, so coming forward to ask for help can be very difficult. However, when it is a male victim of domestic violence, that stigma is compounded and the chances of men coming forward fall drastically.

As such, even if a man does recognize that he needs help, he may be unlikely to seek help and receive appropriate treatment. This can be detrimental not only to the male victim after he leaves an abusive relationship, but also a large deterrent to leave the relationship in the first place. By having a serious discussion about how domestic violence can affect men, we can end the stigma surrounding it and will increase the number of men who seek help.

One of the responsibilities we, in society, have in regard to the issue of male victims of domestic violence is to be receptive and helpful. By recognizing a friend or colleague is in need and extending a helping hand, we can all better the world around us. Treatment of mental health issues is very important, especially if the events which caused such issues is domestic violence. Trauma of this kind can require counselling, medication, or other tactics in order to help rebuild trust, confidence, and self-esteem in victims. Community building can be a large part of the treatment process; victims of domestic violence need a support system in place to help them through treatment and rehabilitation. 

Counselling can be a very positive way to approach the healing process for a male victim of domestic violence. It is extremely important to have a positive discussion about past events and promote healthy relationships, talking about feelings, and creating a safe place for people to ask for help. Specifically with male victims, this can be a very difficult thing to accomplish, but that is why starting the discussion is so important. Our March Mental Health Seminar is focused on promoting a discussion around topics like male victims of domestic violence, covering areas of how to heal after being in an abusive, traumatic relationship.

One way we hope to end the stigma around this issue is by having a professional, engaging, and open discussion about it. Our professional counsellors and industry leaders will present treatment options, talk about counselling as a healing tool for victims of domestic violence, and promote a safe, positive place to examine the issues surrounding this topic. While there is a strong stigma in society around men being victims of domestic violence, it is something that happens and is something that demands to be taken seriously. Our seminar aims to give this area a voice and we will do our part to help bring about great change in this field. 

Domestic Violence and Mental Health - Violence against Women

Domestic violence can be completely devastating on an individual; apart from any physical harm, and even after a woman is able to escape an abusive relationship, women who are victims of domestic violence can often exhibit mental health issues. After leaving a relationship that was plagued by domestic violence, it is important for a victim to receive proper treatment in order to help support their mental health recovery.

Depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and high levels of stress are all mental health issues that can be derived from abusive relationships. For a female victim, it can often be difficult to reach out for help or even understand the problem. It is important for them to know, however, that although such trauma can be extremely difficult to comprehend, there are treatment options available to them, specifically through a combination of counselling services and other positive rehabilitation tactics.

When a victim of trauma exhibits symptoms of mental health issues, people must acknowledge them and have a responsibility to offer help. Whether they lend a helping hand or are able to point a victim in the direction of professional help, it is key that a victim of domestic violence not feel like an outsider in the world.

Women are sometimes not believed, victimized, or even ignored when they try to tell their personal stories. People often turn a blind eye and choose to not address the problem, leaving the female victim even more isolated and leading to more substantial mental health problems. Domestic violence trauma can in some cases, even, lead victims to having suicidal thoughts. While it is very unfortunate that these are truths, it is very important to discuss these issues and provide treatment for those who are in need.

We can start by listening to victims. By hearing their stories and giving them the assistance they need. Often, it can be extremely difficult for an individual to leave an abusive relationship; sometimes taking care of mental health problems can become an afterthought or forgotten altogether, but that needs to end. 

Counselling services are one way to start the path to a positive, healthy mental space. While a counsellor may be able to offer advice or tips to fight triggers of traumatic memories, help rebuild trust in relationships, and make a victim feel safe, one of the most important things to do is to just let it out. Talking about issues can make them less daunting, will make female victims of domestic violence feel more included in society, and will foster a sense of community that can be used to fight mental illnesses like depression and anxiety.

There are many ideas about how to treat mental health issues, but one of the most positive ways to start thinking about a possible cure is to have a discussion. Trauma, as a result of mental health, can be devastating for female victims of domestic violence. Talking about that trauma, although it may be almost unbearable at times, is a way to provide healing for a victim. But it is equally as important to have someone listening on the other end.

