Expert Insights – Black Dog Institute Podcasts

This important webinar is designed to equip health professionals and leaders with the tools, insights, and strategies to foster mental wellbeing in their teams during crises and beyond. This session will:* Present key research findings on healthcare workers' mental health needs during crises like COVID-19.* Introduce an insightful report and checklist as actionable resources for enhancing mental health support in healthcare settings.* Demonstrate how addressing mental health can strengthen teams and improve organisational outcomes.* Use compelling data to outline what needs to change and the steps leaders can take to drive improvement.* Empower healthcare leaders with clear, implementable recommendations for creating mentally healthy workplaces. Facilitator: Dr Peter Baldwin – Senior Research Fellow and Clinical Psychologist, Black Dog Institute | Co- Investigator, Future-Proofing the Frontline guide Panellists: Prof Natasha Smallwood – Respiratory Physician, Department of Respiratory & Sleep Medicine at The Alfred Hospital; Head Chronic Respiratory Disease Group and Respiratory Research Training Lead                                          Respiratory Research @ The Alfred School of Translational Medicine, Monash University; and Chief Investigator, Future-Proofing the Frontline report Dr Bethan Richards – Chief Medical Wellness Officer / Director SLHD MDOK Centre | Rheumatologist, Co- Director Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, PhD Health ProfessionalJess Maher- Lived Experience Representative, endorsed enrolled nurse                 Future-Proofing the Frontline: Organisational strategies to support frontline healthcare workers and leaders during times of crisis, is a guide that brings together insights from diverse perspectives and multiple sources of data to understand the best organisational strategies for supporting the mental health of healthcare workers. The guide and Organisational Checklist are available here: https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/news/future-proofing-the-frontline/

Despite decades of government investment, significant research endeavour, and a growing commitment to mental health training and response activities in schools and workplaces, rates of mental health in Australia are rising. The scale of this issue is staggering: a recent report shows that 494,000 Australians with moderate to severe mental health problems are not receiving the support they desperately need. Long wait times and a shortage of mental health professionals are leaving vulnerable Australians without access to timely and appropriate care, particularly those in rural and remote areas. When people finally get care, it doesn't always help. We know the current system is broken. We know what we need – a robust mental health system that is well-staffed, adequately funded and integrated across the country that will lay the foundations for a mentally healthier future. But how do we get there? How do we plan for a better future? And what is the role of Health Professionals? Listen to our Mental Health Month edition of Expert Insights were Black Dog Institute's Dr Peter Baldwin, Senior Research Fellow and Policy Research Manager, will share findings from BDI's recent mental health poll and discuss the key issues facing the health sector.   Panel Members: -Dr Peter Baldwin - Senior Research Fellow and Policy Research Manager, Black Dog InstituteDr Laura Kampel - Head of Clinical Services and Senior Clinical Psychologist, Black Dog InstituteMatt - Lived Experience Representative Facilitator: -Dr Sarah Barker - Clinical Psychologist

The median age of onset for mental disorders is 14 years. This means, 50% of individuals who will develop mental illness will have already developed the disorder by the age of 14 years.Since children's diagnoses are missed, they do not receive the care that they need and are less likely to receive help, which has a flow-on effect to adolescence where more complicated conditions can present.In this episode, Professor Jennie Hudson from Black Dog Institute shares her findings on understanding the onset of anxiety and depression in children and teenagers, focusing on correcting the myth that mental health problems begin in adolescence.Joining her on the panel, is Psychiatrist Dr Brenda Heyworth who shares her insights from working with children and teenagers, and by Fiona, a lived experience representative who also discusses the topic from her perspective.Panel Members: -- Professor Jennie Hudson - Director of Research at Black Dog Institute- Dr Brenda Heyworth - Psychiatrist, Educator and Facilitator- Fiona - Lived Experience RepresentativeFacilitator: - - Dr Sarah Barker - Clinical Psychologist

