MENTAL HEALTH GROUP UPDATE – NOVEMBER 2024

MENTAL HEALTH GROUP UPDATE – NOVEMBER 2024

 

IN BRIEF

  • National Chair report: Ellen Lake APAM outlines all 2024 achievements
  • State reports: some key updates from the ACT, QLD, SA, NSW, VIC, WA and TAS committees
  • Research: donate to the PRF and discover the latest research studies
  • Professional development: access on-demand courses through cpd4physios
  • InMotion: the latest articles relevant to the Mental Health group
  • Conference: Annelize Prinsloo APAM provides an update on the World Congress on Menopause
  • International physiotherapy: the latest from the International Organisation of Physical Therapy in Mental Health
  • Get involved: become a committee member and get behind the latest consumer campaign
  • Holiday wellbeing: practical tips for wellbeing over the festive period

National Chair report

Submitted by: Ellen Lake APAM
National Chair

As we come to the end of the year, I am presenting the report of our committee’s activities to the APA National Advisory Council. 

Committee members 

  • Ellen Lake APAM, National Chair 
  • Tracey Clark APAM – NSW 
  • Albert Tseng APAM – VIC 
  • Lize Prinsloo APAM – WA (Ruth Lira retired Chair) 
  • Isabelle Kelly APAM and Isaac Bongaarts APAM – QLD Committee members (no active chair) 

States and territories without a committee: SA, TAS, NT and ACT. 

Membership breakdown 

  • Growth: membership has increased from 109 in 2020 to 139 in 2024, with the largest growth occurring in 2021 (123 members) and 2022 (141 members). 
  • Demographics: women make up the majority of members (70.5 per cent), with a median age of 45 years and a median membership duration of 10 years. 
  • Employment sector: most members (52 per cent) work in private practice, followed by 22 per cent in public health. Other areas include education and aged care. 
  • Geographical distribution: there are 107 members in metropolitan areas, 10 in regional areas, 22 in rural areas, and one in a remote location. 
  • Crossovers with other groups: 50 members also belong to the Pain group, 37 to the Musculoskeletal group, 20 to the Sports and Exercise group, and 20 to the Women’s, Men’s, and Pelvic Health group. 15 members belong to other groups. 
  • Titles and specialisations: members hold titles in various specialisations, including Pain (10), Musculoskeletal (five), Sports and Exercise (three), Continence and Women’s Health (three), Research (two), and others (one, including cancer, gerontology, lymphoedema, and paediatrics). 

Reflections 

  • Greatest growth occurred during the pandemic. There is value in building a strong foundation of mental health awareness and knowledge ‘now’ to prepare for both expected and unexpected events in the future. I believe we need to be ‘ahead’ of the game, not simply reacting to circumstances as they arise. Mental health literacy will undoubtedly be a crucial aspect of the future for physiotherapists.
  • Aiming to be “ahead” of the game can generate resistance.
  • Embracing mental health literacy within physiotherapy brings with it wins/wins. In many cases, it means ‘business as usual’ within the therapeutic space. When needed, however, it supports physical, emotional, and psychological safety, which are the cornerstones of trauma-informed care. TIC has, as its focus, the intention of preventing and/or minimising re-traumatisation and new traumatisation. It is only then that engagement and authentic collaboration can occur.
  • Can we formally recognise members’ conjoint accreditations? Many members hold PhDs or qualifications in mental health-related areas. 

Strategic goals 

Professional development and career pathways 

  • Online webinars on Burnout and Self-Care (collaboration with Business Group/MSK/Occ Health) and eating disorders in Physiotherapy Practice (collaboration with SPEX). Contribution to InMotion content and 5 Facts on Suicide Prevention Awareness in Physiotherapy. Planning for a follow-up symposium session on Self-Care (collaboration with Business Group/MSK) with Dr Shelley Barlow from the NSW MH Group. This will probably be next year and aligns with our intention to have at least one self-care session for members per year. Prior to this year, we have had two years of excellent webinar input from Lauren Cox (University of Queensland) and Suzanne Gough (Bond University). We also found the symposium format useful last year in facilitating a more interactive experience.

