Brainwaves

On today's episode of Brainwaves, the team talked about the Well Together workshops run by Wellways Australia that are helping to build an understanding of mental illness in schools, workplaces and community groups. We interviewed Andie Coughlan, Community Education Program Manager at Wellways on how the workshops run and what they aim to achieve, as well as Stephen King, lived experience speaker...

This month is Domestic and Family Violence Awareness Month, a chance to raise awareness of the social and personal impacts of violence and to make aware of the support available for those affected. On today's Brainwaves we talked to Kate, a Survivor Advocate from safe steps, on her experience of family violence. safe steps is a Family Violence Response Centre who offer a 24/7 support line as well...

Tonight on Brainwaves we welcomed back Dr Paul Fearne to the show. Paul is launching his book Diary of a Schizophrenic 2nd Edition later this month. We talk about his PhD, his experience of schizophrenia, and the writing of his poetry and books. His latest book will be launched at the Dax Centre in Parkville on the 24th of May from 6-8pm. More information can be found here.

This week on Brainwaves, the team talked to Heidi Everett from Schizy Week Inc. The Mojo Film Festival is happening later in May coinciding with Schizophrenia Awareness Week, and will be showing short films made by creators with a lived experience of mental illness. The festival will be held on Thursday the 24th of May from 6pm onwards at ACMI Federation Square, with tickets available on the ACMI...

This week on Brainwaves, the team talked to Pritika Sachdev, Community & Social Media Manager of CheckPoint. CheckPoint is a non-for-profit organisation that connects mental health resources with technology and video games. To find out more about CheckPoint head to their Facebook page or their website at checkpoint.org.au.

This week on Brainwaves, the team talked to Hamish McLachlan who is a managing lawyer of the Mental Health Program at Victoria Legal Aid. We discussed the issues in legal representation of people with mental health issues and the problems this creates in the community. For more information on Victoria Legal Aid visit www.legalaid.vic.gov.au or contact 1300 792 387 to get help with a legal problem.

Today on Brainwaves, the team talked to Robert Martin on his lived experience. Robert is currently departing the corporate world to further his mental health journey and spoke to us about his childhood, his experience of being on and off medication for over thirty years, and the role stigma has played in his life.

This April is Autism Awareness Month, and to kick things off on Brainwaves this week we talked to Dr Emma Scriberras. Emma is a clinical psychologist and lecturer in psychology at Deakin University and the Murdoch Children's Research Institute, and her research aims to investigate whether improving sleep could benefit children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. To find out more about the study or to p...

This Friday the 30th of April is World Bipolar Day, a chance to bring awareness to bipolar disorders and provide information and sensitivity to people around the world. On this week's episode of Brainwaves, the team talked to Sue Anderson, author of One Mind's Manifesto and passionate mental health advocate. We talk about her experience of bipolar disorder and sleep apnea, how the writing of her m...

This week on Brainwaves, the team talked to Carolyn Worth, convener of CASA forum and manager of the South Eastern Centre for Sexual Assault (SECASA) which provides support and interventions for survivors of sexual assault. We talked about what sexual assault is, the effects of the #MeToo movement, and the ways in which people respond to incidents of sexual harassment and assault. Content warning:...

This week on Brainwaves the team talked to Michelle Murray, COO of Bully Zero Australia Foundation. We talked about what bullying is, it's implications in society, and what their organisation is doing in order to tackle bullying Australia wide. For more information head to bzaf.org.au or contact 03 9094 3718.Content warning: discussion of bullying, cyber-bullying and suicide. For information and s...

This week on Brainwaves, the team talked to Danny Sullivan, the Executive Director of Clinical Services at Forensicare, Victoria's largest provider of forensic mental health care services. To find out more about Forensicare head to their website here.

Today on Brainwaves, team member Rebecca bravely talks about her lived experience with binge eating disorder. This week is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, with this year's theme being "Let's Get Real" - focusing on conversations that aren't commonly spoken about when it comes to eating disorders. Content warning: mentions of eating disorder, binging, depression, and self harm. If you req...

This week on Brainwaves, Rebecca, Lucy and Christine discussed their respective universities and the support systems they provide for students with mental illness and disabilities. They discuss what it's like for them to reach out for support during their studies and how they cope with being a student.

This week on Brainwaves, the team talked to Sue Nunn and Leah McKenner of Alternatives Melbourne. Alternatives Melbourne are a group of individuals committed to sharing the Alternatives to Suicide approach in our communities. To support the work of Alternatives Melbourne, or to find out more about the upcoming Alternatives to Suicide events, please contact alternativesmelb@gmail.com. Their upcomin...

This week on Brainwaves, the team reviews the film "Feed"; a film written, produced and starring Troian Bellisario which draws on her experience of anorexia as a teenager. The film portrays the downfall of 18-year-old Olivia as she deals with an eating disorder after the tragic death of her brother. This episode contains spoilers for the film and discusses some of the heavy themes in the film incl...

This week on Brainwaves, the team talks about their own experiences of surviving the holiday break, how to cope with the stresses of Christmas and New Years, and their goals for 2018.

Today on Brainwaves, the team talks to Charlie & Arthur on Wellways Australia's work to improve the health and wellbeing of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, queer (LGBTIQ+) and other sexuality and gender diverse people. Arthur has been part of Wellways Well Said community education program for 7 years where he shares his experiences of mental health issues and being a member of the LGBTIQ+...

This week on Brainwaves, the team talks to Associate Professor Katherine Mills on the topic of substance abuse. Katherine works at the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre where her research focuses on the co-existence of mental illness and substance use. 

This week on Brainwaves, the team talked to Sam Webb. Sam is an actor, public speaker and co-founder of the charity Livin, which aims to help people speak out about the stigma attached to mental health. 

We speak with Alice Kirkbride and Phil Heuzenroeder about their role in Wild at Heart. Tune in to hear live performances from the duo along with a special in studio performance by Samual Pakoti who has been with Wild at Heart for two years writing music!

This week on Brainwaves, the team talk to Dr Neil Bailey, neuroscientist and researcher at the Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre. We talk all about mindfulness: what it is, what changes it can have on the brain, how to start practicing, and how much mindfulness is too much mindfulness. 

This week is Perinatal Depression & Anxiety Awareness Week (12th-18th November 2017). This year's theme is "It happened to me"; raising awareness and spreading information about early warning signs to all expecting mothers and fathers. Today on Brainwaves we talk to Cathy Wyett, National Helpline & Programs Manager at PANDA and Dr Nicole Highet from COPE. 

Today on Brainwaves the team talk to Jason Tuazon McCheyne, Executive Director of The Equality Project who are organising the Better Together Conference in January. Jason is a leading voice in the LGBTIQ community and came onto the show to talk about the marriage equality postal survey and the anticipation of the result next week. For support please contact Switchboard on 1800 184 527.

The Brainwaves team recently attended the 19th Annual Bruce Woodcock Memorial Lecture hosted by Wellways Australia. This year's theme was "sharing stories, changing lives", allowing us to reflect on the power of storytelling and making connections with others. On today's show we bring you some of the highlights from keynote speaker Uncle Jack Charles, as well as some interviews with guests who att...