The term dMH (digital mental health) covers a wide range of online resources for mental health care.  This includes, but is not limited to, the CBT-based treatment programs that Australia has led the world in developing.   The scientific evidence is important for practitioner confidence but sometimes our patients and clients want to know about it too. This webinar will make it easier for you to explain why you are recommending an online treatment program. Please join Dr. Jan Orman and Prof Nick Titov, founder of the Mindspot Clinic at Macquarie University, who will discuss the evidence to support online CBT delivery.  They will talk about the evidence to support the use of online mental health treatment programs in general as well as the Mindspot Clinic specifically. Learning outcomes:By the end of the webinar participants will be able to:Describe some of the research that supports the use of online mental health treatment programsDescribe the situations in which they may consider recommending an online programExplain how they would talk to a patient about the evidence base for these programs and the best ways to get benefit from themNick Titov is a Professor of Psychology at Macquarie University.  He is also a Clinical Psychologist and Executive Director of the Australian MindSpot Clinic. MindSpot is a digital psychology service, which provides psychological assessments and treatments to adults across Australia. MindSpot employs mental health professionals to deliver care, it is accredited under the National Safety and Quality Digital Mental Health Standards, and it has been funded by the Australian Government since 2012.Nick has worked on >100 trials of psychological interventions and has published numerous reports of outcomes of digital psychology services in peer reviewed papers including in the Lancet Digital Health. Nick serves on multiple advisory groups to national and international organisations.Dr Jan Orman MBBS MPsychMed is a Sydney GP with a special interest in mental health and psychological medicine. She has a Masters in Psychological Medicine (CBT) from the University of NSW and has combined general practice and specialised work in mental health for over two decades.  Jan has also worked for more than 10 years as a facilitator in Black Dog Institute's Professional Education team. She is currently responsible for developing the content of, and delivering, the GP education programs for the Black Dog Institute's arm of the e-Mental Health in Practice Project.Click here to see the slides

Can engagement with the arts improve children's wellbeing? In this episode, we talk to Dr Diane Macdonald (Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Black Dog Institute/School of Psychiatry, UNSW) about her research on Culture Dose for Kids, an arts engagement program for children and their caregivers that has been designed to improve mental health and wellbeing in children who are experiencing anxiety.Joining on the panel is Art Therapist, Jennifer Blau, and Lucia Barrera, a Culture Dose for Kids parent participant, researcher, and UNSW Scientia PhD Scholar (Mental health and arts-based knowledge creation/translation).Listen to explore the promise of an arts-based intervention for childhood anxiety that highlights the value of the role of community and cultural care in children's mental health and well-being.Panel MembersDr Diane Macdonald - Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Black Dog Institute/School of Psychiatry, UNSW)Jennifer Blau - Art Therapist, Art of WellbeingLucia Barrera - Parent Participant.FacilitatorDr Sarah Barker

To celebrate the 2024 NAIDOC week (7 - 14 July) theme, Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud (www.naidoc.org.au), this Expert Insights session focuses on the enduring wisdom, vitality, and strength in First Nations communities, passed down through generations. We explore the power of cultural healing approaches within suicide prevention, with a particular focus on what works, achievements, and excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suicide prevention.  Listen and learn from the rich contributions and wisdom of First Nations cultural healing approaches, which can be leveraged to promote positive wellbeing for Indigenous communities and beyond. Panel Members· Maddison O'Grady-Lee, Clinical Psychology PhD candidate (UNSW/Black Dog Institute), Dalai Lama Peace Fellow, and winner of The Diana Award· Shannon McNeair, a proud Malgana woman and a Psychologist from McNeair Aboriginal Psychological Services· Uncle Monwell Levi - First Nations Lived Experience Representative Facilitator· Dr Sarah Barker, Clinical Psychologist

Research evidence clearly supports exposure as a key ingredient in first line treatment for anxiety, yet practitioners can be reluctant to use it with children and young people.In this episode, Professor Jennie Hudson from Black Dog Institute will share her research findings on exposure therapy for anxious children and adolescents as part of an app and programs she has developed for them and their caregivers. We will be joined by clinical psychologist, Anna McKinnon, who will share her clinical insights from extensive exposure therapy with children and families over the years about how we can use it effectively and by a lived experience panelist who will share their experience as a caregiver of an anxious young person.Listen to the conversation about the benefits of exposure therapy for anxious children, young people, and their caregivers and about approaches that practitioners can take to successfully introduce and effectively use exposure in order to have the best chance of children and their families achieving lasting, positive outcomes in anxiety management.Panel MembersJennie Hudson – Professor and Director of Research at Black Dog InstituteAnna McKinnon – Clinical PsychologistEmma – Lived Experience RepresentativeFacilitatorDr Sarah Barker, Clinical Psychologist

