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As we wrap up 2024 and prepare to step into a new year, it’s the perfect time to hit “pause” and reflect on the most important lessons we’ve learned. And this year, the theme seems pretty clear: Self-care isn’t just for spa days, health is the real wealth, and community is

The Essence of Closeness Being close to others is a vital aspect of our survival. Acts of kindness and activities of connection fuel the fire of closeness. But to actively be close to others is our superpower. We can change someone’s trajectory in traumatic events simply by sitting with them

The cost of living, or “cozzie livs” as it’s called in 2024, presents challenges that go beyond financial strain, particularly when it comes to accessing essential needs like healthcare and medications. As we strive to balance life amidst the rising cost of living, the impacts of tightening purse strings can

CARE4MH is thrilled to introduce an innovative service that reflects our commitment to advancing mental health care within the Mackay region – the Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Clinic, set to commence in 2024. The CARE4MH Nurse Practitioner (NP) Rhonda, will be providing comprehensive and specialised care for individuals with acute

In the fast-paced world we inhabit, the significance of prioritising mental health and well-being cannot be overstated. By incorporating practices that engage the senses, promote grounding, and facilitate relaxation you can better cope with the chaos of life. Recognising the signs of burnout is equally crucial, as it allows us

Love: It’s the elusive treasure we all seek. But what does a healthy relationship look like, and how do we know when to say those three magical words “I love you”. The timing of dropping the “L” bomb in a new relationship is like baking a soufflé; too soon and it might

It’s been quite a while since I updated you all on my latest adventures and future life plans. I’ve been doing fabulously well, my training is progressing nicely and I really can’t wait to get out there and start doing some work with the CARE4MH Team. My manners are pretty

Boundaries – we’ve all heard about them, but what are they really? Imagine your personal forcefield against life’s chaos, something like an invisible fence for your mental and emotional wellbeing. Tell me more you say? Let’s explore what maintaining healthy boundaries can do for you and how psychological therapy can

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980’s. The name “Pomodoro” is derived from the Italian word for “tomato”, as Cirillo used a tomato-shaped kitchen timer during his university studies. This technique has since gained popularity as a widely used time management

Burnout – it’s like the boogeyman of the workplace and our personal lives. Sneaking in when you least expect it, it can rob you of your motivation, energy, and mental wellbeing. But fret not; let’s shine a light on this shadowy nemesis and discuss how to recognise, prevent, and recover

Validation is a simple tool that can support us to connect with our inner self and improve our connection with others. When we feel validated we feel worthy and have a sense of identity. 

It’s all over social media at the moment so what really is ADHD? Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can bring unique challenges to maintaining healthy relationships and employment. However with the right interventions, individuals with adult ADHD can overcome these hurdles and thrive. ADHD is not a disease or disorder

“I’ve never really been on the other side of the healthcare system until recently. My daughter had multiple stays in hospital and underwent numerous investigations while waiting for a diagnosis and treatment plan. I watched my baby girl for three months in constant pain which left me feeling helpless.  As

Have you found a mantra, saying or a quote that resonates with you? A go-to positive affirmation may help turn around some of those negative self thoughts into healthy self talk. How about setting 2023 up with a slogan that you can use when things get a bit tough?Here’s some

Negative self talk can be as insidious as the office gossip or the school yard bully! Negative thoughts about self impact on your mood and exacerbate symptoms of anxiety. When working with clients we reinforce the importance of being kind to yourself. This includes not only doing something each day

The Adventures of Poppy ​Just wanting to catch everyone up on what I’ve been doing since moving from Taroom to become an integral part of the CARE4MH team in Mackay. Well, life has been busy! I’m learning so many new and exciting things as well as experiencing some important necessities.

Contact the CARE4MH team today to make an appointment!

The Adventures of Poppy Hi there! My name is Poppy and I’m the newest team member at CARE4MH. I’m a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and I’m 10 weeks old. Obviously I’m the cutest member of the team with my big brown eyes and cute little nose. I’ve come all the

Receiving a diagnosis of mental illness, cognitive decline or a neurobehavioral disorder for yourself or a loved one is confronting. It can be life changing for some, but for others it offers some relief and explanation. As health professionals we need to remain mindful that we’re looking at the entire person

Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant and is also the the most widely taken psychoactive stimulant in the world. The drug caffeine increases the activity in your brain which is why we use it to get a lift in alertness and energy.  This sounds great! But there is a BUT.

The Care4MH team have a passion for providing care to the older person. Our clinicians, Clare and Rhonda, spend the majority of their clinical hours visiting residents living in aged care facilities and supporting them and their families to come to terms with the often difficult life-stage transition. We’re frequently

High levels of stress and anxiety can increase the volume of the amygdala, but fear not these changes are reversible. Here’s the low down on the amygdala and why yours may be a little larger from time to time (not that you’ll know unless you have an MRI). Please don’t

Like oxygen, food and water, sleep is essential to survive. Sleep is the body’s rest cycle marked when a person becomes physically inactive and unaware of their surrounding environment. In order to get that extra bit of work done we often sacrifice our sleep time. This leads to less energy through

Dealing with uncertainty can leave you feeling exhausted. Remember to take care of yourself so you can better manage life’s challenges. There’s some great information in our previous posts on daily self care activities, easy lifestyle adjustments and ways to get better sleep. All of these self care tips help

So what is brain fog? It can be described as mental fatigue and depending on the severity, it can interfere with work, school and other daily functioning. Brain fog itself isn’t a medical condition but rather a symptom of other medical conditions such as anxiety and depression. Symptoms of brain

Is tobacco use such a bad habit? Newsflash! Smoking is not just a habit. There’s a lot more to it than changing a habit. Have you ever tried to quit smoking? Most Australian smokers want to quit but aren’t successful. But here’s the scoop; struggling to stop or reduce smoking

Do you feel like you’re running on empty? Are you caring for everyone else or working too hard that you have forgotten about yourself? If this sounds like you you’re not alone. Prioritising your own wellbeing with daily self care activities will allow you to develop resilience to better cope