Collaboration and stakeholder engagement 

  • Continued representation on the BlackDog Professional Advisory Group through Dr Shelley Barlow. 
  • Engagement and collaboration with the International Organisation of Physical Therapy in Mental Health (IOPTMH), with active support of an IOPTMH Global Workforce Data Survey, which aims to map the clinical practices of physiotherapy in mental health care around the world. A previous survey was conducted in 2017, with responses primarily from Scandinavian countries. At last count, responses have doubled this time, with Australia being one of the highest contributors. This study is supported by KU Leuven University (Belgium) and will be written up as a research paper (with reference to APA). The APA MH Group has also supported an IOPTMH Consensus Survey on educational standards and the definition of scope within physiotherapy in mental health. An interim report was presented at the recent IOPTMH Conference in Colombia. Ryan McGrath is our APA representative on this committee and has contributed significantly and will contribute to the writing of this paper.
  • The IOPTMH currently has 30 member countries, including APTA (joined 2023), with a new proposal to admit low-income countries under a no-fee structure. The APA MH Committee supports this proposal. (Proposals around differing fee structures were discussed, including social justice sliding scales. This will be discussed further and presented for voting at the IOPTMH GM in Tokyo 2025.) A recent invitation was received to participate in a research survey conducted by a clinical psychology PhD student completing research across Monash University and Orygen. This pertains to the THINK study, designed to understand youth mental health workers’ experiences of identifying cognitive impairments in young people. The invitation reads: ‘We would appreciate your help, as (mental health physiotherapy members) represent an important part of the youth mental health workforce, and we would like their voices to be included.’ These invitations represent important opportunities for engagement and reflect growing awareness of the role of physiotherapy in the mental health context. Support continues for the National Eating Disorder Collaboration’s strategic rollout of “Eating Disorders Safe Principles: Whole-of-community approaches to do no harm in relation to eating disorders, disordered eating, and body-image distress.”

Support for member wellbeing 

  • Provided professional development resources and responded to member enquiries related to mental health distress in therapeutic settings. 
  • Support of APA with Employment Assistance Program being offered to members as appropriate.
  • Responding to enquiries: Members have experienced distress in response to psychological distress expressed within the therapeutic space and may seek help and guidance.
  • Initiated updates to the APA website resource page with input from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health group. 

Lived experience and peer support 

  • Explored safe ways to support lived experiences and peer support, including the Hand-n-Hand Peer Support platform. 
  • Planned forums and webinars addressing neurodivergence in 2024. 

Advocacy 

  • Promoted member wellbeing through competency support and training. 
  • Advocated for equitable consumer access to physiotherapy services. 
  • Supported free access to IOPTMH education for low-income countries. 
  • Gained recognition of physiotherapy as a discipline (not ‘other’) in National Eating Disorders Collaboration (NEDC) and Medcast events. 
  • Highlighted the importance of suicide prevention awareness in physiotherapy. 
  • Engaged with academic institutions to integrate mental health knowledge into undergraduate education. 

Projects 

  • Finalising the updated APA member resource page. 
  • Developing Level 2 Mental Health modules in collaboration with Professor Davy Vancampfort (KU Leuven University).Head researcher in Physiotherapy and Mental Health at KU Leuven University in Belgium. Concepts to be finalised this year.
  • Contributing to the National Eating Disorder Collaboration’s strategic rollout. 
  • Preparing content for InMotion on suicide prevention awareness for Mental Health Awareness Month (October 2024). 
  • Supporting the IOPTMH Workforce Data Survey through the Clinical Practice Committee. 
  • Contributing to the Level 2 Gerontology Mental Health module. 

Wins and successes 

  • Go Lions!
  • Everything is a win. None of us can know at any one time, if all is working out. It is only on reflection. Things unfold as needed. That doesn’t mean we don’t reflect and adjust, but there is a flow to things.
  • We have achieved greater recognition from the wider multidisciplinary team this year. I am not hearing it said as much: ‘Physio – I never thought about physio when it comes to mental health.’ Often, if I do hear that statement, it is followed by: ‘It makes sense.’
  • Developing and understanding our role will take time. This is a different space—we cannot advocate to be experts in this space. We are supportive of the role needed and adjust and learn accordingly.
  • We have successfully supported and amplified physiotherapy’s contributions to global discussions in mental health care.

Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas. See you all in 2025. 
 

 

State reports

If you would like to contribute in 2025, join our Mental Health committee by emailing Jenny Robertson.

Submitted by: Emily McIver 
APAM QLD committee member

We would like to acknowledge all the QLD Mental Health committee members who contributed in 2024. We look forward to continuing our valuable work in 2025. 

Committee members: 

  • Antony Lung – returning member 
  • Emily McIver APAM – returning member 
  • Isabelle Kelly APAM – Incoming chair in 2025
  • Isaac Bongaarts APAM – returning member 
  • Richard Modderman APAM – returning member 
  • Ellen Lake APAM (ex-officio, National Chair) 

Since our last communication, the QLD Mental Health committee has met three times this year, with the aim of meeting four times annually. The most recent meeting was held on 13 November 2024. 

A significant development this year was the passing of the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill by the Queensland Parliament in August 2024. This legislation addresses the rise in psychological injury claims and introduces measures to reduce secondary psychological injuries following physical injuries. These measures ensure the provision of essential services and coverage of associated expenses to support affected workers. 

Workers with psychological injuries have been shown to take more time off work compared to those with other types of injuries. Mental health-related claims have been steadily increasing over time. In 2022–23, such claims accounted for 11 per cent of all serious claims. In 2024, 80 per cent of all serious claims involved body stressing, slips, trips, falls, being hit by moving objects, or mental stress. 

Furthermore, claims for mental stress had the highest median compensation paid, averaging $67,400, compared to $17,900 for the vehicle incidents and other injury category. If you would like to join the QLD Mental Health committee in 2025 and be part of the evolving landscape of physiotherapy in mental health, please contact the QLD Branch Manager Jody Hammel.

If you would like to contribute in 2025, join our Mental Health committee by emailing Casey Garnett.

Submitted by: Tracey Clark APAM 
NSW Chair

The NSW APA Mental Health committee continues to emphasise the importance of training physiotherapists to understand the awareness and impact of their clients’ mental health. Equally, the committee underscores the need to prioritise and support the mental and physical health of physiotherapists themselves. 

With the updated APA Mental Health Resources page now available, physiotherapists can explore effective self-care strategies and access a range of useful websites and resources for clients. 

Last month, Ellen Lake, Ryan McGrath and Sophie Shephard presented five discussion points on suicide prevention in a clinical context. Additionally, LGBTIQ+ Health Australia published state and territory-based briefing papers on LGBTQIA+ mental health and suicidality. Both initiatives highlighted the elevated mental health challenges and suicide risks among at-risk groups frequently encountered in physiotherapy practice. 

Physiotherapists can actively improve client care by increasing their awareness of risk factors, using inclusive language, promoting protective factors, and leveraging available resources and referral pathways. By doing so, we can reduce client distress and discomfort while bolstering our own mental health. 

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, three to four per cent of Australians experience suicidal thoughts each year. 

Key risk factors 

Physiotherapists should remain alert during assessments or as rapport develops with clients for the following risk factors: 

  • history of adverse childhood experiences and trauma 
  • mental health issues and/or alcohol and other drug use problems 
  • key life transitions or points of disconnection, such as leaving school, changes in foster care, retirement, exiting prison or entering aged care 
  • overlapping stressors and adverse life events 
  • discrimination, stigma and inequity 
  • a sense of lost value (individual, family, societal) 
  • loneliness and isolation 
  • hopelessness and emotional suffering during crises 
  • exposure to suicide or access to means 
  • persistent pain, particularly severe pain 
  • beginning or discontinuing opioid use. 

Groups proportionately affected by suicide 

Certain populations face higher suicide risks: 

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples 
  • individuals with diverse sexualities and/or genders, including those who identify as LGBTIQ+ 
  • people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities who may experience greater exclusion, discrimination and isolation 
  • children and young people, particularly in foster care 
  • men, who may find it more challenging to seek support 
  • people in rural and regional communities with reduced access to services 
  • veterans and service members transitioning to civilian life. 