With the plethora of digital CBT apps and programs available, how do you select one that's effective, safe, and engaging for teens? In this episode, Dr. Aliza Werner-Seidler, Scientia Associate Professor and Head of Population Mental Health at Black Dog Institute, delves into her research on digital cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and its impact on teen mental health. Aliza shares the latest research findings and insights on navigating interventions to ensure they're evidence-based and prioritise the safety of teens' data and privacy, among other considerations. Joining her on the panel is Hazel McKenzie, a psychologist specialising in teen mental health, who discuss how clinicians currently integrate digital CBT into practice. Additionally, Ruby, a teenager serving as a lived experience representative, will offer invaluable perspectives on her firsthand experiences with digital CBT, shedding light on its impact and usability. Panel Members· Dr. Aliza Werner-Seidler - Scientia Associate Professor and Head of Population Mental Health at Black Dog Institute· Hazel McKenzie - Psychologist in private practice· Ruby - Lived Experience Representative Facilitator· Dr Sarah Barker, Clinical Psychologist

How do lengthy mental health service wait times affect service delivery to young people in Australia? In this episode, Bridianne O'Dea, Associate Professor and NHMRC MRFF Investigator at Black Dog Institute, will share her research on wait times for mental health treatment for young people in Australia. Bridi will discuss her research on the impact of long wait times on service provision to young people and upon their coping capacity while they wait. Also on the panel is Anna Ricciardello, psychologist, who will speak to how clinicians are managing lengthy wait times and by Emily, a lived/living experience representative who will share their experience of lengthy wait times while waiting for much needed mental health services. This discussion will focus on the impact of wait times as well as strategies and ideas for how both clinicians and services consumers can respond to this important complex issue. Panel Members· Bridianne O'Dea - Associate Professor and NHMRC MRFF Investigator at Black Dog Institute· Anna Ricciardello - Psychologist in private practice· Emily - Lived Experience RepresentativeFacilitator· Dr Sarah Barker, Clinical Psychologist

The effect of loneliness on mental health: How can we strengthen meaningful connections?Loneliness is a growing community health concern which has been associated with social anxiety and mood concerns as well as physical health complaints and disturbed sleep. End of year rituals and celebrations can serve to exacerbate a sense of loneliness, particularly in socially vulnerable and isolated people who can be more prone to its effects. In this episode, Dr Alexis Whitton (Senior Research Fellow and Clinical Psychologist, Black Dog Institute) will share her research findings on loneliness and mental health. Dr Diana Chan (Clinical Psychologist, Black Dog Institute) and a lived experience panellist will discuss the varied experiences and effects of loneliness, reflecting with Alexis on helpful, practical approaches to strengthen opportunities for meaningful connections and activities. Moderator – Dr Sarah Barker, Clinical PsychologistResearcher – Dr Alexis Whitton, Senior Research Fellow and Clinical Psychologist, Black Dog InstituteClinician – Dr Diana Chan, Clinical Psychologist, Black Dog InstituteLived experience representative - Stephanie

Join us for the conversation! Screens tend to be a regular part of many young people's lives - to connect, play, learn, and to get news and information. To what extent does screen time affect young people's mental health? Dr Sophie Li, Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Clinical Psychologist at the Black Dog Institute will share her research on this topic to help us understand the various nuances of the effect of screen time on young people's wellbeing as well as helpful considerations, and practical approaches we can take to this issue. Dr Li will be joined by a clinician who works with young people and also by a lived experience panellist. This session will be moderated by Dr Sarah Barker.

Mental Health Treatment Adherence: What can clinicians do to support clients and patients to stick to treatment for mental health concerns? Listen to our discussion with Dr Matthew Coleshill (Postdoctoral Fellow, Black Dog Institute) where we will delve into his recent research findings on treatment adherence, particularly regarding how to increase adherence to medication. Professor Sam Harvey (Psychiatrist and Executive Director and Chief Scientist, Black Dog Institute) will also share his experiences of what is helpful from a clinical perspective, and we will also be joined on the panel by the powerful voice of lived experience as to what helps and hinders adherence to treatment. Moderator – Dr Sarah Barker, Clinical PsychologistResearcher - Dr Matthew Coleshill, Postdoctoral Fellow, Black Dog InstituteClinician - Professor Sam Harvey, Psychiatrist and Executive Director and Chief Scientist, Black Dog InstituteLived experience representative – Cass.

