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Connecting with culture

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 05:03:53 GMT

The NT is home to many people from different cultural backgrounds. Keeping connected with culture is one of many things that keeps our social and emotional wellbeing strong.

Whether you're from community, migrated from overseas or were born here but have cultural roots elsewhere, maintaining cultural identity provides us with a sense of belonging, purpose and connection to home. It can help keep our social and emotional wellbeing strong during challenging times and provide us with strategies on how to cope in stressful situations.

How we connect to our culture and strengthen our spirit will look different for everyone. Below is a few ideas for you to think about on how you might go about connecting with this important part of your wellbeing.

Services and Resources

Clean up your social media feed

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 03:57:51 GMT

Let’s be real — we spend a lot of time on social media. Whether it’s for keeping connected, getting inspired, or just killing time, our feeds have a pretty big influence on how we feel.

Social media can be a great tool for us, but it also means navigating our way through lots of additional noise and opinions before we find helpful and factual information. If we're exposed to unhelpful or challenging content on a regular basis, it can also leave us feeling stressed, worried or even hopeless.

If your feed is leaving you feeling more drained than uplifted by what you see, it might be time for a digital clean-up. Think of it like spring cleaning, but for your brain! Here’s a few suggestions that could help tidy up your feed and keep you in a good head space.

For more information, tips and conversation starters around social media use, check out the below resources:

FAQ: Accessing Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 05:57:08 GMT

Did you know that your workplace may have access to an EAP to support your mental health and wellbeing?

An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is designed to help employees manage issues that may affect their performance at work or overall wellbeing. These programs offer confidential counselling services and resources that aim to improve an employees' social and emotional wellbeing.

Reaching out and using an EAP might leave some people feeling nervous or unsure of what to expect. We might even be reluctant to look into it in fear of being seen in a certain way.

To support you on your journey, we've put together this list of frequently asked questions about accessing supports from an EAP.

Resources for LGBTIQASB+ people and their allies

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 00:37:36 GMT

Looking for LGBTIQASB+ support or information? We've got you covered.

The term LGBTIQASB+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, asexual/aromantic, sistergirl and brotherboy, with the plus sign acknowledging other identities in the community.

Whether you identify as a person in the LGBTIQASB+ community or are an ally wanting to get informed, we've put together a small collection of helpful supports and resources both locally and nationally.

Services

Finding LGBTIQASB+ supports in remote communities can be challenging. If you're wanting support, have a yarn with someone that you trust to help you find that support. This could be a close friend or family member, or the Aboriginal Health Worker or Social and Emotional Wellbeing worker at the health centre.

Resources and Information

If you know of additional services or networks operating in your location that should be part of this collection, please let us know by completing our online feedback form.

Mental Health Strategies for Men

hawkesarlo42@gmail.com (Arlo Hawkes) — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 06:48:26 GMT

While help-seeking remains a challenge for many men, increasing openness and supportive communities are paving the way for stronger mental health and emotional well-being.

Everyone experiences difficult times in life where stress can become overwhelming and impact our mental health and sense of wellbeing. 1 in 2 Australians will be affected by a mental health condition at some point in their lives and 1 in 5 are affected each year.

A relationship breakdown, losing a job, grieving a loss, homelessness and physical or mental illness are just some of the problems that may affect our mental health and well-being. Other factors such as racial or sexual discrimination, identifying as LGBTIQA+, socio-economic disadvantage and social or geographic isolation can also be associated with an increased risk of experiencing poor mental health. How men and women respond to these situations can be quite different. While the reasons for this can be varied and complex, societal norms tend to teach men to associate getting help and talking about their feelings with being weak. Communities and organisations alike are working hard to change this script.

Men who reach out for help have improved mental health outcomes and are more likely to practice healthier coping strategies.

An important step towards seeking support is noticing the warning signs associated to a change in our mental health and wellbeing. Physical symptoms can be a more obvious sign before recognising your feelings about a situation. Pay attention to how your body is feeling and notice any changes in your physical health, behaviours or emotions and you can begin to recognise and address how you are feeling. Family or friends may also notice things about your wellbeing or behaviour and try to point these out to you and offer support. These can include things like:

changes in physical appearance
tiredness; lacking energy or motivation
feeling down a lot of the time
increased use of alcohol or drugs
withdrawing from friends and family; becoming distant
difficulty sleeping or sleeping all the time
losing interest in activities that you usually enjoy
feeling hopeless, or like you’re a “failure” or a burden to others

These can be common reactions to difficult circumstances, but if they continue for a long period of time they can begin to have a negative impact on your physical and mental health. Even when it is difficult to see a way forward, there are a number of strategies you can try to help shift things in a positive direction:

There are many mental health service providers, support groups and online resources available.

