WITS

WITS @ Mental Health Week

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 10:32:00 +0000

Mental Health Week falls between the 10th and 16th of October this year with many different activities scheduled right across Queensland.

Along with our good friends at Kyabra, Acacia Ridge Community Centre, Red Cross and Life Church, WITS Inc. is proud to be involved with a range of pre-Mental Health Week activities and workshops, as well as one big day on the 12th of October all about eliminating the stigma associated with mental illness.

Activities include yoga, arts and crafts, gardening, cooking and theatre sports. WITS Inc. will be running a journal making workshop on the 5th of October between and 11 and 2 and then again on Tuesday the 12th of October from 12:30 onwards. Kids are all welcome to come along and enjoy the fun, as there will be face painting and a mobile book and toy library. All for free!

We hope to see you there!

Get going by giving it a Go!

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 10:39:00 +0000

Hi. This is an inititive that I thnk Pieta started so I hope we can keep it going for Wits members. Shane

Hi all...

I'd like to challenge you all to participate in the 5 week program - Get going by giving it a go!

The idea behind the program is to make a short term commitment to trying new things!

Hobbies/ activites and fun only come by giving things a go! So join me and commit to trying one new thing/ activity each week.

The things/ activities don't have to be expensive/ difficult or consist of going too far out of your way.

A few ideas;

- gardening,

- bake a new dish,

- artwork,

- scrapbooking,

- photography,

- drive to the beach,

- try a new class,

- attend a group,

- go on a date...

Just something that you wouldn't usually do...

The idea is to complete your new thing/ activity and discuss it on the discussion forum. If you are not one to open up on the forum then feel free to read along and do your own private challenge, and maybe make the last challenge to join in the discussion...

Check out the Forum section named Get going by giving it a go!

What are you waiting for... Week one starts now!

Good Luck everyone. Cheers, Shane

Great News for WITS

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:57:00 +0000

Hi all!

Just wanted to pass on the info I just received - WITS Inc is now recognised as a PHI and will be endorsed as a deductible gift recipient!!! Yay!!!!

Pieta!

Government Update - Whats going on!

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 01:27:00 +0000

Looking for news within the area of mental health - check out the Governments 'Whats News' site below for links to the Discussion paper form the National Advisory Council on Mental Health and leave comments regarding the paper. Check out the Frouth National Mental Health Plan which came out in Novemeber for details of the governments focus areas and spending on mental health.

Get involved and up to date!

Follow this link:

http://www.health.gov.au/internet/mentalhealth/publishing.nsf/Content/whats-new-lp-1

Enjoy!

Mental Health Services and Supports Expo...

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:51:00 +0000

Hi all,

Just wanting to gather feedback. I am thinking of attempting to organise an event/ expo day which includes stalls from mental health services and support groups in the Brisbane area (maybe just start small and go Brisbane South) where people can come for free to the one place and learn about all the available services and support groups...

Does that sound like something people would be interested to attend? I would try and get the expo info out there in the general public as many people don't know how to access any services or that help and support is available.

It would be a big thing to organise (and possibly do it as a WITS event - would need to discuss with the committee)so just seeing if this is something people would find beneficial.

Some services would be;

Mental health professionals from public and private clinics/ Support services like PhAMs/ stepping stones/ Nexxt Health/ Anam Cara/ Jerendine/ accommodation services/ transport serviceslike Lands... And support groups like Grow/ Depression Support/ etc

Internet Scammers and Sales

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 02:31:00 +0000

Hi All,

As our website has grown it appears that it has become the target now of scammers... We have few members who have joined who appear to be selling items or advertising websites (that are in no way linked with positive mental health).

Please send any other names through to me if you feel that a member is suspicious for being an internet scammer and their membership will be terminated. Please do not purchase items or follow the links of these scammers as this is what they want.

All possible scammers will be given a warning from me, then their membership will be terminated. And more so, I will personally dob them into scam watch websites and let the world wide web know how inappropriate they are!

Lets all become watchful of new members, welcoming or real ones, and kick out the scammers to keep this a nice safe community!

Pieta.

President and website moderator.

Anxiety online - Free treatment course

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:42:00 +0000

Anxiety online is a new development towards treatment online.

The program - partnership of Swinburne uni and The Australian Government offers an online assessment and treatment courses - Free.