In this episode, Black Dog Institute researcher Dr Chloe Watfern, will share her findings about the links between climatic change and climate distress, with research informed by her personal responses to climate crises. She will also be joined by Dr Charles Le Feuvre and a lived experience representative who will discuss the impact of climate change on individual and community wellbeing; collective, creative, and meaning-focused approaches to coping with climate distress and how clinicians, communities, and others can effectively support those experiencing climate distress.Panel members: Dr Chloe Watfern – Post Doctorate Fellow, Black Dog Institute. Dr Charles Le Feuvre – Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist, Psychology for Safe Climate. Karla – Lived experience representative. ModeratorDr Sarah Barker -Clinical Psychologist and facilitator with the Black Dog Institute

To celebrate the 2023 NAIDOC Week theme, ‘For Our Elders', this Expert Insights episode will look at the vital role that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders play, and have played for generations, in guiding communities and families through everyday life right through to broader national advocacy and activism across a plethora of sectors. It will explore the role Elders have in sharing culture and cultural knowledge and the positive influence of this on community, family and individual social and emotional wellbeing. Join our panel discussion to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' history, cultures, strengths, and accomplishments in the lead up to the NAIDOC Week celebrations. Panel:Researcher – Clinical Psychology PhD Candidate (Black Dog Institute & UNSW) and Dalai Lama Peace Fellow, Maddison O'Gradey-LeeClinician - Peer Support Worker for Cape and Torres Hospital and Health Service, Anthony GeaGeaElder and Lived Experience Representative – Uncle Joe MillerModerator – Dr Sarah Barker, Clinical Psychologist

In this Expert Insights session, we share recent research findings about the concerning rates of mental health concerns and burnout in Australian teachers as well as considerations for improving teacher mental health and well-being and teacher attrition.Teachers' mental health and teacher burnout have long been concerns, and these have been significantly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has placed further pressure on teachers, with serious consequences for their well-being. Consequently, we are now seeing a significant increase nationally in the number of teachers leaving, or considering leaving this vital profession. Join us for a conversation exploring the factors leading to poor mental health and burnout in teachers as well as effective, practical strategies for preventing and managing burnout in educators in the face of growing workload and role expectations within the increasingly complex and dynamic nature of schools.Panellists: Scientia Associate Professor Aliza Werner-Seidler, NHMRC Emerging Leader Fellow and Clinical Psychologist, Black Dog InstituteMorgana Walker, Director and Psychologist from Morgana Walker and Associates and Bee Kind PsychologyLiz, Lived Experience RepresentativeModerator, Dr Sarah Barker, Clinical Psychologist and Facilitator with the Black Dog Institute

This Expert Insights session will focus on the social and emotional wellbeing of First Nations Peoples as a result of discussions surrounding The Voice to Parliament. Discussions and media about The Voice to Parliament are a regular phenomenon in the lead-up to the referendum later this year. What is the effect of these conversations and reports on the social and emotional well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people? This Expert Insights panel considers this question, exploring what practitioners can do to increase their awareness of issues and distress that dialogue, discourse, and debate about The Voice to Parliament may give rise to in Indigenous peoples as well as to ways to tune into the various ways that these responses may present. Join us to hear about some of the considerations we can open our minds and hearts to in conversations about The Voice to Parliament with First Nations peoples.Panelist: Dr Clinton Schultz: Gamilaroi man and Director of First Nations Strategy and Partnerships at Black Dog Institute Dr Shannon Springer: Associate Professor, First Peoples Health Stream, School of Medicine, Griffith University), our clinician. Michelle: Lived experience representative. Moderator:Dr Sarah Barker: Clinical Psychologist and facilitator with the Black Dog Institute

This Expert Insights session will focus on men's mental health and the rise in international male suicide rates.  Dr Zac Seidler will share his research on men's mental health which has looked at shifting how we understand, approach, respond to, and treat men's distress by creating mental health services and therapeutic approaches that specifically take masculinity into account. Our conversation will explore the perspective and insights from the voice of lived experience as well as of those of a clinician who works closely with men. Join us for a conversation about ways to better understand and respond to men's distress so that together we can enhance mental health in men.Panellists:Zac Seidler: Senior Research Fellow at Orygen - University of Melbourne, Director of Mental Health Training at Movember, Honorary Research Fellow at Black Dog Institute, Clinical Psychologist.Anna Ricciardello: PsychologistChris: Lived Experience RepresentativeModeratorDr Sarah Barker: Clinical Psychologist

