Boost your wellbeing this Psychology Week

Psychology Week is an annual awareness event organised by the Australian Psychological Society (APS), showing Australians how psychology can help them to lead healthier, happier and more meaningful lives.

Australians benefit from psychological knowledge every day, in almost every setting with this year’s focus on “Working Minds – Exploring the role of psychology in the workplace.”

Clinical, Health, Educational and Developmental Psychologist of Nourish Psychology Yarrawonga Dr Leah Brennan said there has been an increased demand for services with the ever-changing landscape of the last two years, but some positives have also come from that.

“We have seen an increased demand locally for psychology services across the board with the additional stresses of COVID, restrictions and often much more limited access to individuals normal support systems and coping strategies have created the perfect storm for people to be struggling,” Dr Brennan said.

“However, people are now talking about their struggles, and more and more are now seeking help.

“A lot of people are expecting mental health issues will lift with restrictions easing but that is often not the case, and we need to normalise that. It is ok to still be feeling flat and it is normal to seek assistance in any manner to begin feeling better.

“Because of the way that work has changed over the last couple of years, and many are working more remotely, some of these things that may have happened more incidentally in the workplace perhaps now have to be more intentional.”

During Psychology Week 2021, Australian Psychological Society will focus on tools you can use to create a positive, mentally healthy workplace where the wellbeing of employees is at the heart; how these tools can be applied to different industries and workplaces and; provide insights into how workers feel about work and how this impacts their mental health.

“There are a range of approaches local businesses can take to help in maintaining staff’s psychology and wellbeing. Everyone doing a little bit will ultimately help to improve their mental health,” Dr Brennan said.

“The key things that have been recognised to help behaviours and improve health outcomes are around connection. There is increased research into how us being socially connected doesn’t just help our mental health but also our physical health.

“Being active is also important as it can have a powerful effect on your mental wellbeing and increasing your good moods as well as the many obvious physical benefits.

“The act of continuing to learn is another major aspect in the workplace. Research shows it’s just as important for people of all ages and life stages to keep learning for happiness, health and wellbeing.

“Staying aware of your thoughts and feelings as they arise can increase your ability to keep calm, reduce stress, think clearly, cope better with difficult situations and improve mood.

“Lastly, helping others in even a small act can make a difference to both yourself as research shows it can improve your wellbeing as well as to the life of others.”

There are a number of services locally residents can access if they are suffering and need somebody to talk to or assist.

“We at Nourish Psychology will be away for a little while over the holiday period and will be back in January but there are always GPs open at all times of year available to assist as well as the hospital,” Dr Brennan said.

In its 19th year, Psychology Week, which is running this week, from November 29 – December 5, is exploring the role psychology plays in the workplace.