Contact Head to Health on 1800 595 212 to talk to a mental health professional and get connected to the support you need.

For urgent support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or SuicideLine on 1300 651 251. If you need immediate help or are at risk of harm to yourself or others, call 000 now.

References

[1] Australian Bureau of Statistics – Causes of Death, Australia, 2019

Tips for managing stress during the holidays

tina@ntmhc.org.au (Tina Griffith) — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 01:52:59 GMT

Planning ahead and putting self-care strategies in place can help reduce the holiday stress

Create a plan for managing holiday stress

Christmas is meant to be a time for celebrating and connecting with the people we care about, but it can also be a time that brings added stress and anxiety. There can be a lot of pressure to celebrate and attend social events, as well as increased financial stress with the pressure of buying gifts. For those who without family or friends to celebrate with it can be a time of increased isolation and loneliness. For some there may be challenging family dynamics that create added stress during Christmas gatherings.

These outside pressures may seem out of our control, but planning ahead and putting some self-care strategies in place can help reduce and potentially eliminate our holiday stress. Writing these strategies down may help as a reminder when we start to feel overwhelmed or uncertain about how to deal with things. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the holidays with less stress and greater enjoyment and mental well-being:

Set healthy boundaries

It’s easy to get caught up in other peoples’ expectations of us or even our own, especially over the holidays. Setting healthy boundaries allows us to make choices that support our wellbeing rather than doing things that leave us feeling drained or resentful. Being honest and explaining that we’re struggling mentally, burnt out or that crowds are too overwhelming at the moment gives us the space to choose when to contact people and to not feel pressured. People will often be understanding and if not, that’s ok too. Limiting how much you spend on gifts or on social gatherings can be another way to alleviate some of the pressure, especially if financial strain is an issue. Taking inventory of what we are comfortable doing and setting healthy boundaries can help us anticipate and better manage situations that might normally be stressful. Sometimes we may have mixed feelings about what to do - get some more information on setting boundaries in these situations.

Take time to relax

Christmas can be a jam-packed time with social visits and activities, or equally stressful if we experience it as a time of isolation. Thinking about things that help us relax and feel calm and finding time do these things can help reduce our stress. This could be taking time for more solitude, including walks in nature, listening to music, reading or anything that helps you unwind. If you are feeling isolated then think about ways to connect with others that doesn’t add to your stress, such as meeting a friend for a coffee or a walk or making time to call or video chat with friends or family who live further away.

Plan activities that you enjoy

Disconnecting from negative influences or people who drain you and planning something you really want to do at Christmas gives you more energy and something to look forward to. Things like watching the news, scolling on social media, or trying to navigate the busy Xmas crowds can all be sources of stress. Consider giving yourself a break from these activities and seeking out more positive activities such as reading an uplifting book or watching a funny tv series or movies. Exploring new activities can be a great way to have fun while connecting with more people and helping with feelings of isolation. Consider joining a group focussed on an activity that you enjoy, such as a walking group, sports activity, an art class or volunteering somewhere.

Keep active

Physical activity increases our sense of wellbeing through improved fitness, increased energy and better sleep patterns. It also induces the release of natural ‘feel-good’ chemicals in the brain and helps manage mild anxiety and depression. Exercise can also help with feelings of isolation if it involves other people. Doing at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most, and preferably all, days of the week is recommended by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Exercise can include things we enjoy doing such as gardening, spending time in nature, dancing or even cleaning the house (for some!). Finding it hard to get motivated? Here are some tips to help you get moving .

Using mindfulness to navigate the Xmas chaos

Mindfulness is a well-researched and effective way to regulate the body’s stress by staying focussed on the present moment. This can be done at any time by taking a moment to pause and check in with yourself. Start by taking a few deep breaths and allowing the body to relax. Then observe what you are feeling and any thoughts that come into your mind. Try not to judge what you observe but see it as information. This can be a very helpful way to tune in to how you are feeling and decide what actions you can take to best look after yourself. Learn more about how using mindfulness can benefit your mental health and wellbeing.

Connect with a mental health provider

If you’re feeling anxious or stressed during the holidays consider reaching out to a trusted support, such as a mental health professional, a helpline or somebody close to you. There are many mental health service providers and online resources available. Contact Head to Health on 1800 595 212 to talk to a mental health professional and be connected to the support you need. For urgent support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or SuicideLine on 1300 651 251. If you need immediate help or are at risk of harm to yourself or others, call 000 now.