Ways to recognize, prevent, and manage burnout have been on the minds of many health professionals, particularly over the past few years. Black Dog Institute has developed a free, evidence-based resource called The Essential Network (TEN) in response to research on burnout in healthcare workers to address this issue. This Expert Insights session explores the findings of Black Dog Institute's research on burnout and the TEN service, the potential benefits of TEN, and we also hear first-hand perspectives on burnout from a supervisor of health professionals and from BDI's Lead researcher on the TEN program.PanelistsJodie Wassner: Developmental Psychologist, Curious Kids.Matthew Coleshill: Postdoctoral Fellow, Black Dog Institute. ModeratorDr Sarah Barker: Clinical Psychologist

Black Dog Institute's recent report, Turning the Tide on Depression: A journey that starts with Australia's youth, has tracked an alarming rise in depression and depressive symptoms in Australia's youth, especially among girls and young women. This Expert Insights session will explore the research behind the report with a focus on the socioeconomic factors at play. It also looks at the role of sex hormones and how they may contribute to the vulnerability of women and girls in internalising disorders. Our panellists will propose innovative interventions, more inclusive social policies and treatment/research protocols to reduce prevalence rates of mental health disorders for women and girls. 

Can participation in arts program improve wellbeing? This question was explored in several major projects by Professor Katherine Boydell in partnership with the Australian Gallery of New South Wales. This Expert Insights panel session explores the research findings and ongoing studies that explore the therapeutic effect of art on mental health. It discusses the important elements that target mental health in art programs, and how we can use these findings and apply them in practice across a range of age groups. Panelists;Katherine Boydell: Professor of Mental Health at the Black Dog InstituteDanielle Gullotta: Senior Access Programs ProducerTEmma: Lived Experience RepresentativeFacilitator: Dr Carol Newall: Clinical Psychologist

Exercise is a neglected area for intervention in mood and anxiety disorders, yet the evidence is unequivocal in terms of benefit to mental health.This Expert Insights panel session examines some of the predictors of poor implementation in the clinical space, and what practitioners can do to overcome these barriers to exercise. We also focus on some of the major benefits as well as emerging innovations in wellbeing and exercise.PanelSimon Rosenbaum: Scientia Associate Professor, UNSW Sydney; President, Australasian Society for Traumatic Stress StudiesAlexander Svenson: Clinical Psychologist at the Black Dog InstituteCaroline Bellenger: Lived Experience RepresentativeFacilitated by: Carol Newall, Clinical Psychologist, Black Dog InstituteRecording and sound production: Nathan BellVoiceover: Cameron Banks, Black Dog Institute

Adolescence can be a period of significant sleep disruptions and can contribute to excessive tiredness and family conflict.This Expert Insights session covers sleep changes during this developmental period. We discuss established as well as emerging interventions for sleep. There is also a focus on working with families/caregivers, the use of digital technology, and working with or around demanding school schedules to improve adolescent sleep.Panelists:Dr Amanda Gamble - Clinical Psychologist Dr Sophie Li -  Clinical Psychologist and Researcher at Black Dog Institute Stephanie - Lived Experience RepresentativeDr Carol Newall - Clinical Psychologist and facilitatorNathan Bell - Recording and sound productionCameron Banks - Voiceover

Exposure therapy is a core component of treatment in childhood anxiety disorders. However, research findings suggest that most clinicians in the real-world (not part of research clinics) do not use it in treatment. This podcasts addresses the efficacy of exposure therapy in children with anxiety disorders and the barriers to implementation in everyday clinical practice. Moreover, the panel will also introduce strategies for effective delivery of this gold standard treatment to children, families, and schools. PanelistsAnna McKinnon - Registered Clinical Psychologist Gemma Sicouri - Dr Gemma Sicouri, Senior Research Associate and Clinical PsychologistDr Carol Newall - Clinical Psychologist and facilitatorNathan Bell - Recording and sound productionCameron Banks - Voiceover 

