Author: Bob Brotchie

I find body language fascinating! We can glean so much useful information about a person when we meet with them in person. As a counsellor, I am very much aware of the fact that we can pick up on micro-expressions of the face and learn a lot when attempting to make eye contact. However, as mentioned previously in Business Etiquette and Body Language Blunders, we do need to be aware of how we automatically judge others and situations.

When Custom Writing shared the following infographic with me about body language, I thought it was excellent as it takes this topic much further with 30 signs to watch out for and includes interesting stats and facts.

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Is exhaustion starting to get the better of you? Our guest, Amanda shares tips to identify some of the underlying reasons why we may be feeling inexplicably exhausted.

Wherever you live, mental health issues are likely prevalent. There are so many who are tormented by symptoms which often seem to appear out of nowhere and even though there is much more awareness, many still feel ‘shame’ which hinders them seeking help to deal with a difficult situation.

If you feel like you, or someone in your family, is possibly going through a mental health issue, here are a few things you need to know when it comes to identifying mental illness in its early stages and seeking the appropriate help sooner rather than later. [Read more…]

An interesting piece from our resident guest writer, Tim looking at what we read and our reactions.

You know it takes something that gets me angry to make me write a piece for Bob? You didn’t? Gosh! I’d better tell you that, then!

For reasons I have never quite understood, I’m a member of LinkedIn. I’ve kept the membership, probably against my better judgement, since I retired. I only joined it in the foolish, and unfounded, hope that it might prove to be career enhancing. Ah well, hope, they say, springs eternal. [Read more…]

On Tuesday 6th February I will be supporting Safer Internet Day 2018 by extending my my free and confidential Mental Health Guidance question & answer service to provide guidance on internet safety and wellbeing and sharing other resources around the related issues.

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It’s probably fair to say 2017 was another turbulent year for humanity! Driven by their own sense of inadequacy, copycat terror was once again evident as individuals and groups tried to force those of democracy and of opposing views to cow down to the radical and extreme (non) faiths and ‘beliefs.

Where there is disaster, look for the helpers.

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Whilst post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is commonly understood as a condition suffered by frontline personnel in the military and emergency services, there is a groundswell of opinion that suggest quite strongly that variations of PTSD can be found across society.

Janice Killey has a wealth of experience and training in this area and shares some of the signs we may be missing and gives insight into what PTSD is and the symptoms to watch out for. Janice also holds a Diploma of Education, Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), Master of Arts (Counselling), Diploma of Clinical Hypnotherapy (ASH) and is a Registered Psychologist at Psychologists Southern Sydney. She is also a member of the Australian Psychological Society.

Many people nowadays are unaware that they have a mental condition called PTSD or best known as Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Why is this so? Well, the reason for this is, even today, is the lack of information or awareness about it. Let me share with you what it is all about and the signs that you may be missing. [Read more…]

Here, we are continuing the China Doll series by resident guest author, Tim. Need I say more?

Married in 1979 we both wanted to be a good partnership, and we both wanted children. My wife wanted a football team, I was happy with the idea of two, perhaps three. Nature served us up just one, and his arrival needed help at the creation. [Read more…]

We are, once again, approaching that time of year when partaking in the festivities allows us to enjoy special food and drink and provides us with a much needed change in routine. However, are we mindful of our activities or do we find ourselves mindlessly ‘following the crowd’? Also, consider the rest of the year, not just the festive times. Are we mindful of our habits and behaviours?

Joel Curtis, a registered Psychologists with Endeavour Wellness has over 17 years of experience. Joel also holds a Masters’ Degree in Psychology and owns a number of private practices in Sydney and provides expert content for several national TV and Radio programmes. Here, Joel looks at the subject of casual drinking and addiction. [Read more…]

The subject of narcissism regularly emerges when discussing abuse, childhood emotional neglect (CEN) and negative relationships both domestically and outside the home. I find it also emerges in casual conversations I have with others – and many are not aware of the term ‘narcissism’ and how it relates to them personally.

Of course, not all narcissism is unhealthy, but there is definitely more awareness now than in previous years, and you have likely seen many articles posted on social media about narcissism as an unhealthy personality trait. But how does this relate to us personally? Are these articles just talking about domestic and emotional abusers? [Read more…]

One of the signs I notice, in those living with unhealthy anxiety, is the increase in alcohol consumption. It can start with social drinking and then lead to drinking regularly at home – then alone – which can be a further sign of an unhealthy drinking habit starting to form. Here, our guest, David Milsont looks at alcohol consumption and shares his tips to aid in reducing alcohol intake.

Alcohol consumption is commonplace amongst both teens and adults, in various cultures around the world, and perhaps one reason why it can be really difficult to identify where to draw the line. If our drinking habit is limited to social use, we may not face any fatal consequences, however, once we cross the line, things may start to change drastically. Have you noticed any changes in your alcohol consumption or your habits? [Read more…]