The program is not intended to replace current face to face therapy, but to offer a self directed and paced online treatment also.

See further info at

http://www.anxietyonline.org.au/

Seniors - Tell your story and Win CASH!

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:29:00 +0000

The Black Dog Istitute is running a story writing competition for seniors to discuss their experiences of depression.

The 2009/10 competition invites entries from the Australasian region. Prizes will be awarded for the

three best essay entries. Essays are to be no more than 1500 words.

This writing competition seeks to learn more about how to best assist older people with depression

and to provide useful feedback and strategies for their carers generally – though the focus is

particularly on those who experienced depression for the first time after the age of 60, why it might

have occurred, its impact and how they handled the illness.

First Place: $2000; Second Place $1000 and Third Place $500.

The closing date for receipt of entries is 31 December, 2009.

Participants are required to complete an

application form and forward, where possible, an electronic copy of their essay to

blackdog@blackdog.org.au plus an original copy of the essay on A4 paper (paper clip/not stapled)

by post, addressed to:

Black Dog Institute Writing Competition

Black Dog Institute

Hospital Road

Prince of Wales Hospital,

Randwick, NSW, 2031

To obtain an application form:

- Download from the Institute’s website www.blackdoginstitute.org.au

- Call (02) 9382 4523.

In view of the nature of the competition, the Institute will also accept hand-written entries, as not all

entrants will be comfortable using a computer.

Free Info for Carers

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:22:00 +0000

Taken from Beyond Blue - www.beyondblue.org.au

Free Carers Booklet and DVD

beyondblue: the national depression initiative is proud to announce the release of an important resource designed to help carers and family members while they care for their loved ones.

The beyondblue Guide for Carers - Supporting and caring for a person with depression, anxiety and/or a related disorder is available free to order or download, or by calling 1300 22 4636.

The 40-page guide is divided into two parts: caring for others and caring for yourself.

This unique resource provides carers with practical strategies, advice and guidance on approaches to deal with the range of situations they might face. The second part of the guide focuses on the carer looking after their health and acknowledges the impact that the caring experience may have on them.

The guide contains anecdotes from carers across Australia, allowing others to draw support, knowledge and wisdom from their experiences.

The Guide for Carers is divided into sections, including:

recognising that something is not right

taking the first step

accessing information and treatment

working towards recovery

overcoming setbacks

managing emergency and crisis situations

looking after yourself

the impact caring can have on you, physically and emotionally and how it impacts your family and friends

how to find the right support

Agents Of Change

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 22:57:00 +0000

You're Invited!

For details of the Agents of Change Morning Teas please refer to the WITS website 'Upcoming Events' and Events Calendar.

Cheers, Shane

Horizons Program

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:07:00 +0000

What is Horizons?

- A 10 week accredited program to improve reading, writing and mathematics,

- Every Friday during school term,

- Set goals for employment and/or education,

- Choose Literacy/ Numeracy or a combination of both,

- Supported by trained tutors.

Who is the program designed for?

- Adults wishing to enter the workforce or further education and training, who are interested in improving their literacy and numeracy skills.

When?

- Runs throughout the year, based on the school term.

Contact-

view www.thespot.net.au

or call The Spot Community Services on 3809 4100

Browns Plains.

Mental Health Week Achievement Awards

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 09:43:00 +0000

Hi all,

I am thinking of entering WITS Inc. into the Mental Health Week Achievement Awards 2009.
Not so much for the Award itself, but even a mention somewhere as being a nominee may help WITS Inc. reach more people!

The awards entries are accepted for individuals or organisations, and I would like to nominate WITS Inc. for an organisation award.

For this, it would be best to include quotes from people, therefore if you have something to say about WITS Inc, add it in a comment below and it may be used as a quote in the application.

I will also need two people to act as 'referees' that can be contacted to provide further information about WITS Inc.

See the details at

http://iamevents.com.au/qh/mentalhealth/index.php

Sure, WITS Inc. is still very very young and new, but I think aspects of WITS Inc. are original and I feel where we have already come to in such a short time is an achievment in itself...

Go to be in it to win it!!!

Pieta.

Survey - for people who see Pieta.

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 21:16:00 +0000

Hi All,

For people who attend Pieta under the Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program-

Just wanting to let everyone know...

