Latest news with #AustralianPsychologicalSociety
ABC News
6 days ago
- Health
- ABC News
Concern as Ramsay Health moves to close bulk of psychology clinics
Thousands of Australians are about to lose access to their psychologist, with Ramsay Health Care — the country's largest private provider of mental health services — shutting down the bulk of its clinics. Seventeen of Ramsay's 20 psychology clinics will close by September, sparking concerns about how people will access mental health care across the country. Guest: Dr Sara Quinn, President of the Australian Psychological Society Dr Sara Quinn, President of the Australian Psychological Society Producer: Eddy Diamond If you or anyone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636Statement to ABC Radio National Breakfast from Ramsay Health Care "Ramsay Health Care is reshaping how it delivers community-based mental health support to better meet the evolving needs of clients and clinicians. After careful consideration, we are transitioning Ramsay Psychology to a more flexible and sustainable model, which includes the progressive closure of 17 clinics by the end of August. Three clinics, in Cairns (QLD), Charlestown (NSW) and Joondalup (WA), will remain open to support local needs, maintain key partnerships and pilot more integrated models of care. We understand this change might be unsettling and we are working closely with our psychologists to ensure every client is supported and has continuity of care, whether through our existing and expanded Telehealth service or with another trusted provider, depending on what is clinically appropriate. This change is part of Ramsay's broader strategy to strengthen how we deliver high-quality, accessible and connected care across hospital, home and virtual settings."
Sky News AU
18-07-2025
- Health
- Sky News AU
‘Clinically significant distress': Peak psychological bodies urged to act amid surge in climate anxiety among young children
The peak bodies for Australian psychologists and psychiatrists are being urged to back a ban on alarmist climate messaging targeting primary school aged kids amid a surge in climate anxiety among young children. Research released in June found Australia's National Curriculum was causing an 'epidemic of climate anxiety' among young kids, with primary school-aged children being fed alarmist content that is 'developmentally inappropriate'. Leading educational and developmental psychologist Clare Rowe, who authored the research, has now written to the Australian Psychological Society, the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc., and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, urging them to back a series of measures to combat the growing threat to children's mental health. In a statement released on Friday, Ms Rowe said the psychological profession must confront the potential harm that can unintentionally be caused by 'well-intentioned, but cognitively unsuitable, climate education'. 'Clinicians are seeing a surge of Childhood Climate Anxiety in young children who do not have the neurological capacity to process existential threats as presented in the National Curriculum. Adults have a duty to protect, not burden, the developing minds of children,' Ms Rowe said. Ms Rowe's letter to the peak bodies highlights the research, published by the Institute of Public Affairs, showing that 'current climate education practices are contributing to clinically significant distress'. 'Drawing on developmental neuroscience and psychological theory, the research finds that even if well intentioned, climate education is often misaligned with children's cognitive and emotional capacity,' the letter states. Among the key findings highlighted are that children aged 5 to 12 'do not yet possess the abstract reasoning skills required to process existential threats … from climate change without undue emotional burden'. That alarmist messaging can 'foster anxiety, helplessness, and diminished agency' in young children, which 'increases the risk of early-onset anxiety disorders' And that trusted adults, such as teachers and clinicians, may unintentionally exacerbate this anxiety by reinforcing narratives 'without offering developmentally appropriate coping strategies'. 'As psychologists, our primary ethical duty is to safeguard the psychological wellbeing of all clients, including children, based on sound developmental science,' Ms Rowe said. The leading developmental and educational psychologist urged the three peak bodies to back a moratorium on climate change education in early and middle childhood settings 'until curricula are developmentally appropriate and psychologically safe'. The letter also calls on the peak bodies to review their climate related advocacy and professional development offerings to ensure it distinguishes between the mental health impact on adults verses those on children. And that they acknowledge the harm to mental health that can be unintentionally caused by 'fear-based education in primary schools'. 'What Australian parents need immediately is a commitment from our most senior clinicians to recognise the damage the National Curriculum is doing to our children's mental health.' 'Reforming climate education is essential to ensuring that children develop a lifelong commitment to environmental responsibility without experiencing unnecessary psychological distress,' Ms Rowe said in a statement.
