Accessibility Tools

  • Content scaling 100%
  • Font size 100%
  • Line height 100%
  • Letter spacing 100%

The SANE Blog

New Year's resolutions: recovery goals and new habits for mental wellbeing

New-Years-Resolutions-Blog-Banner

As we step into a new year, many of us take the time to reflect on the past and think about how we can create positive change in our lives. For those on a mental health recovery journey, the new year can be an ideal moment to set meaningful goals and establish habits that nurture wellbeing.

However, the pressure to make big, sweeping resolutions can feel overwhelming. It's important to remember that everyone’s recovery journey is different, and resolutions don’t have to be about reaching ‘full recovery’ or aiming for the impossible - they’re about taking small, positive steps along the way.

As highlighted in my article last year on Adapting to the New Year and Managing the Mental Load, adjusting your expectations and focusing on small, realistic steps can help lighten the mental burden.

Importance of Setting Recovery Goals

Setting goals is an empowering process. Whether big or small, goals provide direction, a sense of accomplishment, and improve overall wellbeing. Recovery from mental health challenges is rarely a linear journey, and the path will look different for everyone. What’s critical is that each person sets goals that are relevant to their own needs, progress, and state of mind.

Recovery goals aren’t about a distant, often unrealistic vision of achieving a “cure.” They’re about setting practical steps that move you forward in a sustainable way, focusing on your strengths to create a satisfying and fulfilling life. Some days, the goal might be getting out of bed and getting dressed, while on other days, you might aim to take a walk around the block or engage in a social activity. Every small victory counts.

Read more
    
0

Psychosocial disability and barriers to NDIS access: how SANE can bridge the gap

Psychosocial-Disability-and-Barriers-to-NDIS-Blog-Banner

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 Department of Health and Aged Care highlighted a troubling issue. Nearly 500,000 Australians are missing out on the critical benefits of psychosocial support. This gap exists largely because the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) which is designed to provide these supports, often makes it difficult for people with psychosocial disabilities to access the scheme.

December 3 is a timely occasion to acknowledge this issue in view of International Day of People with Disability. This post explores what psychosocial disability is, how psychosocial support can help, barriers to accessing the NDIS, and how innovative digital psychosocial support services like those offered by SANE can assist in bridging the gap.

What is Psychosocial Disability?

Psychosocial disability refers to the functional challenges that people experience due to a complex mental health condition. These conditions include:

Psychosocial disability can affect various aspects of life which include:

Read more
    
1

Finding hope in community: the role of peer support in recovery

Finding hope in community: the role of peer support in recovery
Tim Hillier Profile

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 from my psychiatrist, I didn’t talk about my OCD to anybody.

At the age of 29, I became increasingly depressed and was diagnosed with co-morbid Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), leading to a long period out of the workforce.

It was at this time I began connecting with others living with OCD via online forums and attending an in-person support group each fortnight. I also became part of the SANE Peer Ambassador program. Meeting people who lived with OCD and understood was not only very comforting, but it also validated my experiences.

Talking about my OCD with my peers gave me the confidence to discuss symptoms with my parents, friendship group and employer. This was the key step that helped my depression lift, and eventually I got back to work.

Peer support still plays a big part in helping to manage my OCD. It often works to complement/enhance ongoing professional treatment.

Read more
    
0

SANE WELCOMES RELEASE OF DRAFT NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION STRATEGY

SANE supports Tuesday’s release from the National Suicide Prevention Office (NSPO) draft Advice on the National Suicide Prevention Strategy which proposes a fundamental change in the way we think and act on suicide prevention, highlighting the emphasis on accessible digital interventions, peer support and reduction in stigma.

Read more
    
0

Women's Health Week: Jenny’s Journey of Finding Strength in Support

WHW-Jenny-blog-banner

For Jenny, managing mental health has been a journey marked by resilience, self-discovery, and the power of a strong support network. As we reflect on Women's Health Week, Jenny’s story offers valuable lessons on how building and nurturing connections can empower women to thrive despite the challenges they face.

Read more
    
0

Women's Health Week: Lisa’s Story of Resilience and the Power of Support

WHW-Lisa-blog-banner

As we mark Women’s Health Week, Lisa’s journey reminds us of the profound impact a strong support network can have on mental health. Lisa, a mother, advocate, and fierce supporter of mental health awareness, has faced immense challenges, yet she continues to thrive through the power of connection and community. 

Read more
    
0

Dean's journey: from homelessness to hope

Deans-story-blog-banner

Homelessness can happen to anyone, and for dean, it was a journey that tested his resilience and strength.

Read more
    
0

Advocacy update from SANE CEO Rachel Green

Screenshot-2024-07-04-at-3.34.21PM

I was proud to represent the SANE community at a special roundtable held at Parliament House yesterday to share our thoughts on the challenges currently experienced by individuals and carers with complex mental health needs.

Read more
    
0

Understanding and supporting people living with PTSD

Screenshot-2024-06-27-at-10.59.18AM

June 27 is PTSD Awareness Day, a day to acknowledge a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a complex mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. Despite its prevalence, PTSD is often misunderstood, and many who suffer from it do so in silence. This article details several key aspects of PTSD, aiming to increase understanding and support for those affected.

Read more
    
0

Global Wellness Day: A Focus on Mental Health Awareness and Wellbeing

Screenshot-2024-06-07-at-12.07.32PM

Global Wellness Day in June each year serves as a reminder of the importance of overall wellbeing. While physical health often takes the spotlight, mental health advocacy needs equal attention because it encourages individuals to recognise the value of mental wellbeing, understand an array of mental health issues, and seek help when needed. This post delves into why mental health awareness is vital and how you can protect your own mental health. 

Read more
    
0

Popular blogs

Follow the blog

Stay in touch

Never miss an important update from SANE.

Please let us know your first name.
Please let us know your last name.
Please let us know your email address.

Please select at least one newsletter