Advertsing feature
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
As a practicing clinical psychologist, author, app developer, wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend and colleague, it looks like I have it all down pat. This is the reality of the new age woman – the dedicated and efficient working mum. The daily balance of all the external demands of life are all covered. But are they really?
The stress that life generally brings is hard enough in today’s world as the demands of the external environment keep appearing to rise. Life is hard enough without the unpredictable change of circumstances, accidents, trauma, or misfortunes that are thrown at all of us at various times. So what happens when the one that “has it covered” needs support? Who cares for the one that cares the most?
I am a huge advocate for all women having the access to regular periods of reflection. The time to reflect on the internal content of our world cannot and should not be neglected when we are exposed to so many external demands in our lives.
This advertising feature is sponsored by the following businesses. Click on the links to learn more:
- Anytime Fitness
- My Psy Diary (Dr. Amanda Commons Treloar, psychologist)
- Chemist Warehouse
- Curves Wendouree
When I assess a new client who is presenting with anxiety or depression, it’s common to hear stories of gradual exposure to more and more “typical” life demands until the stress becomes too much. The emerging panic and anxiety, or overwhelming feelings of hopelessness and helplessness sets in. If only they had visited their doctor earlier for a referral before the change in confidence and the lowering of mood worsened to the point that they’re now experiencing depression or anxiety.
With the increased recognition of mental health issues in our community, and continued media focus on the signs and symptoms, rates, and treatment options for mental illness, we are becoming more aware and open to the use of psychological therapy. It should also be used as an earlier intervention for stress management – providing care for the one who usually cares for others, before she can no longer care anymore. But to identify the early warning signs of developing mental illness, we need to reflect on how we feel each and every day; pause and consider how we’re managing.
What’s important to remember is that we can more simply manage periods of sadness, anger or anxiousness if we recognise their occurrence in the moment they are happening. Strategies such as abdominal breathing control can help manage panic attacks, but breathing control is also an easy strategy to use when feeling a little overwhelmed. Three minutes of reflection and relaxation at the end of each day can make a difference.
Dr. Amanda Commons Treloar is a clinical psychologist and creator of the new psychological app called MyPsyDiary. For more details visit www.mypsydiary.com