Here are a few other places you can find some help:

NT Mental Health Line: 1 800 682 288
Team Talk – 1800 832 600 | www.teamhealth.asn.au
headspace – 1800 650 890 | www.headspace.org.au
Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800 | www.kidshelpline.com.au
MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978 | www.mensline.org.au
Defence Force all-hours support line on 1800 628 036 .
Refugees, immigrants and other individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds - www.melaleuca.org.au/counselling-wellbeing/
QLife line – 1800 184 527 | www.qlife.org.au
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander - 13YARN – 13 92 76 l www.13yarn.org.au
Beyond Blue - www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health
R U Ok - www.ruok.org.au/holiday .

International Day of People with Disability - Shining a Light on Neurodiversity

tina@ntmhc.org.au (Tina Griffith) — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 02:39:46 GMT

December 3 is International Day of People with Disability. To recognise this day we caught up with General Practitioner Linda Mayer who shares her story

At age 67, Linda loves to ride her motorbike, is an avid swing dancer, a caring mother and a GP in a correctional facility. She enjoys her rural farm in NSW where she can escape the hustle and bustle and sensory overload of the outside world. After a lifetime spent trying to manage the noises, lights and other sensory inputs around her she now understands why her quiet refuge is so important to her. The lightbulb moment came at age 62 when Linda discovered that she was autistic and also had Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); she suddenly understood her life in a whole new light that helped fuel her future advocacy work as a neurodivergent doctor with lived experience.

The revelation of her diagnosis came unexpectedly while visiting an autistic friend who suggested she might be on the spectrum.

"I didn't know anything about autism, so I decided to do some research, and I did a standard online test. My daughter who would often tell me that I was not able to read people, assisted with the online assessment and the score went up. I wanted to validate her perceptions and upbringing, so I decided to get a professional assessment and received a formal diagnosis.”

Linda’s diagnosis came after many years of trying to manage the sensory things around her.

“I used to think I was going to die because of the exhaustion. I would go to the doctor thinking I had cancer or other disease. Now I realise I just need recharge time. As well, lights would burn my eyes. Some noises were painful. I had no idea what was going on with me.

“In my youth, before I could control my environment, I behaved in some really odd ways. I’d stand at the door and scream at the neighbours to stop their dogs from barking. I didn't realise I could not filter noise like neurotypicals can. I’d put mattresses up against the walls and doors to block the light and sounds. During university, I was medicated for depression. I was not depressed. My whole life was trying to cope with sensory differences.”

It was after graduating and securing an income that things improved for Linda.

“I now had an income and a steady job. So, I could control my environment. Since graduation, I haven’t needed any medication or health input, its 100% having the autonomy and finances. I rented a farmhouse in the middle of nowhere, I didn’t know I liked being there because of the quiet.

It’s very challenging for neurodiverse people who can’t control their environment.

"I am immensely lucky to have been able to navigate the education system and have a job where I can moderately manage my working environment. Life costs me financially to maintain my environment and therefore my health. If I go away, I will rarely share with anyone. It costs me twice as much to do anything."

Dealing with sensory stressors has not been the only challenge, Linda explains. Dealing with people has also been difficult, with autism making it hard to navigate social situations.

“It’s data in and data out. I still am slow to tell if someone is happy, angry or sad in social settings. I have to put extra effort into reading people which takes the concentration away from the topic being discussed.”

Linda also experienced the impacts of her ADHD, as she struggled to sit still in meetings.

"Focus is either 200% or almost none. As a student, I was told to get out of lecture theatres…I actually didn’t know what I was doing. I had no awareness of my constant movement."

Telling the people around her about her diagnosis brought further revelations about the stigma that people associate with neurodiversity. Work colleagues and friends she had known for more than 30 years revealed they already knew but didn’t say anything for fear of hurting her.

“Most saw it as an affliction. I am lucky my profile allowed me academic success and financial independence, however, take that away, say an Indigenous person, someone who never got out of the slums, or someone that luck didn't provide them the right environment - these kinds of circumstances can dictate to a huge extent how well they will cope and thrive in live. Add on that they’re told from the time they were in pre-school to stop fidgeting, stop disrupting others, they are lazy, and being excluded from groups - most children are unaware of what they were even doing. This makes kids, youth angry, sad, depressed and anxious."

Working as a GP in a correctional facility Linda sees first-hand the lack of understanding and support that still exists for her ND patients and the benefit that her lived experience has brought to her work with patients.

