Brainwaves

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...

This week is Veteran's Health Week. We talk to Daryl about his experience of serving as an apprentice musician in the army in the 1970s. This show contains mentions of trauma, PTSD and sexual abuse. If you require any assistance please contact Helpline on 1300 111 500 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

On this week's show Lauren interviewed Carla who is a mentor, network leader and speaker for the I Can Network. The I Can Network encourages people on the autism spectrum with an 'I Can' attitude. Carla tells us about her own experience and how through this service young people are being helped with training to enter the workforce after finishing school.

On this week's special one hour show we feature our broadcast of the Mental Health Wellbeing Walk held on Sunday. We also keep all our listeners up to date with events being held for Mental Health Week 2017.Presented by Lauren, Allanah, Rebecca and Marni.

In the third and final episode of our transformative storytelling series, we talk to Fiona Browning, who is a mental health consumer, advocate, and activist. Fiona shares how storytelling has allowed her to open up about her mental health journey. Next week is Mental Health Week and Brainwaves will be having a special one-hour long program. Stay tuned!

In the second episode of our transformative storytelling series, we talk to Annie Whitehead about her journey. Her story highlights the need for community inclusion, and how finding the right people can help you gain strength along the way.

Transformative storytelling is the act of listening to other individauls who share their expeirnce of mental illness and who may learn how harmful social exclusion and stigma can be. This week is our first episode of transformative stories and we talk to Joel about his journey with mental ilness. 

This week Rebecca and Helen interviewed Tullara Connors who is an up and coming musician and an ambassador for RU OK? Day. The discussion was focussed around suicide awareness as this week is Suicide Prevention Week. If anything in the podcast brings up concerns for your mental wellbeing please contact Wellways Helpline on 1300 111 500, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or go to www.suicidecallbackservice.org....

On Brainwaves this week, the team interviewed Sylvia Gray, president and co-founder of Hero Town Geelong. The organisation aims to empower individuals to develop their best selves and become an everyday hero. You can find out more about Hero Town at their website and Facebook page.