Our March Mental Health Seminar aims to discuss some of these issues and bring to light treatment options for women who have suffered from domestic violence and are having issues with their mental health. To learn more, we urge anyone who is interested to attend our seminar, where you you can trust the guidance of our professional counselors to provide knowledge, treatment options, and a helping hand to those in need. Mental health is a serious topic and we are dedicated to having a responsible, professional discussion about it in order to lead to positive change. 

Forensic Mental Health, the Law & Practical Application

When it comes to mental illness, there are many different aspects related to their effects on society. One area of study centres around forensic mental health, which arises when someone with a mental illness is caught up in the law. The forensic mental health system is important for a variety of reasons, and significant in helping determine proper outcome of criminal cases involving those who suffer from mental illness. In some cases, people who have committed a crime may not, because of their mental state, be aware of or understand what they have done, or they may be unable to understand what the outcome of their actions will be.

There are many myths about mental health, including that people who suffer from mental illnesses use their troubles as an excuse for behaviour. However, these myths need to be dispelled and mental health problems taken seriously. Forensic mental health is used to look beyond public perception and dive into the scientific evidence behind someone’s actions. It looks at the contributing factors that influenced someone’s decisions, most often in the case of someone breaking the law or acting in a disorderly way. Falsehoods about mental health are quite counterintuitive and very damaging toward not only the individual who may have committed a crime because of their mental illness, but to society as a whole because of its lack of a basis in truth. This leads to further trauma in their lives and influences their future decision making.

Forensic mental health is necessary in order to make sure that cases are dealt with in an appropriate manner. If someone is suffering from a mental health issue, such as schizophrenia or paranoia, incarceration is likely not going to benefit anyone involved. They may end up repeating their offence after being released because the underlying problem that caused them to take an action in the first place was not addressed. To this point, forensic mental health can lead to more positive outcomes in the judicial system, such as ordering an offender to receive treatment and or serve a sentence in a facility that is equipped to offer proper rehabilitation and help for an individual. Forensic mental health is not only beneficial to society at large by offering the offender adequate and appropriate help, it can help decrease the likelihood of those offences occurring repeatedly through treatment instead of purely punishing the individual.

When someone who is suffering from a mental illness is convicted of a crime and sentenced solely to jail time, it only fuels the confusion, frustration, and lack of compassion that plagues the world of mental health. There are more progressive, helpful, and appropriate ways to deal with a situation. While serious crimes to require severe punishment in some cases, forensic mental health aims to tackle the underlying disorders or diseases which influence poor decision making.

Through counselling, medication, and rehabilitation, people suffering from mental health problems can see a positive impact and become contributing members of society. Sometimes traditional methods of punishment are in no way effective, which wastes time, money, and leads to repeated behaviour. It can also lead to more intense suffering for the person who has the mental illness, fueling the fire so to speak.

There are many different players in forensic mental health. From judges to lawyers to the police, many different authorities need to understand its effectiveness as a rehabilitation tool. Awareness and understanding of mental health illnesses and how they can affect and influence an individual’s actions is important.

It is our aim at our March Mental Health Seminar to raise more questions surrounding this topic and discuss how to be most effective in implementing quality forensic mental health practices. We urge anyone who is interested in this area to attend in order to learn more and help end the shame, falsehoods, and inadequate rehabilitation that is prevalent in society.

A Brief introduction to Mindfulness

 

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is a special way of paying attention that can help with how people cope with everyday life or deal with tough times. Practicing mindfulness can have great benefits for your physical and mental health. Mindfulness as a concept has its origins in largely obscure Buddhist concepts from around 2,600 years ago, and today it is practiced all over the world through a variety of different methods, some of which can be done in your own home.

How to practice Mindfulness

Practicing mindfulness is a relatively simple thing to organise to do, as there are no requirements other than a quiet place to relax. When practicing mindfulness, try to focus solely on the present moment, without thinking about things that went on in the past, or things that may be coming up in the future. While focusing on the present moment, it is also important to purposefully concentrate on what is happening around you, things you can see, hear, smell, taste and touch. Allowing thoughts to come into your mind is also important, however the key is to practice how to notice these thoughts without letting your mind focus on those thoughts. Thoughts and feelings will still come during mindfulness exercises, but the main thing to remember is to recognise the thoughts without identifying with them. Let the thoughts remain thoughts, without them influences what you are thinking. The key to mindfulness is remaining aware of what is happening around you and what you are feeling, without allowing your mind to focus on things that may distract you.