“Mental health understanding of neurodiversity is in its infancy and has a long way to go. Approximately half my patients in the jail are neurodiverse. I do not think any ND person can grow up in this world without trauma from trying to navigate a world made for neurotypicals.

You’re locked up, there’s noise, there’s lights, you can’t get away, there’s no quiet rooms."

Still, there is hope. There is some promising work being done, particularly by ND professionals that increasingly are coming forward with research and speaking out.

In a conference earlier in the year, Linda along with two other doctors and one student shared her lived experience of being neurodiverse. The first of its kind, the 2023 Neurodevelopmental and Behavioural Paediatric Society of Australasia conference (Australasian Society of Developmental Paediatrics) held in Darwin, provided a forum to discuss their backgrounds, the impact of their (ADHD) and autism diagnosis and the impact it has had on navigating the academic and professional workforce.

It’s conferences such as these that will not only increase understanding of neurodiversity but help society shift from a deficit-based paradigm to a strengths-based one, Linda points out.

“The people I work with are some of the best doctors I have ever worked with in my life, however most are only aware of neurodiversity from what they’ve read in the DSM-5, which leads to a deficit-based diagnosis. It actually leads people to a mental health diagnosis rather than recognising the neurodiverse issue."

“I'm glad I didn't get diagnosed young because it would have been from a place of deficit. We are born different and we have different requirements yet have to navigate a world made for neurotypicals.”

Linda shares her insights and reflections on the conference in an article which she co-authored with her daughter which can be read here: Amplifying the voices of neurodivergent doctors | InSight+ (mja.com.au)

________________________________________

For more information about neurodiversity/mental health disability support services:

Mental Health Disability Support Guide www.disabilitysupportguide.com.au/search/mental-health/nt

Mental Health NT - Support for people with a disability www.mentalhealthnt.com.au

Integrated disability Action Inc (IdA) – a voice and support network for people with disability. Find a Peer Support Group - idainc.org.au

NTcommunity Support Programs - www.ntcommunity.org.au/

Mental health support lines:

Team Talk: 1800 832 600

Darwin Head to Health: 08 8914 6600

NT Mental Health Line: 1800 682 288

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support line 13YARN on 13 92 76

MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978

Empowering YOUTH program

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 05:14:14 GMT

A fun and interactive program for young people with diverse abilities

Empowering YOUTH program

The Empowering YOUTH program is for young people aged 12 to 17 who have diverse abilities. It’s a fun and interactive program run by young adults who have their own diverse abilities and have helped to create the program.

We know that the adolescent years can be tough when your way of thinking, being or interacting in the world is different from most other young people. The Empowering YOUTH Program is designed to inform and empower young people with diverse abilities to feel proud of their diversity, that their unique abilities are valuable and they are part of a much broader network of people in the NT who also have diverse abilities.

The NT Lived Experience Network has been funded by the NDIS to run Empowering YOUTH Programs in Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine and Alice Springs during 2022.

Expressions of interest

Phone: 0438 022 032 (Noelene)

Email: contact@livedexperiencent.net

Facebook: facebook.com/livedexperiencent

Dates for Palmerston program

Sunday 22 May, 2:00pm-5:00pm

Sunday 29 May, 2:00pm-5:00pm

Sunday 5 June, 2:00pm-5:00pm

Sunday 12 June, 2:00pm-5:00pm

Resources

Download the Empowering YOUTH Program Flyer

View sample material from the Empowering YOUTH Program

Circles of Support program

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 04:24:56 GMT

A free support program for the families and friends of people who have an alcohol or drug problem

Circles of Support program

Circles of Support is an evidence-based peer education and support program developed by the NT Lived Experience Network. During 2022, the program will be trialled in the Darwin and Palmerston region and evaluated by Flinders University with funding provided by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation.

Circles of Support provides a safe and confidential environment for the family and friends of someone with an alcohol or drug problem to access a wide range of information and strategies specifically created to suit their needs.

Dates

Circles of Support 1 (Palmerston) every Monday from 9 May to 6 June 2022.

Circles of Support 2 (Winnellie) every Wednesday 11 May to 29 June 2022.

Information sessions will be held in May ahead of the program.

Expressions of interest

Phone: 0438 022 032 (Noelene)

Email: contact@livedexperiencent.net

Facebook: facebook.com/livedexperiencent

Resources

Download the Circles of Support flyer

Supporting Veterans during the Royal Commission

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 06:11:07 GMT

Defence and Veteran Legal Service

In April last year, the Prime Minister announced a Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

The Commission will examine systemic issues and common themes in past deaths by suicide.