ABC News
11-07-2025
- Health
- ABC News
Your child refuses to wear warm clothing in winter. Does it matter?
A small person who lives in my house (not naming names) has recently discovered a passion for open-toed footwear, aka thongs. Timed with the arrival of winter, I've been worried about those cute little toes withstanding the cold. I know I'm not alone in having a child who refuses to wear appropriate clothing — particularly jumpers, socks and headwear — when the temperature drops. But how important is it really that our kids rug up? Toddlers and young children like to feel a sense of independence, says Sara Quinn, clinical psychologist and president of the Australian Psychological Society. And choosing their own clothing is one way to have control over decision-making. "It's a nice thing for them to feel and have," Dr Quinn says. Between the ages of two and five, she says our children's ability to understand emotions and communicate their needs is well behind "their interest in exploring the world" and developing a sense of self and independence. While it can be frustrating for parents and caregivers at times, Dr Quinn says an innate urge to explore independence is healthy. "Letting go of control in that area may feel like inherent loss of influence as a child grows more independent. "But allowing them to choose their own clothes can build confidence, encourage self-expression and teach them nice decision-making skills." Harriet Hiscock, a paediatrician at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute, says some children don't feel the cold as much as others. "We don't have any great scientific data on this, but certainly anecdotally, some kids seem to feel the cold less — probably because they are more physically active than we are." She says parents worried about their children being cold should know it is generally not a health risk. "There's no known health risk. Being cold doesn't mean you get a cold," she says for example. In more extreme temperatures, she says chilblains (patches of red, swollen and itchy skin, thought to be caused by a combination of cold weather and poor circulation) may be a concern. Or where there are other factors at play, such as a cold house that is damp and mouldy, potentially causing respiratory conditions. "But that's not from temperature alone," Professor Hiscock says. Where safety is a concern, Dr Quinn says parents should give their child parental guidance around decision-making. "And we know that even very young children can quickly learn the language of safety." If a caregiver asks the child: "Is that a safe decision?", and they calmly talk about the potential consequences, Dr Quinn says they can learn from that. But generally, she says choosing clothing is a "low-stakes" opportunity to help children learn from the outcomes. "We call them natural consequences. Letting them experience that for lower-stake decisions can help them build a sense of responsibility and capacity to make good decisions." She says if a child refuses to wear a jumper, for example, and then is cold during an outing, it's important parents don't use that to blame or punish. "If the tone is 'I told you so', the child will experience a sense of shame, and that increases chances of defiance. For example, you could say "You felt cold today, that must have been really hard, guess you're wishing you wore your jacket. Maybe you will tomorrow? Meanwhile, let's get home and get you warmed up". In some cases, children may experience sensory overload in regard to clothing, which can be a normal experience, but also a form of neurological difference in sensory processing, says Dr Quinn. "The same touch can be barely imperceptible to one child, a good amount of pressure for another, and unbearably uncomfortable for another." Professor Hiscock says that's more likely to happen with winter clothing that can feel tight and heavy. "It's about working with your child to work out what feels comfortable. "Maybe wearing a long cotton sleeve T-shirt underneath a jumper that feels scratchy — those logical things can help." If refusing to wear appropriate clothing is part of a broader, more intense pattern of defiance, in extreme cases it may be oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), says Dr Quinn. ODD is a frequent and ongoing pattern of anger, irritability, arguing and defiance toward parents and other authority figures. "In those cases, it's really important to seek the support of a psychologist," Dr Quinn says.
