As we approach the middle of the year and the days are colder and the darkness comes sooner, it is increasingly important to find light and comfort – physically and emotionally. Remember Athenies Angels is here to help you in your struggles and your search for wellbeing. We want to answer your questions, increase your knowledge and provide you a safe place to share and discuss your concerns.
Our vision is:
Promote mental wellbeing
Eradicate stigmas and judgements associated with mental illness
Reduce the number of suicides among young people
If you or anyone you know needs skills and tools to deal with life struggles, please contact us. More information is available on our website at www.atheniesangels.org.au.
More Stereotype Issues – Boys vs. Girls – Another Type of Stigma
Statistics show us that different age groups and genders respond differently to their mental health issues. The wellness community and the media have recently been focusing on how our traditional standards for masculinity may be harming our boys, our teens, our young men as they try to navigate their way to adulthood. The “strong and silent” stereotype continues to be dominant because everyone knows that “big boys don’t cry.” Except they do. Or they should if it is an emotional release and allows them to seek help from a loving community of family, friends, peers, the medical community, etc. It is also critical to amend our language and remove gender behavioural stereotypes.
In addition to crying, it is beneficial to laugh. Look at the Beautiful Bogan (Marc Ryan) – a standup comedian from South Australia – and his dedication to raise mental health awareness through humour and comedy. He started his mental health struggle as a teen and considered suicide but instead went in search of wellness. It is a lifelong struggle, but he has built an infrastructure to help him to live a healthy life both for himself and for his family as a father of three. He has been featured on 7NEWS and tours festivals throughout Australia. He shares his
own lived experience of anxiety, depression, PTSD and suicidal ideation with his audiences. He is quick to say that he is not a mental health professional, but he is devoted to sharing his story and being available to help others. His passion for life and wellness is contagious. You can find him on Instagram @The_Beautiful_Bogan.
FAQs
Learn the Language – below is an introduction to some of the terminology used in mental health and mental illness.
Question: What is mental illness?
Answer: According to healthdirect.gov.au a mental illness is a health issue. It can cause distress. It can last for a short time or for your whole life. Every year about 1 in 5 Australians will experience a mental illness. These range from mood disorders such as depression to anxiety disorders to trauma related disorders such as PTSD Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Question: Can mental illness be prevented?
Answer: Mental health can be nurtured by positive things in life such as support from family, friends and the community; having a healthy diet and exercise; reducing stress; developing ways of coping with life’s problems and perhaps most important – getting support from the medical community.
Question: What is a panic attack?
Answer: It is a sudden episode of intense fear or anxiety with physical symptoms like nausea, chills, heart palpitations, sweating, hyperventilation, numbness, or dizziness. It is often based on a perceived threat rather than an imminent danger.
If you experience panic for the first time or are having suicidal thoughts, it is critical to see a medical professional right away. Immediate self-care before the medical appointment can include splashing water on your face, deep breathing, relaxing your muscles. Over the longer-term diet and proper sleep are powerful tools at our disposal to deal with panic. Avoid caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and recreational drugs. Embrace proper rest, muscle relaxation and deep breathing which are also very helpful. Note that 40 percent of Australians have a panic attack once or twice in their lives. If you have recurring panic attacks, it is a more serious condition (panic disorder) affecting 5 percent of Australians. If the panic episodes continue it is critical to develop a wellness plan with a medical professional.
Remember – Mental Health is a journey. And a priority.
We love our pets. We must love their caregivers too!
Is mental illness more prevalent among certain professions?
It is widely accepted that pets and other animals enrich our lives. They add companionship and love without judgement. The people who are attracted to veterinary specialties are a select breed of people who devote countless hours to the animals in their care. We all know that. What we might not be aware of is the stress they endure treating, sick or injured or dying animals on a regular basis. All while interacting with the animals/pets’ owners. And that may be more than they can manage. Therefore, the suicide rates among this group of dedicated people are higher than you may imagine.
Some statistics indicate that one Australian veterinarian dies by suicide every 12 weeks. In 2021, Dr. Sophie Putland killed herself at the age of 33. In 2023, her devastated parents launched a national education campaign – We’re Only Human – to encourage pet and animal owners to be respectful and understanding of the burdens that veterinarians deal with while trying to help us and our animals. This is critically important today in our post-COVID world where pet ownership has increased to more than 30 million pets in Australia.
Another resource is Sick As a Dog podcast by Caroline Winter, which has the support of the Australian Veterinarian Association – all with the intention of understanding and promoting mental well-being for veterinarians and those in their practices.
Ongoing Events – Please Join Us!
We successfully launched our Emotional Resiliency Building in April, a multi week program addressing relevant topics such as stress management and other self-care practices. It is powerful messaging in a safe and nurturing place under the leadership of a passionate health care professional.
We are launching Resiliency Level 2 in July and would be delighted to have you join us starting on Monday, 1st of July in Carlton (You don’t need Level 1 to participate in Level 2.) You can register on the contact page at www.atheniesangels.org.au You will also find our other new program, Empowerment Bookshelf, starting for Wednesdays, 7th of August 2024 online. Our book club, Empowerment Bookshelf, a unique space where literature meets self-care and personal growth.
Unlike traditional book clubs, we focus on exploring books that inspire, educate, and empower our mental well-being. Our club is a supportive community dedicated to fostering conversations around mental health, mindfulness, resilience, and overall wellness. Each month, we carefully select books that offer valuable insights, practical tools, and uplifting stories to help you on your journey toward a healthier mind and soul.
Together, let’s read, reflect, and grow towards a brighter, more balanced life.
“Welcome to a book club that not only enriches your mind but also nurtures your soul”. Please check it out and join us!
Research Findings:
More about our children
Education Department figures report that the average Victorian secondary student will skip almost a year of high school, with experts blaming isolation among teenagers and a decrease in mental health. This is caused by the Covid/flu illness as well as general disengagement while the wait to see a psychologist has made it almost impossible for many of them to receive professional support. We will have to closely watch our current young school age generation to ensure that they receive a quality education as well as quality emotional care and nurturing.
As always, we strongly encourage you to seek help for yourself and your loved ones as soon as possible. Athenie’s Angels is here to support you in your struggles on your journey to embrace mental wellbeing. More information is available on our website at www.atheniesangels.org.au.
Reach out!
We are a space of hope!
Researcher/Writer,
Denise Gillen