What are the benefits to mindfulness?

Mindfulness has many benefits to both physical and mental health, and can help to; relieve stress, improve sleep, manage depression and anxiety, control emotions, improve memory, reduce heart rate and cope with pain. Other benefits that can come from mindfulness include improved focus, less emotional reactivity, more cognitive flexibility, greater relationship satisfaction and improved self- insight. Most of these benefits come naturally with simply having greater control over your thoughts and emotions.

What activities are there to promote Mindfulness?

There are a wide variety of activities that can be used to promote mindfulness. A lot of these can be done in the comfort of your own home.

1.       Mindfulness Meditation, which was discussed above and focuses on relaxing in a quiet place while focusing on the present moment and what is going on around you.

2.       Savouring, which is taking the time to enjoy and appreciate an activity that you are doing. This can be any experience such as eating a meal, conversation or enjoying the view. There are many other things that can be savoured, those were but a few examples. The key to savouring is to pay really close attention to the details, including being aware of smells, sights, tastes, things you can feel and sounds.

3.       Mindful breathing, which simply has you focus on your breathing. How your body feels when taking in a breath, and the things that happen when you inhale and exhale.

4.       Mental photography which is taking mental images of things you want to remember. The easiest way to do this, is to think about the details you would like to capture in your picture and focus on those things.

References

1.       How to be more Mindful. [Available at]:  http://au.reachout.com/how-to-be-more-mindful

2.       Daphne Davis, What are the benefits of mindfulness. [Available at]: http://www.apa.org/monitor/2012/07-08/ce-corner.aspx

Wil Wheaton - Actor, Depression, Anxiety

Wil Wheaton in an American Actor and writer probably best known for playing Wesley Crusher in Star Trek: The Next Generation and a fictionalised version of himself on The Big Bang Theory. Wil Wheaton also suffers from Generalised Anxiety Disorder and chronic depression. Wil Wheaton has shared his experiences online through a website called Project UROK to try and attempt to raise awareness about mental health issues. Wil also uses his own blog to raise awareness of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

Generalised Anxiety Disorder is a condition that often presents itself with long periods of anxiety, often with no obvious cause. These periods of being effected by anxiety can last for periods ranging from hours, to day or even months at a time. Generalised Anxiety Disorder is relatively common among Australians, with up to 6% of the Australian population experiencing Generalised Anxiety Disorder at some point in their lives. Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) differs from ‘normal’ anxiety in a number of different ways, but the most obvious difference is the scope and the severity of the symptoms. While most of the time anxiety can crop up for a person around a specific event or location, people who suffer from GAD can become severely anxious over anything at all often without the sufferer realising what it causing the anxiety. 

Wil Wheaton is a part of Project UROK, whose goal is to raise awareness for mental health issues. Aa a part of project UROK, Wil shared his story about how he came to grips with his mental health issues and his journey to overcome this illness. He spoke about his struggles in day to day life, and how long his mental illness had been effecting him. He lived with almost constant anxiety and depression for approximately 15-20 years before realising that it was a symptom of his mental illness.

After a particularly stressful incident at a particularly busy airport, Will’s wife suggested that he seek help, and Wil started seeing a psychologist. After he began working with his psychologist, Wil started seeing an improvement in his mental health. One day, while walking with his wife, he realised that he was feeling well within himself for the first time in a long time. “I realised that I wasn’t just existing anymore, I was actually living my life.” 

Wheaton uses both his work on Project UROK and his personal blog to try to encourage people who are suffering with depression and anxiety to seek help. "Live life with depression, rather than live life through depression," he says.

"You are not the only person in the world who has anxiety. You are not the only person in the world who has depression. And you are not the only person who has had thoughts of self-harm. But there are people who want to help you."