Black Dog Institute for Health Professionals

At the best of times the work undertaken by healthcare workers is demanding and stressful. Add in a pandemic and the situation is amplified. This 60 minute expert panel session explores the wellbeing of healthcare workers, the personal and organisational factors which lead to vulnerability, and barriers to help-seeking. Experts also discuss the evidence based resources and supports currently avail...

COVID-19 has caused significant challenges for many of us in Australia and around the world. In this episode of Being Well we spoke to four of our previous guests to see how they are travelling. We asked them how COVID impacted their life, how they are managing this impact and what they are looking forward to after restrictions ease? If you need additional support or information about COVID-19 ple...

This Expert Insights session will focuses on understanding and supporting youths throughout the COVID-19 era. We discuss some of the advantages and drawbacks of staying home for youths, and the differences in impact for adolescents and children. Finally, we explore some practical ways to support and maintain the wellbeing of youths and parents Panel Members: Helen Dodd Professor of Child Psycholog...

Dale Skinner has been a Lived Experience presenter with Black Dog Institute since the 17th of June 2011, the reason why he knows this exact date is because he has it tattooed on his arm. Dale talks about his experience living with Bipolar Disorder and why he is so passionate about mental health education in this episode of Being Well. Some of the things spoken about in this podcast may be distress...

This podcast based on a recent webinar will provide an overview of the current research evidence regarding diet as a key determinant of and treatment target for mental health across the life stages, including a brief exploration of mechanisms of action. It will also provide clear guidance on the principles of improving mental health outcomes through dietary support and counselling. Hosted by: Dr J...

This Expert Insights session focusses on the longer term mental health effects of the bushfires. Trauma related to events like the bush fires experienced late 2019/early 2020 are real. Throughout this session, we discuss the elements of successful mental health support and recovery in the months and years after the bushfires. We also cover the latest research evidence on community recovery, the se...

Paul Callaghan is a proud Worimi man from Port Stephens. He was the first person in his family to finish High School, and is now an author, PhD candidate and cultural consultant. On this episode of the podcast Paul shares his lived experience of depression, and discusses the importance of connection to Aboriginal culture and spirituality for his wellbeing. Some of the things spoken about in this p...

This podcast based on a recent webinar will provide an overview of obsessive compulsive disorder, how the disorder presents, and how it is most effectively assessed and treated. Contemporary research on the efficacy of internet-delivered treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder is outlined and services that provide such treatment are discussed. Hosted by: Dr Jan Orman Guests: Dr Janine Clark, D...

Australia has recently been devastated by bushfires spanning across the country. Mental health professionals are on the front line, providing support to those effected. This podcast will provide an overview of what previous disasters have taught us about trauma reactions in children, adults, families and communities and what the evidence based and evidence informed interventions are that you can u...

Conceptualisations Of Depression by Black Dog Institute

Benvinda is a GP, who had a thriving practice in Sydney's Inner West for many years. Benvinda has experienced significant mental health difficulties throughout her career, and like many doctors turned to work during tough times. In this episode of Being Well, Benvinda talks about how she manages her mental health which allows her to continue to work as a GP. Some of the things spoken about in this...

Most people worry about their health at some point, but for 5% of Australians, anxiety about health can become debilitating. People with health anxiety experience disabling, often uncontrollable fears about getting sick or becoming sick. This podcast will help to explain when normal health concerns tip over to a serious mental health problem, and some practical tools and resources to help overcome...

Digital technology is fast emerging as the new frontier in healthcare, with major strides being made in the intervention and prevention of mental illness. This development has been used to improve accessibility to support for the client as well as mental health practitioner in their professional practice. This podcast explores the various ways that digital technology have been incorporated into th...

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the role of social media on youth mental health. This Expert Insights panel explores the research evidence and practical realities of social media on youth emotional health and relationships as well as effective and healthy strategies for managing social media in everyday life for young people. The podcast explores the complexities of youth na...

Organisations often encounter the high risk of staff not returning after a period of mental illness, especially as the leave duration extends beyond 1-2mths. This podcast explores the protective factors and risk factors for returning to work that are relevant to organisations (especially HR) as well as what considerations need to be given to people returning to work after a period of time Panel me...

This podcsat, based on a recent webinar will outline our current understanding of hoarding behaviour, the impact on mental health hoarding can have, and how health professionals can support people who hoard to make the changes they want to see in their lives. Hosted by: Dr Jan Orman Guests: Dr Peter Baldwin, Simone Isemann & a Lived Experience representative, who is the loved one of someone with h...

A holistic approach that targets psychological, biological, social and lifestyle factors is best practice for management of mental health across the lifespan. This podcast based on a recent webinar explores how and when physical activity can be introduced to clients with complex and chronic mental health conditions. Learn from our panel of a general practitioner, exercise physiologist and clinical...

Anne Riches is many things, a lawyer, change management specialist, educational facilitator and Black Dog Institute's first volunteer presenter. Anne also lives with depression. During this episode of Being Well, Anne shares her experience of mental ill health and how the workplace can contribute to employee's well being. Some of the things spoken about in this podcast may be distressing to some p...

Dr Ally Nicolopoulos is a postdoctoral research fellow at Black Dog Institute, who never fails to bring a smile to the faces of those she crosses paths with during the day. In her spare time Ally is a boxer, competing around Australia. In this episode of Being Well, Ally shares her experiences working as researcher in suicide prevention and how she manages her own mental health. Some of the things...

Benjamin Gilmour is a paramedic, film maker and author. In this episode of Being Well, Ben shares some of the lesson's he has learnt about mental health and suicide prevention throughout his career. Some of the things spoken about in this podcast may be distressing to some people. If you or someone you know find this content distressing and require assistance, please call LifeLine on 13 11 14 or b...

Attempting suicide is one of the strongest markers of increased risk of dying by suicide particularly in the days, weeks and months following the attempt. However, many people who survive a suicide attempt find it difficult to access the care they need to improve their safety and to address their underlying concerns. In this podcast, our panel of clinicians, researchers and lived experience repres...

Social prescribing (sometimes referred to as non-medical prescribing or community referral) is a relatively new concept, developed as an innovative way to move beyond the medical model and address the wider social determinants of health. This podcast examines some of the online mental health treatment programs that GPs need to know about, focusing on evidence-based programs that have been develope...

Military service has both positive and negative impacts upon the individual serving and their family. This podcast will examine the impact of military service upon families mental health in more detail and provide an outline of treatment interventions and resources. Hosted by: Dr Jan Orman Guests: Dr. David Mitchell, Bree Till and Joanna Rousten Based on Webinar 30 in the eMHPrac Series for Health...

Craig is now a mental health advocate, and speaker for Black Dog Institute. Listen to Part 2 of Craig's story to hear how he turned his breakdown into a breakthrough. Some of the things spoken about in this podcast may be distressing to some people. If you or someone you know find this content distressing and require assistance, please call LifeLine on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 22 4636. Prese...

When you first meet Craig Semple it's hard to imagine that someone like him has experienced mental health difficulties. In part 1 of Craig's Story, we hear about Craig's career as a Detective in the NSW Police Force, which lead to him living with PTSD for 9 years. Craig is now a mental health advocate, and speaker for Black Dog Institute. Listen to Part 2 of Craig's story to hear how he turned his...