If you’re a Veteran and would like to share your experience, you can do so through the Defence and Veteran Legal Service. They provide free, independent legal advice and support to anybody considering sharing their experiences with the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. They are independent of the Royal Commission.

They can talk to you about how you can:

• share your experiences in a safe way

• keep your experiences and participation in the Royal Commission confidential

• overcome barriers you might face in sharing your experiences.

They can also:

• support you to make your submission

• support you in a private session

• connect you with other services, like counselling, advocacy, and other legal support not related to the Royal Commission.

If you or someone you know needs support during this time, contact Open Arms or Phoenix Australia .

Let's yarn about January 26

melinda.phillips@ntphn.org.au (Melinda Phillips) — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 07:11:49 GMT

Let's yarn about January 26

What does January 26 mean to you? How do you spend the day? Is it a day of celebration or mourning? Do you refer to it as Australia Day, Invasion Day, Survival Day or is it just another day?

Whilst Australians have various views on January 26, for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people it’s more than a public holiday, or a day to celebrate Australia. The day comes with many mixed emotions as it represents the start of a loss of 60,000 years of tradition and culture. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people also refer to the day as Survival Day, a day to celebrate the survival and the contribution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples make to this country.

In 1938 on January 26, whilst some Australians celebrated 150 years since the landing of the first fleet at Sydney Cove, a group of Aboriginal men and women protested the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and called for national citizenship and equality. This would be known as ‘Day of Mourning’. Since then, events and marches have been held each year all around the country people protesting on January 26. With growing support, and in the spirit of reconciliation, a debate occurs each year around ‘Change the Date’ of Australia Day to a more appropriate day for all Australians to proudly celebrate.

January 26 and its impact on mental health

Mental health and social and emotional wellbeing are impacted by many different things – including experiences and meanings of history. Leading up to January 26 there are many public conversations – especially in the media – that challenge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experiences of history and the different meanings of this day. Present and past traumatic experiences often become the topic of public debate which can cause stress and distress.

Tips to look after yourself this January 26

As an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person January 26 can be difficult and may bring up different emotions. Here are ways you can look after yourself or things you can do to help deal with the stress caused by January 26.

Take a break from social media and don’t read the comments
Surround yourself with supportive friends and family
Spend time on country and/or with the Mob
Attend Invasion/Survival Day events, including online events
Reflect through writing, reading, listening to music or podcasts and/or watching your favourite movies and shows that represent strength and survival.

Learn more about the history of January 26

As a non-Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, there steps that you could take to learn more about the history and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Reading, watching or listening to stories that draw on the knowledge and stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is a good place to start.

Read:

How to be a good Indigenous Ally

8 things you need to know about January 26

Watch:

Aboriginal People react to ‘Australia Day’

ABC Indigenous

Listen:

Blak Australia Playlist

IndigenousX Podcast

Black Magic Woman Podcast

Let’s reflect on how history and experiences can impact people differently. Let’s look out for one another this January 26.

Self Care planning during COVID-19

melinda.phillips@ntphn.org.au (Melinda Phillips) — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 06:38:23 GMT

Black Dog Institution's COVID-19 mental health and wellbeing resources

COVID-19 has continued to impact us all in 2021, with the rising number of cases and extended lockdowns. It certainly has made it difficult to visit loved ones and return to a normal life. Over the past few months Territorians have experienced their first lockdowns, lockouts and community transmitted COVID-19 cases. Many Territorians will also travel interstate visiting family members or have visitors from interstate over the holiday period. Due to this, more cases are predicted for the NT in the new year. And during these difficult times, self care is important.

Black Dog Institute has created a COVID-19 mental health and wellbeing resources toolkit. This includes a fact sheet that assists you with understanding self care and the 4 step self care plan template that helps identify your needs to take the correct steps to look after your own wellbeing.

The 4 steps include:

Step 1 - Evaluate your coping skills

Step 2 - Identify your daily self care needs

Step 3 - Reflect. Examine. Replace.

Step 4 - Create your self care plan.

For more information:

The importance of self-care planning during Coronavirus

COVID-19 mental health and wellbeing resources

No Shame in Getting Help

cloudapps@captovate.com.au (Michael Hawkes) — Fri, 17 Dec 2021 04:21:55 GMT

Here are some new mental health animation resources

The Mental Health Association of Central Australia have created the 'No Shame in Getting Help' animations to address the stigma and shame that exists for many community members in seeking help for mental health challenges. It reminds us that we all have sad thinking sometimes but if we're sad for too long we need to get help. This animation was developed by the Mental Health Association of Central Australia (MHACA), co-designed with Central Australian Aboriginal Congress and funded by the NT Primary Health Network.

