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Mental health

WA NewsLifeline volunteers dedicate their Christmas to help others

While the majority of West Aussies will be enjoying Christmas Day with their family, dedicated Lifeline volunteers will be in the call centre making sure people in their darkest hour have someone to talk to. 

Claire Sadler

opinion
opinion
Bev JowleCommentsPremium
opinion
The greatest gift you can give older Aussies this Xmas

For many older Australians, the festive season can be a mixed bag of emotions that leaves them feeling anything but merry and bright.

Bev Jowle

The West Australian exclusive
The West Australian exclusive
DISASTER and emergencyCommentsPremium
The West Australian exclusive
Trauma goes on for victims of devastating Parkerville blaze

Last December, the horror blaze destroyed three homes and severely damaged a fourth — including the Moody’s family home of 20 years. 

Caleb Runciman

opinion
opinion
HEALTH & WELLBEING
opinion
How to indulge just the right amount this festive season

“Allow yourself to eat without guilt. Food is one of life’s pleasures, especially during the festive season when it’s often prepared with love,” writes health coach Emma Polette.

Emma Polette

opinion
opinion
HEALTH & WELLBEING
opinion
Sugar - is it all bad? A dental therapist explains

“I’m here to tell you that you can enjoy your treats this holiday season and not worry about tooth decay”, writes dental therapist Pamela Holmes.

Pamela Holmes

Courts & JusticePremiumCoroner calls for prisons to have community treatment orders

A WA coroner has recommended the State’s prisons be allowed to automatically transfer mentally ill inmates who refuse to take their medication to the State’s only forensic hospital for further treatment.

Emily Moulton

WA NewsCommentsPremiumNew support for WA parents facing mental health issues

The Gidget Foundation opens a new centre in WA to support parents battling perinatal mental health challenges, offering free counselling.

Gabrielle Becerra Mellet

YOUTH SEENPremiumMental health award for Blackwood prevention program

Blackwood Youth Action was one of 11 winners in the 2024 WA Mental Health Awards for their mental health program aimed at helping young people.

Anjelica Smilovitis

DOORS OPENPremiumFellowship House to keep servicing Albany for years to come

A “unique” community hub that provides a space for mental health support has received vital ongoing funding, ensuring its doors will be kept open for the foreseeable future.

Melissa Sheil

TechnologyCommentsPremiumRobot tech an absolute gamechanger for Perth boys

Perth boys Nazeem Fahmi and Nate Fearnall may have their obstacles to overcome and have yet to make it to outer space — but they have defied gravity.

THE NIGHTLYSlab meets fab: The Sexy Concreter Calendar is here

SEE THE PICS: A group of Australian tradies are stripping down for a cause, saying ‘there’s nothing sexier than a bloke who knows how to handle an Icebreaker and a ciggie’.

Max Corstorphan

AustraliaCommentsSlab meets fab: The Sexy Concreter Calendar is here

A group of Australian tradies are stripping down for a cause, saying ‘there’s nothing sexier than a bloke who knows how to handle an Icebreaker and a ciggie’. SEE THE PICS

Max Corstorphan

EducationCommentsPremiumUrgent warning after teen’s suicide following AI bot romance

A prominent psychologist has sounded the alarm on the perils of teens falling in love with virtual girlfriends or boyfriends powered by artificial intelligence.

Bethany Hiatt

HealthCommentsPremiumAustralian charity funds perinatal mental health course

A charity supporting the mental health of expectant parents has launched a fully-funded tertiary qualification to address the nationwide shortage of perinatal mental health specialists amid skyrocketing demand.

Hannah Cross

Food for thoughtCommentsThe huge change benefitting WA hospital patients

Hospitals are not the most popular places to be but one massive change has given Aussies at this private health carer’s medical facilities reason to smile.

opinion
opinion
HEALTH & WELLBEING
opinion
Social media risks and benefits for our children

While there are some benefits to social media, excessive use among young people comes with a whole range of problems, psychologist Jessica Heller-Bhatt writes.

Jessica Heller-Bhatt

Mental healthPremiumCrisis calls to Lifeline WA soar past COVID-19 numbers

WA’s peak suicide prevention service received a record number of crisis calls last month, as the cost of living crisis continues to push people to breaking point. 

Jessica Evensen

Mentally strong Sharks lead the way in Football West mental health award

Albany Sharks Soccer Club may be one of Australia’s youngest sporting clubs, but the second-year club is leading the sport in mental health awareness.

Harry Grigson

opinion
opinion
HEALTH & WELLBEING
opinion
Study shows benefits of 11 minutes of exercise a day

Emma Polette has good news for anyone worried they aren’t exercising enough — a recent study shows just 11 minutes of exercise a day will do a great job too.

Emma Polette

PoliceCommentsPremiumWA cop and new father doing his bit for men’s mental health

Chris Duke is keenly aware of his mental health battles. After losing his mother and then his daughter, he was living in a nightmare. But he came out the other side and wants others to know they can too.

Phil Hickey

The NightlyAndrew Garfield and Elmo’s ‘important’ lesson goes viral

A conversation between the Spiderman actor and Elmo tackling an emotion rarely discussed in children’s programming went viral. A psychologist says the interaction was ‘extremely important’.

Aditi Shrikant

Health & WellbeingBombshell find linking trauma & stress to genes

Experts say it could be making you more anxious and even liable to age faster.

John Naish

SEE THE PICSCamera IconNgala ball raises awareness of healthy child development

It was a night of glamour and important discussions at the annual major fundraiser for WA’s leading parental support and child development organisation.

opinion
opinion
HEALTH & WELLBEINGComments
opinion
What parenting courses get wrong

Experienced Denmark psychologist Jessica Heller-Bhatt explains: “What really counts is your child’s unique needs — something generic parenting courses can never teach.”

Jessica Heller-Bhatt