Over the last few years we have seen bushfires, floods, and persistent storms that have affected entire communities. The immediate effect is often shock and longer term, many experience anxiety and fear around disasters happening again.This Expert Insights explores the research findings on natural disasters and the short and longer-term impact on wellbeing. Moreover, we discuss best practice for supporting communities and individuals recovering from natural disasters, and the resources for mental health practitioners in these communities.PanelistsAnita Savic: Acting Director, Disaster and Public Health Emergencies at Phoenix AustraliaAmy Joscelyne: Clinical Psychologist at the Black Dog InstituteMelissa: Lived Experience RepresentativeDr Carol Newall - Clinical Psychologist and facilitatorNathan Bell - Recording and sound productionCameron Banks - Voiceover

Managing suicidal risk in adolescents presents unique challenges for clinicians. Building and maintaining trust with young people is crucial to providing effective care yet it needs to be balanced with keeping the patient safe which may need to include disclosure to caregivers. Join our first Expert Insights of 2022 as we discuss the challenges, strategies, and research findings in managing suicidal risk in adolescents.Panelists:Dr Michelle Tye - Senior Research Fellow at the Black Dog InstituteDr Nicola Holmes – GP at Headspace and Training Facilitator at the Black Dog InstituteMitch - Lived Experience RepresentativeDr Carol Newall - Clinical Psychologist and facilitatorNathan Bell - Recording and sound productionCameron Banks - Voiceover

The festive season is a time of celebration but it can also be a period of high stress for those of us working in mental health. The festive season can mean preparing for the shutdown of a private clinic whilst ensuring that our clients are well-supported in our absence. It can also mean managing higher rates of grief, trauma, and isolation in our client sessions. This Christmas period may be particularly challenging following a difficult two years of living with the uncertainties of COVID and, the anniversary of the 2019/20 bushfires.This Expert Insights panel session discusses the challenge this festive season presents us with plus tips, insights and resources to prepare for the holiday period as a mental health practitioner.PanelistsMelissa Black – Clinical Psychologist and Researcher at the Black Dog InstituteChris Basten - Principal Clinical Psychologist at Basten PsychologyCassandra - Lived Experience RepresentativeDr Carol Newall - Clinical Psychologist and facilitatorNathan Bell - Recording and sound productionCameron Banks - Voiceover

Will the future of psychological therapy combine the best of digital interventions with clinician expertise? A growing body of evidence in this space indicates that when used well, digital interventions in conjunction with therapy can enhance patient progress and maintain treatment momentum between sessions. This Expert Insights session explores the benefits of this latest innovation and the research underway for mental health challenges that may be especially suited to a blended approach (e.g., social anxiety).  Panelists:Dr Jill Newby - Clinical Psychologist and Training Facilitator at Black Dog InstituteDr Alison Mahoney – Senior Clinical Psychologist at THIS WAY UPBreanna - Lived Experience RepresentativeFacilitator - Dr Carol Newall: Clinical PsychologistRecording and sound production - Nathan BellVoiceover - Cameron Banks, Black Dog Institute

Repetitive negative thinking is present across a range of disorders but rarely addressed in treatment. This Expert Insights session explores the fundamental features of rumination and worry and its impact on a range of disorders. We also discuss some of the latest innovations in treating this trans-diagnostic symptom with our panel of experts.PanelistsElliot - Lived Experience RepresentativeProfessor Michelle Moulds - School of Psychology at UNSWNisha Sethi - Clinical Psychologist Dr Carol Newall - FacilitatorRecording and sound production - Nathan BellVoiceover - Cameron Banks, Black Dog Institute

Beginning and maintaining a conversation about mental health with a young person can be challenging. Building a connection, understanding their complex needs, unique experiences, and the challenges they face as a young person can lead to an effective conversation about their wellbeing.This Expert Insights session discusses effective and compassionate strategies for how to raise that conversation, how to sustain it, and finally, how to encourage help-seeking in young people.PanelistsRosie - Lived Experience RepresentativeDr Sarah Barker - Clinical Psychologist and Training Facilitator at Black Dog InstituteDr Sophie Li – Clinical Psychologist and Researcher at Black Dog InstituteDr Carol Newall - FacilitatorRecording and sound production - Nathan BellVoiceover - Cameron Banks, Black Dog Institute