More information - Mental Health Resources

Look after yourself these holidays

Thu, 02 Dec 2021 03:57:14 GMT

Here’s our message to you this festive season in a few commonly spoken languages

English

Celebrations might look a little different this festive season.

If you’re not able to see your loved ones, stay connected in other ways. A simple phone call or a text message can make a big difference.

Do things that make you feel good; maybe it’s cooking for friends, pampering yourself, or watching sports.

Look after yourself and your loved ones these holidays.

If you or someone you know needs support, visit mentalhealthNT.com.au

Vietnamese

Các buổi tổ chức lễ ăn mừng có thể hơi khác hơn trong mùa lễ hội này.

Nếu bạn không thể gặp những người thân yêu của mình, hãy kết nối với họ bằng những cách khác. Một cuộc gọi điện thoại đơn giản hoặc một tin nhắn có thể tạo ra một sự khác biệt lớn.

Hãy làm những điều mà bạn cảm thấy thoải mái; có thể đó là nấu ăn cho bạn bè, nuông chiều bản thân hoặc xem thể thao.

Hãy chăm sóc bản thân và những người thân yêu trong những ngày lễ này.

Nếu bạn hoặc một người nào đó bạn biết cần sự hỗ trợ, hãy viếng mentalhealthNT.com.au

Thai

การเฉลิมฉลองอาจจะดูแตกต่างไปบ้างเล็กน้อยในช่วงเทศกาลนี้

หากคุณไม่สามารถไปพบคนที่คุณรักได้ ให้ติดต่อกันด้วยวิธีอื่น การโทรหากันหรือส่งข้อความธรรมดา ๆ อาจสร้างความแตกต่างได้อย่างมาก

ทำสิ่งที่ทำให้คุณรู้สึกดี ซึ่งอาจจะเป็นการทำอาหารให้เพื่อน ๆ ทาน ให้รางวัลกับตัวเอง หรือไปดูกีฬาที่คุณชอบ

ดูแลรักษาตัวคุณเองและคนที่คุณรักในช่วงวันหยุดนี้

หากคุณหรือคนที่รู้จักต้องการความช่วยเหลือ โปรดไปที่เว็บไซต์ mentalhealthNT.com.au

Greek

Οι γιορτές μπορεί να είναι λίγο διαφορετικές αυτή την εορταστική περίοδο.

Εάν δεν είστε σε θέση να δείτε τους αγαπημένους σας, βρεθείτε κοντά τους με άλλους τρόπους. Ένα απλό τηλεφώνημα ή ένα μήνυμα μέσω τηλεφώνου μπορεί να κάνει μεγάλη διαφορά.

Κάνετε τα πράγματα που σας κάνουν να νιώθετε καλλίτερα, ίσως αυτό να είναι το να μαγειρέψετε για φίλους, να περιποιηθείτε τον εαυτό σας ή το να παρακολουθήσετε ένα αθλητικό γεγονός.

Φροντίστε τον εαυτό σας και τους αγαπημένους σας αυτές τις γιορτές.

Εάν εσείς ή κάποιος που γνωρίζετε χρειάζεται υποστήριξη, επισκεφθείτε τον ιστότοπο mentalhealthNT.com.au

Mandarin

这个节日期间，人们的庆祝方式可能会有所不同。

如果您无法见到您的亲人，请通过其他方式保持联系。一个简单的电话或一条短信，都可以使一切变得不同。

做一些让自己感觉良好的事情；也许是烹调美食招待朋友，或是尽情放纵自我，或是观赏体育比赛。

在假期中，请照顾好您自己，也照顾好您的亲人。

如果您或您认识的人需要支持和帮助，请访问： mentalhealthNT.com.au

Swahili/Kiswahili

Sherehe zinaweza kuonekana tofauti kidogo msimu huu wa sherehe.

Ikiwa huwezi kuona wapendwa wako, endelea kushikamana kwa njia zingine. Kwa kupiga simu rahisi au ujumbe mfupi unaweza kuleta mabadiliko makubwa.

Fanya mambo ambayo yanakufanya ujisikie vizuri; pengine inaweza kuwa kuwapikia marafiki, kujipendekeza, au kutazama michezo.

Jiangalie mwenyewe na wapendwa wako wakati wa sherehe hizi.