The deadline is fast approaching for the patient satisfaction surveys. If you have not completed this and do wish to take part then please send it through to the medical centre.

If you don't know what I'm talking about -

I am completing a small scale study about patient opinions of the Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program - the program that funds my position here at the clinic. These results are to be forumlated into a poster for presentation at the international mental health nurses conference in September.

So, if you see Pieta under the MHNIP (ie not just for a mental health plan in the past) then please ask Pieta for a survey and hand it back to reception or mail it in in the stamped envelope. Remeber it is annonymous so please don't write your name on it!

Thanks all, it's a big help! And a way to start showing medicare that people are benefiting from the program (unless of course you don't feel it's working out, then write your opinions on the survey!)

Pieta.

Patient survey - For those who see Pieta.

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 03:39:00 +0000

Hi All,

For people who attend Pieta under the Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program-

Just wanting to let everyone know...

The deadline is fast approaching for the patient satisfaction surveys. If you have not completed this and do wish to take part then please send it through to the medical centre.

If you don't know what I'm talking about -

Pieta.

WORKOUT Program - return to work

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 02:29:00 +0000

WORKOUT Program - Exercise your potential!

A 10-week program develped for women seeking to enter or re-enter the work force. Program consists of theory and practical experience.

Areas - Hospitality, Allied Health, Children's Services, Retail, IT, Personal Development.

All partipants also gain the opportunity to obtain a Senior First Aid Certificate!

For Women of any age.

When?

Programs starting Aug 09/ Nov 09/ March 2010/ May 2010

For More information visit

www.thespot.net.au

or contact Stacey Power on 3809 4100 or stacey.power@thespot.net.au

49 Eastern Rd, Browns Plains.

(Initialed by Spot Community Services and funded by The QLD Government)

WITS is going Australia wide!

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:24:00 +0000

Hi there fellow WITS!

Good news, Beyond Blue have agreed to add WITS on their links page, which means that WITS may reach more Australians and more social networks may be built.

What this means for local WITS members is that unfortunately you may not get to meet all the members, as we have been meeting through the groups... But it does mean that your supportive and inspirational words will reach and help more people.

There have been a few changes to the site to open it up to all Aussies;

- a new membership disclaimer on the home page,

- new state by state resources pages, (pretty empty currently, but will grow)

- members can now add events to the calendar so they can add local events to their area.

Otherwise the features are the same as always...

Happy blogging and 'meeting' new people...

(If anyone would like previous posts removed from discussions, if they feel they are not comfortable with other new members reading these then email wits@live.com.au )

PS - The WITS Inc. association will still have the priority and goal of opening a local walk-in centre, but the website is now National!

$5.1 Million for Better Support for Women with Post and Antenatal Depression

Sun, 26 Jul 2009 05:49:00 +0000

24 July 2009

The Rudd Government will invest $5.1 million over three years to enable four specialist organisations to provide telephone-based support for women experiencing post or antenatal depression, or grief following the loss of a baby that will link to an enhanced 24 hour hotline for pregnant women and new mums.

The four organisations are Post and Antenatal Depression Australia (PANDA), SIDS and Kids Australia, Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Support (SANDS), and the Bonnie Babes Foundation.

Postnatal depression affects almost 16 per cent of new mothers in Australia, while around 10 per cent of women experience depression during pregnancy.

The new funding will enhance the ability for PANDA to provide support for expecting or new mothers with depression.

In Australia, SIDS accounts for the deaths of more babies aged between one and 12 months than any other known cause.

In 2006, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, there were more than 2,900 perinatal deaths in Australia. In addition, each year many more parents experience the loss of a baby early in the pregnancy. Sadly, one in every four pregnancies ends in a loss from miscarriage and stillbirth.

SIDS and Kids Australia, SANDS and the Bonnie Babes Foundation will receive funding to support women and families who suddenly and unexpectedly lose a baby in the perinatal period, including through miscarriage or stillbirth.

Women who experience post and antenatal depression, and parents and families who have experienced the loss of a baby, often find it helpful to speak to others who have had a similar experience.

Peer support services can be of particular help in trying to cope during such difficult times.

