Black Dog Institute for Health Professionals

Dr Molly Shorthouse is the Director of Medical Services at Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation in East Arnhem Land. In this episode of Being Well Molly shares her experiences working as a rural mental health doctor. Once you've listened to Molly speak you will understand why she has been welcomed with open arms into her local community. Some of the things spoken about in this podcast may be distr...

Perinatal psychological distress is commonly experienced by new and expecting mothers. This podcast will discuss the impact of perinatal mood disorders and ways in which distress can be prevented, detected and treated. Hosted by: Dr Jan Orman Guests: Prof Jane Fisher, Prof Jeannette Milgrom & Dr Elizabeth Maher Based on Webinar 29 in the eMHPrac Series for Health Professionals available at medcast...

Bipolar 2 disorder can be challenging for clinicians to both diagnose and manage effectively. However, timely recognition and intervention are vital to prevent a range of adverse biopsychosocial outcomes for people living with the disorder. Listen into this discussion between clinicians, researchers and lived experience representatives as we discuss the distinguishing features of Bipolar 2 disorde...

In this podcast, based on a recent webinar, our panel explores the issue of focus on the issue of mental health in the workplace. Workplace mental health is a subject of great interest as increasing numbers of employees experience work-related psychological injury that can change their life trajectory Hosted by: Dr Jan Orman Guests: A/Prof Samuel Harvey & Peter Ferreira Based on Webinar 28 in the...

Physical and mental health are often viewed as two entirely distinct entities, each catered for by its own set of services, providers and treatments. In recent years, the interrelationship between physical and mental well-being has been more widely studied and a range of physiological pathways linking the two have come to light. This Expert Insights podcast explores the science of the mind - body...

In loving memory of Paula, thank you for your generosity in sharing your story. Paula is a counsellor specialising in the prevention and treatment of eating disorders, a former dancer and a mother, who is living with a stage 4 cancer diagnosis. Paula has remained an optimist throughout her treatment, and shares her story of living with chronic disease on this episode of Being Well. Some of the thi...

Rural areas in Australia struggle to get the kind of services they need. Mental health care is no exception. In this podcast, based on a recent webinar, our panel discusses the problems in care delivery in rural Australia – from the point of view of both consumers and service providers, and what practitioners can contribute to community efforts to improve mental health. Hosted by: Dr Jan Orman Gue...

Burnout is an issue much talked about today in the health professions and human services generally. It is not a considered disorder per se, but a set of symptoms associated with intolerable levels of work stress In this podcast, based on a recent webinar, our panel discuss what constitutes burnout, what causes burnout and what we can do to prevent and treat it. Hosted by: Dr Jan Orman Guests: Prof...

Alcohol misuse has a significant impact on individual and community health and well being. In this podcast, based on a recent webinar, our panel will focus on the ways in which clinicians can help reduce the impact of alcohol misuse on mental health. Hosted by: Dr Jan Orman Guests: Dr Hester Wilson, Dr Sarah Barker, Dr Jane MacLeod Based on Webinar 25 in the eMHPrac Series for Health Professionals...

Percy Knight is proud Wiradjuri man, NRL legend and Indigenous rights activist. In this episode of Being Well Percy shares his experiences growing up on a mission in Condobolin, to becoming a professional Rugby League Player and now completing a PhD at the University of Sydney Business School. Some of the things spoken about in this podcast may be distressing to some people. If you or someone you...

The relationship between cannabis use and mental illness is complex, with cannabis implicated in both precipitating and perpetuating mental ill-health, while also being used by people experiencing mental distress as a means to alleviate symptoms. In February 2019 our expert panel of researchers, clinicians and lived experience representatives explored strategies to assist people facing the dual ch...

Evie Ryder is a social worker, youth support worker, skateboard coach, and transgender woman. During this episode of Being Well Evie shares her experience of transitioning and her work within the LGBTQI+ community. 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...

Professor Philip Mitchell - The role of antidepressants in the treatment of depression by Black Dog Institute

Jan Orman is a GP Services Consultant at Black Dog Institute. In this episode of Being Well Jan shares her own experiences with mental health both personally and professionally. 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...

Digital mental health tools and resources are increasingly available in mental health services in Australia and other developed countries. In this podcast, based on a recent webinar, psychologist Julia Reynolds provides an provides an overview of recent developments in the use of these tools in routine care and to support practitioners as they explore the rich array of high quality tools currently...

Diabetes distress is common in people living with diabetes. Unrecognised diabetes distress is linked to a range of adverse outcomes for people living with diabetes in terms of both their physical and emotional health. In October 2018 our expert panel explored the factors that lead to diabetes distress, the characteristic signs and symptoms and how diabetes distress is best addressed in clinical pr...

Young people’s experience of school plays a significant part in their overall wellbeing as they move through childhood and adolescence. For many young people, the first signs of mental illness will emerge while they are still completing their education. In September 2018 our Expert Insights panel explored how to support students’ mental health, working together with schools for better outcomes. Pa...

Digital mental health (DMH) tools and resources are increasingly available in mental health services in Australia and other developed countries. In this podcast, based on a recent webinar, psychologist Julia Reynolds provides an overview of the main types and uses of digital mental health resources available in Australia and suggests ways that practitioners can find and evaluate these tools and in...

Although there are several features in common between the various anxiety disorders, distilling the primary mechanism that drives the anxiety within an individual can lead to more targeted and effective management. In August 2018 our panel of clinicians, researchers and lived experience representative discuss the diagnostic nuances that differentiate the anxiety disorders and the impact of this on...

The circular relationship between chronic pain and mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression is now well established. Increasingly, the management of chronic pain has moved towards an integration of physical and emotional health, with psychological strategies playing a key role in restoring function and well-being. In May 2018 our panel of clinicians and researchers explored current...

Although often considered a disorder of childhood, for a significant number of people ADD persists into adulthood, at times with far reaching psychosocial consequences. Recognising adult ADD can be complicated by the presence of co-morbid conditions such as anxiety, mood and substance use disorders. In October 2017 our panel of clinicians and researchers discuss the nuances of identifying adult AD...

In recent years, mental health practice has been shifting from a deficits-based model of symptom reduction to a strengths-based model of care and recovery. Within this shift has been the contributions of positive psychology and other third wave approaches’ in the form of ‘values’ in treatment. Identifying what matters most to individuals and having corresponding elements of care aligned with perso...

For many asylum seekers and refugees, the trauma of their past is replaced by an uncertain future, navigating through the complex requirements of establishing their status while living in ongoing fear of being returned to the dangers they strived to leave behind. In June 2018, our guest panelists explored the psychological impacts of current asylum seeker policy as it superimposes upon the mental...

In recent years, there has been increased interest in recognising and managing psychosis in its early stages with the aim of improving long term outcomes both in terms of future mental wellness and psycho-social disability. In our February 2018 expert insights our panel of clinicians, researchers and lived experience representatives explore the principles of caring for people with early psychosis...

Fiona Wright was probably best known as a poet until she wrote her recent book, 'Small Acts of Disappearance', where she described her experiences of living with an eating disorder. Fiona will be telling us about that experience of mental illness, and other experiences with depression and of anxiety. She’ll also explain how, although writing about her mental illness came relatively late, it brough...