The 2021 NAIDOC week theme is Heal Country, heal our nation. Incorporated into this theme is the concept that Country is inherent to identity and that it is more than a place; it sustains lives in every aspect - spiritually, physically, emotionally, socially, and culturally. As health professionals, our understanding of Country and its connection to the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders is crucial to our ability to connect with and to provide appropriate for these patients.   Listen in on this Expert Insights session as we discuss the notion of Country, the importance of social and emotional wellbeing and the impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders wellbeing when these things are unbalanced. We also discuss resources and tools you can use in your practice and, we'll talk about what meaningful change in this area may look like. PanelistsVicki McKenna - Head of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Network at Black Dog Institute and Lived Experience RepresentativeDavid Edwards - Co-Director WellMob Aboriginal Mental Health project at University of SydneyLeilani Darwin - Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy at Black Dog InstituteDr Carol Newall - FacilitatorRecording and sound production - Nathan BellVoiceover - Cameron Banks, Black Dog Institute

Medical professionals face significant challenges when they are experiencing an episode of mental illness. Their doctors play a dual role as both the health provider and colleague who could report to the medical board and affect another health provider’s capacity to practice. This can hinder help-seeking in health providers, increase stigma, and delay early intervention. Continue reading "Disclosure of Mental Illness in Medical Practitioners – Demystifying Fears about Professional Impacts – Expert Insights for Health Professionals"

Australia’s emergency service workers keep our communities safe. Encountering unprecedented levels of emotional distress when responding to crises is part of the job. While for most people the distress will only last a few days or weeks, some will go on to develop mental health issues. Learning more about the impacts of trauma, skills toContinue reading "The Trauma of Emergency Service Workers – Expert Insights for Health Professionals"

Most of us have been faced with a patient who is not responding to standard treatments for depression. What can we do to support these patients?  TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) and Ketamine have a growing body of research which indicate that they can be successful in the treatment of depression with many patients showing positive results.  ThisContinue reading "Using TMS and Ketamine to Treat Depression – Expert Insights for Health Professionals"

In Australia, suicide rates have continued to rise over the last decade. Now, COVID-19 and the recent bushfire season has led to unexpected social and economic disruption and devastating impacts on the psychological health of Australians. Research and lived experience evidence tell us that suicidal behaviours are complex and can be shaped by the social, economic,Continue reading "Social Determinants of Suicide: Evidence and impact – Expert Insights for Health Professionals"

This Expert Insights session explores the differences and similarities between therapeutic frameworks with a focus on CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Schema Therapy. It also discusses the application of these frameworks and their efficacy for specific disorders.  Facilitated by Dr Carol Newall Panel Members – Hayden: Lived Experience Representative – Melissa Black: ClinicalContinue reading "Therapeutic frameworks explained – ACT, CBT and Schema Therapy – Expert Insights for Health Professionals"

This podcast showcases a world first research project (Future Proofing) at the Black Dog Institute, taking on the challenges of implementing a universal prevention intervention program for adolescent school students. Can a focus on prevention strategies during adolescence be the key to reducing the prevalence of mental health disorders later in life? What are theContinue reading "Prevention of Mental Illness in Adolescents – Expert Insights for Health Professionals"

COVID-19 is having a great impact on us all in terms of the way we live our lives including our ability to travel to and access treatment. As a result, online programs may become a treatment of choice for many patients.  This 60-minute expert panel session takes a deep dive into the emerging area ofContinue reading "Online CBT Programs – Treatment Options during COVID-19"

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 resourcesContinue reading "Exploring Vulnerabilities And Barriers To Help Seeking For Health Care Workers"

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. On theContinue reading "Understanding youth wellbeing during COVID-19"

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 theContinue reading "Longer-Term Care After the Bushfires"

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,Continue reading "Care After an Attempt"

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 2Continue reading "Bipolar 2"

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 InsightsContinue reading "Science of the Mind Body Connection"

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 dualContinue reading "Cannabis and Mental Health"

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 howContinue reading "Diabetes Distress"

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 togetherContinue reading "School and Mental Health"

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 impactContinue reading "Panic, Agoraphobia, GAD or Separation Anxiety?"

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 andContinue reading "Chronic Pain"

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 theContinue reading "Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults"

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 correspondingContinue reading "Working with Values in Clinical Practice"

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 asylumContinue reading "Asylum Seeker and Refugee Mental Health"