What is germ phobia? Sometimes articulated as Mysophobia (Germophobia), a germ phobia characterises a disproportionate emotional arousal in response to a thought associated with contamination through contact with germs (whether real or imagined). Germophobia is often thought to arise in some instances of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) however it’s possible to also have germophobia and […]
Trichotillomania Study: Reneta Slikboer
A little known condition called trichotillomania (otherwise known as compulsive hair pulling) was once thought of as rare. This is no longer the case with estimates ranging from 0.6% to 3.4 % (Christenson, Pyle, & Mitchell, 1991). This means that approximately 285,000 individuals in the state of Victoria have firsthand experience of hair pulling. This […]
Anxiety Stories: Ann Santori
Anxiety disorders manifest through many different symptoms, and one of these can be mysophobia (aka germophobia). It is an issue that is more common than you may have realised, one which often leads to disrupted lives with increased levels of stress and anxiety. In order to find out more about this condition from the inside […]
Anxiety Stories: Kayleigh Johnson
Although there are many aspects to anxiety disorders, one of the most debilitating can be panic attacks. We have spoken with Kayleigh Johnson about her experiences with anxiety and panic attacks, and she has given us an insider view of how it has affected her everyday life. We hope that Kayleigh’s story can show how […]
Anxiety Stories: John Cantor Interview
Anxiety disorders are an issue that can affect anyone. Even those who seem to be the most courageous, strong willed and outgoing people that you know can have days when they have trouble leaving the house. Professional adventurer, John Cantor, has work stresses that can trigger anxiety at the least opportune times, disrupting work and […]
How to Take Time Out When You are Feeling Overwhelmed
There are a million and one things to do. You have so many deadlines, you couldn’t meet them if you worked until Christmas. The family need dinner, the house needs tidying, the car has broken down and you want to curl up in bed until they all go away. We all feel overwhelmed sometimes. Everyone. […]
How To Deal with Rude People
We’ve all done it. You are minding your own business when a co-worker snaps at you for no reason or a customer raises their voice. At some point you will meet one, a rude person, and all too often we walk away from these encounters feeling frustrated, angry or upset. This is when a few […]
How much do you know about Anxiety?
Anxiety is an increasingly common presentation seen across Australia, and around the world, today. With 1 in 6 people diagnosed with an anxiety disorder in Australia it is up to us to gain a better understanding of the issue and learn to recognise the signs and symptoms in both ourselves and others. We’ve created this […]
Feeling Anxious? You’re not the only one
Anxiety is a syndrome that is becoming increasingly more common around the world, if you’re suffering from this mental affliction remember you’re not the only one. There are 1 in 6 Australians experiencing depression, anxiety or both at any given time- a shocking statistic for which we wish to raise awarness not just of the […]
Draw Your Anxiety
The value of art and art therapy should not be underestimated (although, these are never substitutes for speaking therapies) and the arts of all kinds can be very therapeutic when dealing with anxiety. From identifying with a character in a book or writing a journal, through to painting and photography, there are many ways to […]