Herald Sun
23-06-2025
- Health
- Herald Sun
Burnout luxury retreats: Tired Aussies forking out thousands
Luxury health retreats are increasingly seeing Australians — from executives to struggling parents — seeking help not for mental health conditions, but due to crippling burnout. Exhausted mums and even high-flying young professionals are forking out between $6000 and $25,000 to detox from their phones, eat healthy meals, meditate and do music therapy at retreats across Australia. Owners say that the demand for help with burnout has been rising sharply in recent years and in some cases has become the most common reason people come to them. But Sara Quinn, president of the Australian Psychological Society, warned it was crucial to take steps to prevent burnout and address the causes because otherwise the cycle would repeat. 'It's crucial to address any systemic or workplace related factors that may contribute to burnout.' she said. 'That can include things like unrealistic workloads, lack-of-role or clarity.' Dr Quinn said retreats could be helpful but additional support was needed. Mum-of-three Lyndsey Walker said her experience at a burnout retreat was life-changing. She said running a recruitment agency and raising a family left her excessively fatigued and overly anxious. 'I wasn't sleeping and I lost a lot of weight,' she said. The 45-year-old said that, as a highly anxious person, she found it difficult to recharge and would often feel exhausted. 'I had very little patience for my kids … they weren't getting the best of me,' she said. Realising her burnout was affecting her relationship with her sons and husband, she decided to check into Samadhi Health Retreat in Daylesford, Victoria. Funding the stay herself, she said the $4500 price-tag was worth it because it 'recharged' her. 'It was an investment in my wellbeing,' she said. The founders of the Samadhi retreat, Wayne and Annah Mirananda, said that burnout had become the most common issue people needed addressing when they came to see them. 'Everyone is saying they're burnt out now,' Mr Mirananda said. He said a comprehensive burnout treatment included a 'mentoring coaching person every day'. Additionally therapy in bodywork, guided meditation, breathwork, somatic awareness (mindful attention to physical sensations within the body) and nature immersion were also included. He said guests were put on a menu of healthy vegetarian and vegan meals. 'We've created a beautiful, very private facility,' Mr Mirananda said. Ruth Limkin, the founder and managing director of The Banyans Healthcare, situated in the private hinterlands of Brisbane, also said burnout guests had been rising. The retreat additionally sees people for addiction, mental health issues and eating disorders. 'We've seen a really huge increase in the rise of inquiries for burnout,' Ms Limkin said. She said the most common demographic seeking help was corporate decision-makers aged between 40 and 50 years old. However, they also saw younger patients, in their 30s, who'd had professional success early. 'They've been running so fast, so long, they're running on empty now,' she said. Prices for a burnout retreat ranged from $15,000 to $29,000, Ms Limkin said, with workplaces often picking up the hefty cost. 'We see good return on investment for leadership wellbeing interventions, so it makes good business sense for a business to pay for that,' she said. People might stay as little as five days to two weeks where they would have appointments with psychologists, business coaches and clinical nutritionists. Equine (horse), arts and music therapy are also available. Ms Limkin said they had a huge focus on addressing the cause of the burnout so people could avoid it happening again. 'It's not just about refilling the tank, but helping clients realise how to move forward in a healthy, sustainable rhythm,' she said. Jackie Durnin, who runs the Hinterland Health Retreat in Montville on the Sunshine Coast, also said that burnout had become a common reason people came to stay with them. From entrepreneurs and corporates to busy mums trying to do it all, the 48-year-old said she saw a variety of clients suffering from burnout, whose ages spanned between 30 and 70 years old. Burnout may present differently in each client, with symptoms such as chronic fatigue, exhaustion and brain fog being common, Ms Durnin said. The retreat offers stays between four days up to 28 days or higher as needed, but most clients opt for a week. Costs of treatment vary depending on each client's needs, but seven days generally costs $25,000. Ms Durnin said they took an individualised approach which could include taking blood samples, stool samples and even a brain scan on day one. With a chef on site, meals are generally dairy and gluten free, and doctors on site can refine dietary requirements to suit the individual's needs. Clients also practice a 48-hour digital detox upon arrival, and then receive access to their phone only once per day, Ms Durnin said. Ms Durnin said she had brought in technology from the US, called neurotechnology, which is an emerging technology that interacts with or monitors the nervous system.
