This Expert Insights session will focus on men's mental health and the rise in international male suicide rates.   Dr Zac Seidler will share his research on men's mental health which has looked at shifting how we understand, approach, respond to, and treat men's distress by creating mental health services and therapeutic approaches that specifically take masculinity into account. Our conversation will explore the perspective and insights from the voice of lived experience as well as of those of a clinician who works closely with men. Join us for a conversation about ways to better un ..read more

Ways to recognize, prevent, and manage burnout have been on the minds of many health professionals, particularly over the past few years. Black Dog Institute has developed a free, evidence-based resource called The Essential Network (TEN) in response to research on burnout in healthcare workers to address this issue. This Expert Insights session explores the findings of Black Dog Institute's research on burnout and the TEN service, the potential benefits of TEN, and we also hear first-hand perspectives on burnout from a supervisor of health professionals and from BDI’s Lead researcher on the T ..read more

Black Dog Institute's recent report, Turning the Tide on Depression: A journey that starts with Australia’s youth, has tracked an alarming rise in depression and depressive symptoms in Australia’s youth, especially among girls and young women. This Expert Insights session will explore the research behind the report with a focus on the socioeconomic factors at play. It also looks at the role of sex hormones and how they may contribute to the vulnerability of women and girls in internalising disorders. Our panellists will propose innovative interventions, more inclusive social policies and treat ..read more

Can participation in arts program improve wellbeing? This question was explored in several major projects by Professor Katherine Boydell in partnership with the Australian Gallery of New South Wales. This Expert Insights panel session explores the research findings and ongoing studies that explore the therapeutic effect of art on mental health. It discusses the important elements that target mental health in art programs, and how we can use these findings and apply them in practice across a range of age groups.  Panelists; Katherine Boydell: Professor of Mental Health at the Black Dog Ins ..read more

Exercise is a neglected area for intervention in mood and anxiety disorders, yet the evidence is unequivocal in terms of benefit to mental health. This Expert Insights panel session examines some of the predictors of poor implementation in the clinical space, and what practitioners can do to overcome these barriers to exercise. We also focus on some of the major benefits as well as emerging innovations in wellbeing and exercise. Panel Simon Rosenbaum: Scientia Associate Professor, UNSW Sydney; President, Australasian Society for Traumatic Stress Studies Alexander Svenson: Clinical Psychologist ..read more

Adolescence can be a period of significant sleep disruptions and can contribute to excessive tiredness and family conflict. This Expert Insights session covers sleep changes during this developmental period. We discuss established as well as emerging interventions for sleep. There is also a focus on working with families/caregivers, the use of digital technology, and working with or around demanding school schedules to improve adolescent sleep. Panelists: Dr Amanda Gamble - Clinical Psychologist  Dr Sophie Li -  Clinical Psychologist and Researcher at Black Dog Institute  Stepha ..read more

Exposure therapy is a core component of treatment in childhood anxiety disorders. However, research findings suggest that most clinicians in the real-world (not part of research clinics) do not use it in treatment.  This podcasts addresses the efficacy of exposure therapy in children with anxiety disorders and the barriers to implementation in everyday clinical practice. Moreover, the panel will also introduce strategies for effective delivery of this gold standard treatment to children, families, and schools.  Panelists Anna McKinnon - Registered Clinical Psychologist  Gemma Si ..read more

Over the last few years we have seen bushfires, floods, and persistent storms that have affected entire communities. The immediate effect is often shock and longer term, many experience anxiety and fear around disasters happening again. This Expert Insights explores the research findings on natural disasters and the short and longer-term impact on wellbeing. Moreover, we discuss best practice for supporting communities and individuals recovering from natural disasters, and the resources for mental health practitioners in these communities. Panelists Anita Savic: Acting Director, Disaster and P ..read more

Managing suicidal risk in adolescents presents unique challenges for clinicians. Building and maintaining trust with young people is crucial to providing effective care yet it needs to be balanced with keeping the patient safe which may need to include disclosure to caregivers.  Join our first Expert Insights of 2022 as we discuss the challenges, strategies, and research findings in managing suicidal risk in adolescents. Panelists: Dr Michelle Tye - Senior Research Fellow at the Black Dog Institute Dr Nicola Holmes – GP at Headspace and Training Facilitator at the Black Dog Institute Mitc ..read more

The festive season is a time of celebration but it can also be a period of high stress for those of us working in mental health. The festive season can mean preparing for the shutdown of a private clinic whilst ensuring that our clients are well-supported in our absence. It can also mean managing higher rates of grief, trauma, and isolation in our client sessions. This Christmas period may be particularly challenging following a difficult two years of living with the uncertainties of COVID and, the anniversary of the 2019/20 bushfires. This Expert Insights panel session discusses the challenge ..read more