Kama wewe au mtu mwingine anahitaji msaada, tembelea mentalhealthNT.com.au

Arabic

قد تبدو الاحتفالات بموسم الأعياد مختلفة قليلًا هذا العام

إذا لم تتمكن من رؤية أحبابك، ابقَ على الاتصال بهم بطرق أخرى. فقد يكون لمجرد مكالمة هاتفية أو رسالة على الهاتف المحمول أثر كبير

افعل الأشياء التي تشعرك بالسعادة؛ ربما عن طريق إعداد وجبة طعام للأصدقاء، أو تدليل نفسك، أو مشاهدة المباريات الرياضية

اعتنِ بنفسك وبمن تحب في فترة الإجازات هذه

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Learn more or download the resource pack.

International Day of People with Disability

Thu, 02 Dec 2021 01:01:10 GMT

Today is International Day of People with Disability. To recognise the day, we caught up with dad, carer, and doctor, Chris Vladcoff.

As a valued member of NT PHN's working group for the Primary Health Care Accessibility and Inclusion Project, Chris collaborates with other group members to improve barriers and challenges people with a disability face when accessing primary care.

Tell us how you came to be in this working group?
Cherie Vance (Executive Officer, Autism NT) approached me about the project; I could see the value of such an initiative, and expressed an interest in joining. I then met with Trudy Lee (Project Coordinator) to learn more about the project and what my role(s) would be; as both a Specialist GP (with a special interest and expertise in mental health) and a father of a son with high functioning ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), I felt that I would be able to contribute as both a ‘clinical advisor’ as well as a ‘carer’, and I accepted the invitation to join.

Can you talk to us about being a parent and carer?
I consider being a father as one of my greatest achievements, …I love being a dad and get so much joy and satisfaction from it, and we (my wife, Kerri-Anne, and I) support each other in caring and providing for both our children, Noah and Tianne; and we are grateful and appreciative of all our blessings, and we embrace and celebrate all the ‘wins’.

We have certainly had to work through and overcome our fair share of challenges and obstacles along the way, have had to deal with the scrutiny and judgements of others, the negative stereotypes and ‘labelling’ (pigeonholing); and like so many others, have had to navigate through some quite complicated healthcare pathways and medical systems, …which was helped by both my wife (Occupational Therapist) and myself being in the health profession. There was a grief of ‘normal’ (typical) development, and uncertainty regarding the future; and at times we had felt quite overwhelmed and alone.

Our son is very lovable, is caring and considerate of others, passionate about his studies, and has some exceptional skills and strengths. In earlier years there were some challenging (but not aggressive) behaviours, with fluctuating levels of anxiety and at times ‘meltdowns’; …and we have always tried to differentiate between ‘normal/typical, age-related behaviours’ and those related to ASD, and manage these accordingly. Of other utmost importance has been the utilisation of all our supports (personally and professionally), and in this respect, we have been very fortunate.

You’re a GP who specialises in mental health, does your expertise as a doctor influence your role as a parent/carer?
Certainly, with the knowledge, understanding, and skills attained through my specialist training and 24 years of clinical experience (in the fields of Psychiatry and General Practice); but at the same time, I am very mindful that my role is as ‘dad’, and not ‘doctor’ to both our children, aware of these ‘boundaries’. In short, my education and experience certainly help in my parenting and caring role, not only in understanding (medically and developmentally) the nature of ASD (ie the content), but also in navigating systems and accessing services (ie the process).

What are the misperceptions people have of people living with a disability?
Where to start, with many negative stereotypes and wrongful assumptions? To list but a few (key words and phrases)…‘they can’t, …are unable’, are ‘unwell’, ‘unhappy’, ‘in pain’, ‘unskilled’, ‘dependent, …and helpless’; that they cannot lead a full and productive life, that they are a burden on society; …that they are unable to have meaningful relationships, or be able to care for others, to get married and have children, to travel, …etc, etc. There are also wrongful assumptions about intellectual abilities; and people living with a disability are often ‘defined’ by their disability, rather than who they are as a person.

What changes do you hope to see for people living with a disability?
I want to see more societal awareness, knowledge, understanding, and acceptance; I want to see more embracement, inclusion, and accessibility; equal opportunities, and more recognition of skills and contributions. We need to continue to ‘break down the barriers’, to end discrimination, and destigmatise disability; …and focus on enablement, empowerment, and independence, …and quality of life.

I (personally)prefer the term ‘different abilities’ as opposed to ‘disability’; or disABILITY.