RNZ News
19-06-2025
- Health
- RNZ News
Overstimulation is a normal human response. Here's how to cope with it
By Kellie Scott , ABC Photo: 123rf It's 5pm. The dog is barking. The kids are screaming. The TV is blaring. And the oven is beeping. This is peak overstimulation for Meghan Flood. The 29-year-old from Blackwater/Gangulu Country in Central Queensland is a stay-at-home mum to children aged two and four. Her husband works long hours, and they have no family support, with their loved ones back in Tasmania/Lutruwita. "I struggle daily," says Meghan. Overstimulation, also called sensory overload, is when the brain receives sensory input at an intensity or duration that exceeds an individual's capacity to effectively process it, says Sara Quinn. She's a clinical psychologist and president of the Australian Psychological Society. It's not a diagnosable condition, Dr Quinn says, but an experience that is "very much dictated by a person's capacity". "What might be seemingly manageable for one person, or even positively stimulating for one person, may for another be an experience that is quite overwhelming or overloading and stressful." She says overstimulation is likely on the rise in modern life. "We're living in an increasingly technology driven world, with less time spent outdoors in environments that might be restorative." Meghan Flood says parenting two small children at home with a dog can be very overstimulating. (Supplied) Photo: Meghan Flood / Supplied Sensory overload reflects a mismatch between what the environment demands of somebody and their capacity to process it, says Dr Quinn. It can be related to light, sound, taste, touch, and smell. Dr Quinn says what causes overstimulation is highly subjective, but more typical triggers include loud sounds like music or fireworks, busy crowds, or strong smells. "For others, especially in children, we see the sensation of a particular type of stimuli on skin like scratchy material. Family coach Hélène Gatland says people may also experience overstimulation when there are too many demands at once, such as chores, work and "kids asking questions", or a cluttered or chaotic environment. Dr Quinn says things may lead to feeling teary, distressed, stressed, anxious and confused. "Other people might experience irritability, agitation and even anger." As people attempt to escape or mitigate overstimulation, their emotional state may change. "For children, it might manifest as a tantrum, meltdown, or withdrawal or anxiety in adults," Dr Quinn says. There can be physical signs, too, such as headaches, muscle tension, or fatigue, says Ms Gatland. Anyone can experience sensory overload, and what we can tolerate may differ from time to time depending on a range of factors, explains Dr Quinn. For example, when someone is fatigued or stressed. It can also be associated with mental health conditions, and neurodivergence such as autism and ADHD, says Dr Quinn. "Someone with anxiety might have heightened sensitivity … as we know for people with neurodivergence there can be difficulty filtering sensory input, which might lead to being more easily overstimulated. "We know that individuals who are in throws of dementia, actually experience impaired sensory integration." Meghan says sensitivity to overstimulation has increased with each child she's had. Ms Gatland says parenting young children can be a really demanding, noisy time of life. "You only stop when you sleep, if you can go to sleep. "It's a 24-hour job … and if you don't have time to rest, it gets much harder." People in high-pressure jobs might find sensory overload common, she says. "If you have to do lots of decision-making at the same time, or you have a meeting and someone is calling you and someone else is asking you a question - that can be very overstimulating." Noise-cancelling headphones can also be helpful for people triggered by noise. Photo: Getty Images Meghan says her strategy for dealing with sensory overload is locking herself in the bedroom. "But it's just a band-aid," she says. Ms Gatland says taking micro-breaks, even pockets of five minutes, can help people experiencing overstimulation. "Step outside, sit in the car for a minute alone. "If you can take five minutes just to tap into your nervous system, using techniques like breathing or massaging yourself, that will help calm you." Noise-cancelling headphones can also be helpful for people triggered by noise, she says. Earplugs may suffice. "It's about lowering your sensory input - turning off the TV when no-one is watching and it's not helping the household." Tidying up cluttered spaces, whether at work or in the home, may also help, as well as dimming lighting, and creating "nice" spaces to be in. Dr Quinn says creating visual "quiet" can be as important as adjusting sound. She recommends reducing our digital exposure, by putting our phone on do not disturb and turning off app notifications when suitable. And spending time in nature will help improve intentional restoration, Dr Quinn says. "Taking off your shoes, walking barefoot on the grass. Taking a walk around your back garden. Even small things, like having plants around your workspace." For parents who can't be alone in that moment, take the kids outside with you, she suggests. Ms Gatland encourages people to communicate what they need to those around them, whether it's their kid, partner, or colleagues, for example. She says it's helpful to remember overstimulation is a normal human response. "It's not a failure, it's your body telling you to pause and recharge, not push through." Those who need more support should talk to their GP or reach out to a psychologist, says Dr Quinn. "Primarily we want to shift them from a sense of loss of control towards greater psychological flexibility … and give them strategies to manage stress." - ABC
