The SANE Blog

Engaging in meaningful work is an important part of many people’s lives, including those living with schizophrenia. Many people with schizophrenia can absolutely find a job and thrive in the workplace, and work across a variety of industries and positions. This is especially the case when they have the right supports in place. 

Holly, SANE Peer Ambassador

If you've seen people diagnosed with bipolar disorder on the news, or in a movie, you might have an idea of what bipolar disorder involves. But did you know that there are different types of bipolar disorder, and it affects people in different ways? 

This World Bipolar Day (March 30 2023), we’re focusing on the unique experiences of three people living with bipolar disorder – Matt, Holly and Alice. We talked to them about what they think is important for people to know about bipolar disorder. 

Five myths about social anxiety

If you have social anxiety, you know what it feels like to experience intense anxiety in social situations. It can involve a fear of judgement or embarrassment and can sometimes result in you avoiding social situations altogether.  

While it’s quite common (around 7 per cent of Australians have experienced social anxiety in the past 12 months), there are a lot of myths surrounding it. Debunking these myths is important, so that they don’t create stigma and self-stigma, or prevent people from seeking help.  

Here are five myths about social anxiety – and the facts that prove them wrong.  

The last few decades have seen the world become a better for women and girls but there is still much work to be done when it comes to mental health.

When it comes to women’s health and wellbeing, we’ve come a long way with increased awareness and action addressing some of the main issues that are impacting Australian women and girls.

Unfortunately, one area where we’ve not seen significant positive gains is in mental health.

The recent National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing shows women are more likely to report mental health issues than men. For some conditions such as anxiety, PTSD and disordered eating, women are significantly more impacted, and these concerning statistics extend across women of all ages and all backgrounds.

SANE Peer Ambassador Jeanette is celebrating Pride year-round while honouring her mental health.

Rikki, Content and Communications Coordinator at SANE, writes about her experience of postnatal anxiety and why the mental health system worked for her when so often it doesn't for others.

Like many others, Jynx learned they had attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (or ADHD) as an adult. Their new diagnosis and getting connected with others who have ADHD helped them understand they are simply 'wired differently'.

Did you know that a whopping 80% of the Australian population use social media? On one hand, this is great news, as more people can connect, be entertained, and get informed at any time, day or night.  

On the other hand, social media isn’t all positive. It has its risks, including the potential to increase mental health symptoms because of overuse or online hostility.  

Are you one of the many Australians at home with COVID-19? Whether the symptoms are keeping you in bed or you are self-isolating to protect others, you probably already know that managing your physical and mental health at this time can be challenging.

It can be hard seeing family over the holidays when relationships are strained. In part two of our series on estrangement and the holidays, SANE Peer Support Worker JD has some tips on dealing with challenging family events.