Heads up on mental health

If there’s ever been a time for a paradigm shift in the way we conceptualise mental health and treat mental illness, it’s now.

Navigating relationships in uncertain times

The latest research by The Medical Journal of Australia found that significant feelings of depression or anxiety were being experienced by 25% of people after just the first month of COVID-19 restrictions.

Is COVID changing our personalities?

Our personalities have been known to change during unusually distressing times, such as a global pandemic locking us all away in our homes, but researchers from the US say that so far the COVID-19 pandemic has had very little effect on the “Big Five” personality traits.

Australia’s Health 2020 report reveals mental health crisis

The Australia’s health 2020 report shows one in five Australians reported a mental or behavioural condition in 2017-18, but a UNSW mental health prize is helping to highlight the work of people fighting this crisis.

The pathologization of normality?

Concerns that normality is being medicalised by the inflation of psychiatric diagnosis criteria appear overblown – but some conditions do need scrutiny.

Assessing COVID’s impact on pre-schooler mental health

The mental health of Australian pre-schoolers will be assessed in a survey on how they and their families are coping with coronavirus.

Teens sought for lockdown mental health study

As Covid-19 continues to spread around the world, a South Australian research team is looking at the impact of mass lockdowns on children’s mental health and wellbeing.

Going green beats the blues

A group of UNSW cross-discipline experts discuss the benefits of plants, gardening and green spaces during COVID-19.

Australia must plan for the toll on mental health

A UNSW Professor says long-term mental health issues are a hidden threat from COVID-19 in launching this year’s Australian mental health prize.

How are you doing?

How well are you managing under these unprecedented health restrictions? A 10 minute University survey, open to everyone over 18 in the country, is looking for your input to find out how the country is coping.

Handling the “disenfranchised grief” of COVID-19

Public messaging informed by an understanding of “disenfranchised grief” is more likely to be experienced as helpful and reassuring and so encourage people to undertake the social distancing measures which will help protect us all.

Keeping your head amid COVID-19

When there’s a crisis the first impulse can be fear and panic. But the COVID-19 pandemic demands clear thought, so here is one way to adapt your thinking.