The new funding is in addition to the Rudd Government’s commitment to an expanded 24 hour, seven days a week national telephone helpline which starts operation from 1 July 2010. Building on the pregnancy hotline, this helpline will allow a wide range of information, advice and referral services to be provided to women, their partners and families.

The helpline will give an estimated 180,000 women and their families better access to advice and information relating to pregnancy and the demands of a new baby.

The national helpline funding is part of the $120.5 million commitment announced in the 2009-10 Budget to improve access to maternity services for pregnant women and new mothers in Australia. This package includes support for eligible midwives through access to the MBS and PBS and extra scholarships for GPs and midwives and comes on top of our $55 million towards a national Perinatal Depression plan which is already providing services to the community.

Providing early intervention and vital support is a key part of ensuring the best possible start in life for young Australians.

This investment builds on the Government’s work in the early years including providing over $100 million to improve Indigenous child and maternal health services and $2.5 million in funding to help establish a national breastfeeding hotline.

Online at http://www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/mr-yr09-nr-nr111.htm

Exercise has more benefits than weight loss..

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 10:24:00 +0000

Evidence for the benefits of exercise in managing depression

Regular exercise can be an effective way to relieve some forms of depression and is often a neglected strategy for treatment of depression.

• Numerous studies have shown that people who exercise regularly experience fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety than those who do not exercise regularly.

• Several trials have shown that regular exercise of moderate intensity can be an effective treatment by itself for mild to moderate depression.

• Two trials have found that 16 weeks of regular exercise is equally effective as an SSRI antidepressant medication in the treatment of mild to moderate depression in older adults who have been inactive.

• Research also suggests that exercise can further assist depression in individuals with depression who have responded only partially to an antidepressant medication.

• Both aerobic exercise (e.g. brisk walking, cycling or jogging) and resistance or strength training (e.g. weight‐lifting) have been found to be beneficial for depression.

Taken from the Black Dog Institute website...

See the full article and more at;

www.blackdoginstitute.org.au

Then join in the walking group - see the calendar, and experience the benefits for yourself!

Free therapy/ support... Have a mental illness or pregnant?

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:28:00 +0000

Hi all and welcome,

It's great to see more and more members joining each day. For those members and visitors that know me, this will be old news, but I thought it is news worth sharing for those who may be unaware...

Did you know that you can have access to free or low cost treatment for your mental health disorder?

If you have a diagnosed mental illness (depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar and more) then could could get access to mental health nurses/ psychologists/ social workers/ OT's.

If you have been hospitalised in the past or are at risk of being hospitalised you may meet the medicare criteria to have support and treatment by a mental health nurse at no cost to you. Speak to your GP about linking with a mental health nurse or see www.pietashakes.com to find one in your area.

If you have a mental illness but have not previously been in hospital, and dont feel like you are at risk of being hospitalised you can still have access to free or low cost psycholoical therapy through the Better Access program or the ATAPS program. Once again, ask your GP for more information or email info@pietashakes,com if your GP is unaware of the programs.

If you are pregnant (even if you don't have a mental illness) and you need counselling related to the prenancy, then you may qualify for free 'Non - Diirective Pregnancy Counselling', funded by medicare. Again, if your GP doesn't know about the program then please email info@pietashakes.com for more information.

Once again, welcome to the site... Stay tuned for more information and links!

Pieta.

Looking for volunteers/ committee members

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:46:00 +0000

Hi all,

Now that this website is up and running I am wanting to move to the next step for improving mental health services and recources in Brisbane South.

I have a dream to set up a drop in centre type facility local to Sunnybank Hills as most of the current drop in centres are located much closer to the city. The drop in centre will be a place for people whom have mental illnesses to hang out, increase their social contacts, participate in activites and learn new skills - all by people helping people.

The first steps to seeing this through consist of setting up an association and having this incorporated. Basically this means to alocate committee members and vote on the ideas. Once this is done, a bank account and other necessities can be set up. Once these are set up funding and grants can be applied for - funding primarily would go to renting a space and set up costs.

So, I'm looking for people that share my interest in developing 'Positive Mental Health For Brisbane South' who can give up some time to attend committee meetings, and further tasks for those willing and able to take them on.

Please email me at info@pietashakes.com if you are interested in supporting such a great cause.

(Out-line available now, please email me for a copy... First committee meeting to happen during the week of the 29th June!)