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My name is Julie. I'm a mum of a beautiful daughter and have been working in the mental health field for 21 years. Oh, and by the way, I've had obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) since I was five years old. My life was a living hell before I received...
Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is a term bandied around a lot these days – ‘that’s so OCD’ or ‘when it comes to cleanliness I’m so OCD’ - but do we really know what it means? When we think about OCD we might bring to mind the eccentric...
since childhood. http://www.abc.net.au/news/programs/the-link/2017-05-19/lily-bailey-lives-with-severe-ocd/8543068 Ellen's OCD blog 'if you're wondering whether or not you're worthy of seeking help for whatever you might be struggling with right now…you...
For SANE Peer Ambassador Bron, the pandemic caused her contamination fears to increase significantly. Marking OCD Awareness Week, Bron shares some of her hard work to connect, get support and give herself a break during this challenging time. What is...
You might have seen Tim on ABC’s You Can’t Ask That sharing his experiences of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Here, he gives even more insight into living with OCD, the symptoms people don’t see and how acceptance gives him strength. As somebody...
Obsessive compulsive disorder tells lies which disguise themselves as truths. These lies add to the distress that obsessions cause, but once we are able to realise they aren't true, it makes dealing with OCD much easier. Here are some of the lies OCD...
Awareness of Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is certainly growing. The term is now commonplace in the Australian vernacular and characters with the disorder are regularly depicted on television and in the movies. But do these adjectives,...
In SANE's COVID mental health series, Bronwyn reflects on life with OCD. She offers some tips to help lower anxiety and cope in these challenging times. Living with a diagnosis of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) means everyday life is often a...
What is obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)? SANE spoke to Tim Hillier about his experience of OCD, the symptoms he encounters and his advice for others diagnosed with the disorder. I've had obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) since I was...
SANE's StigmaWatch recently received a complaint that a major retailer was selling a mug that said "I have OCD – Obsessive Christmas Disorder". Not only does this trivialise a complex mental health condition and the people who live with it,...
In SANE's COVID-19 mental health series, SANE staffer, Bronwyn reflects on life during the Melbourne lockdown and shares ways in which she is navigating her way through these challenging times. Back in March 2020, I wrote a piece describing what it was...
Peer Support played a key role in the early stages of my mental health recovery in a couple of ways. I was diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) at the age of 21, however, I never spoke to my family and friends about my symptoms. Apart...
Tim is a SANE Peer Ambassador who is used to speaking up about living with complex mental health issues. Together with ANZ co-worker Rav, they’ve created a fundraiser that is starting important workplace conversations around mental health. Why do you...
Bushfire trauma can have a profound impact on existing mental health issues. Finding the right support is key to getting through disaster recovery and bushfire anniversaries. The town of Wolumla, on the New South Wales south coast is a small village...
Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia, on average one in four people will experience the illness at some stage in their life. Yet a common myth is that anxiety disorders are rare. Despite the prevalence there are many myths...
It’s been nearly three years since I lost my mind. I had told people in the past that I’d lost my mind, but I didn’t know what I was talking about. For instance, I’d once danced on stage with the Flaming Lips while wearing a giant furry koala suit. I...
Stigma is defined as a mark of disgrace that sets a person apart from others. It can occur due to misunderstanding as well as prejudice. For people living with mental illness, stigma can lead to a lack of support or compassion, leaving them feeling...
From singing alongside acrobats, community and acceptance, to improvement in mental health symptoms, Niall and Jenni chat about the empowerment that comes from ‘finding their voice’ in Voices of Frankston. What drew you to being part of a choir? NIALL:...
It's a sad reality that people living with a complex mental health issue will hear inappropriate comments, sometimes at a time when they are struggling. A glib, flippant or offhand comment – whether born of ignorance, awkwardness, or arrogance – can...
How do people know when something's not right and they should seek psychological help? Are there common warning signs that suggest oncoming symptoms of mental illness? The answer is yes, but sadly the signs aren't always obvious to the person...
Every day, more than one million Australians live with a psychosocial disability - a term that refers to the impact of a complex mental health condition on a person’s capacity to function in daily life. However, a recent national report from the...
What advice would a man give other men who are experiencing mental health issues? And how can family or friends support? Five SANE Peer Ambassadors share their tips. Advice for men, from men, who know what it's like to live with and manage a mental...
It can be a shock, or it can be a relief. It can be accurate, or it can be incorrect. It can be sought, or it can be forced upon you. It can open the door to better mental health, or it can represent the start of a long hard struggle. Just like the...
In SANE's COVID mental health series, SANE counsellor Tanya talks about the pandemic's impact on people living with complex mental health issues. She shares her tips on how to care for ourselves and others. The COVID crisis is an unprecedented...
From poet and violinist, to hockey player and advocate, Sandy Jeffs OAM is also one of SANE’s longest serving Peer Ambassadors, sharing her experience of living with schizophrenia for 45 years to shape public policy and help others. This Schizophrenia...
Are you worried about yourself or someone else? Check out our factsheets and guides to learn about mental health and what helps. If you’re feeling alone, read stories from real people who’ve been there. Finding out more gives you the confidence to take...