There needs to continue to be an attitudinal change – people living with a disability need to be appreciated and valued as important contributing members of society. There needs to be more of a shift to the ‘Social Model of Disability’ (and a move away from the “Medical Model of Disability’), where it’s understood that people are disabled by barriers in society (including mental attitudes and the physical environment), NOT by their medical condition, individual limitations or impairments; with more of a focus on strengths, and abilities, and experiences of people with disabilities.

Although there have been some positive changes, with some improved outcomes, we still have ‘a long way to go’, with ‘a lot more work to be done’.

Learn more about NT PHN's Primary Health Care Accessibility and Inclusion Project .

Raising Healthy Minds

Fri, 29 Oct 2021 02:41:52 GMT

New app for parents will help them support their child's social and emotional health and wellbeing

A new, free phone app has just launched, which includes information, ideas, and guidance for parents on supporting their child’s mental health and wellbeing.

The Raising Healthy Mind App was developed by an Australian Government initiative, Raising Children Network, in consultation with leading health, mental health and parenting experts, as well as parents from across the country.

It aims to build the knowledge of parents and carers, with kids aged 0-12, on children’s social and emotional wellbeing. It provides evidence-based advice and referral information that can help parents and carers become more confident in identifying when additional help is needed. It allows them to check on emotions or behaviours that might be concerning them, or get helpful information based on their child’s age.

It also includes resources aimed at professionals working with children and families, to ensure they have the latest evidence-based information to respond to questions raised with them by parents.

It has been codesigned and user-tested to be as accessible as possible to parents from all backgrounds and abilities, using videos, images and infographics as much as possible.

The app will help increase mental health literacy and reduce stigma in talking about problematic or concerning behaviours or emotions that children may be experiencing.

You can download the app from the Apple or Google Play stores or access it via raisingchildren.net.au/raisinghealthyminds

Everything you need to know about COVID-19

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 06:43:00 GMT

Everything you need to know about COVID-19

To help you stay on top of the COVID-19 situation in the NT, we’ve pulled together a handy list of resources and information.

Check the public exposure sites list

It’s a good idea to keep an eye on the NT Government’s list of public exposure sites. The list will give you a breakdown of dates and times as to where a confirmed COVID case has been.

See NT exposure sites

What to do if you’ve been in an exposure site

If you have been to a public exposure site, you need to go home and stay home. You will need to identify yourself as a close contact by calling the COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 490 484 or registering yourself online on the NTG website. Following this you’ll need to get tested and quarantine for 14 days. Anyone living in the same household as you will also need to be identified as a close contact self-quarantine until the close contact receives an initial negative test result. Others living in your household don’t need to be tested unless they have symptoms.

When to get tested

You need to get tested if you’ve been in an exposure site or have COVID-19 symptoms. Depending on which one of these you fall into, there are different requirements to getting tested:

If you’ve been in an exposure site, you need to call the COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 490 484 and they will schedule you in for a test.

If you’re showing COVID-19 symptoms you can book a test online or head to one of the drive-through clinics that don’t require bookings.

Learn more or find a testing clinic.

Knowing the latest restrictions

NT Government continues to keep their website up to date with all the latest information on restrictions including things like mask-wearing, reasons for leaving home, list of essential workers and more.

See the latest restrictions

How to get vaccinated

Anyone over 12 years of age in the NT is eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Both the Pfizer vaccine and AstraZeneca vaccine are approved for use in Australia. People 60 years of age and over will receive the AstraZeneca vaccine and those aged 16 to 59 years will receive the Pfizer vaccine.

Book your vaccine online

Find a vaccine clinic or private GP who is administering the vaccine

Hotspots around the country are always changing, it’s important to stay on top of them especially if you’re trying to make travel plans.

Learn more about the latest hotspots

Why we all need the jab

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 06:31:01 GMT

Why we all need the jab

With the continuing spread of COVID-19 cases and prolonging of lockdowns, the risks of the pandemic continue to impact our communities.

The good news is there’s a way out, but we all need to do our part.

Vaccination is the best protection against COVID-19. By getting vaccinated we’re protecting ourselves, our loved ones, and our entire community.

We’re also protecting some of the most vulnerable people in our community like the elderly, our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, or those who can’t be vaccinated, such as very young children.

With enough people in the community vaccinated, we can slow down the spread of COVID-19 and return to normal life. For some that’s getting back to work, for others it’s travelling home, for many of us it’s being with loved ones again.

Book your vaccination online or find out which GPs and pharmacies are offering the vaccine.

Territorians can now choose from AstraZeneca, Pfizer, or Moderna.