Framework for suicide prevention 

The NSW Mental Health Commission Framework underscores that everyone, in any setting, has a role to play in preventing suicide and providing early intervention, particularly for high-risk groups. 

The framework defines suicide prevention as comprising three key components: 

  1. Prevention and early intervention: early identification and referral to compassionate programs, services and supports. 
  2. Aftercare and support: encouraging follow-up with the client’s general practitioner, mental health team or support programs. 
  3. Post-suicide support: accessing 24-hour support services, such as the StandBy Support After Suicide program by calling 1300 727 247. 

Supportive factors 

Physiotherapists can help build protective factors for clients, such as the following: 

  • Encouraging meaningful work, leisure activities and future planning. Referral to occupational therapy (OT) may assist with leisure and work support. 
  • Facilitating access to effective mental health care. Referral to a general practitioner or specialised support groups may be appropriate. 
  • Strengthening community and cultural connections. Physiotherapists can support attendance at community events or help explore new opportunities. 
  • Promoting culturally safe and responsive services, such as ACON in NSW for the LGBTQI+ community. 
  • Supporting the development of life skills, including problem-solving, coping and adaptability. Referral to an occupational therapist, social worker or mental health practitioner may be beneficial. 

Practical strategies for physiotherapists 

  • Listen actively and non-judgmentally, asking open-ended questions to assess risk levels. 
  • In high-risk or life-threatening situations, contact emergency services (000). 

With client consent, connect them to crisis services, including: 

  • Lifeline: 13 11 14 
  • Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 
  • Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 
  • 13YARN: 13 92 76 (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples). 
  • Support the client or their support person to follow up with a general practitioner for a mental health review or engage with their mental health practitioner. 

Key actions for physiotherapists 

  • Radar: keep suicide risk on your radar and explore further if concerns arise. 
  • Resources: ensure you have critical resources and contacts readily available. 
  • Familiarity: familiarise yourself with services and referral pathways in your area. 
  • Training: consider further training, especially if you work with high-risk groups. The APA Mental Health Physiotherapy Level 1 course is an excellent resource for physiotherapists seeking to enhance their understanding of mental health issues. 

Additionally, Jo Connaughton APAM and Ellen Lake have highlighted the blended learning Mental Health First Aid course, available multiple times annually. Check the APA’s website for more. 

Further training opportunities 

Suicide prevention: 

Trauma-informed care: 

References 

If you would like to contribute in 2025, join our Mental Health committee by emailing Rose Horvat.

Submitted by: Albert Tseng APAM
VIC Chair

Faulty thinking 

The renowned book Change Your Thinking by Sarah Edelmann PhD suggests that a key characteristic of happy individuals is their ability to adapt their thinking to life circumstances, rather than engaging in rigid or faulty thinking patterns when life inevitably does not go as planned. 

Below are five examples of faulty thinking as illustrated in the book: 

  1. Irrational beliefs 
    Example: ‘I must be loved and approved of by everyone.’ Consequence: anxiety, unassertive (people-pleasing) behaviour, depression and poor self-esteem. 
  2. Tyranny of the ‘shoulds’ 
    Example: ‘I should never make mistakes.’ Consequence: holding such beliefs can cause negative emotions because life often does not align with these expectations. However, reframing them as ‘preferences’ can make them less problematic. 
  3. Awfulising (catastrophising) 
    Example: ‘I must find a partner – it is awful to be single.’ Consequence: negative language can be powerful in shaping thoughts because it assumes the consequences will be catastrophic. In reality, however, this is often not the case. 
  4. Black-and-white thinking 
    Example: losing a mark on an otherwise high-achieving assignment and perceiving the entire assignment as a failure rather than a success. Consequence: these thinking patterns, common in perfectionists, can cause emotional distress by failing to recognise that other favourable outcomes may exist beyond the desired one. 
  5. Overgeneralising 
    Example: Being treated poorly by someone at a party and assuming that all people at parties are out to make your experience unpleasant. Consequence: extrapolating from one situation to others without due consideration may limit opportunities for positive experiences. While such thoughts may serve as a protective mechanism to prevent further negative social encounters, they can also lead to avoiding socialising altogether, thereby missing out on potential positive experiences. 

Sarah Edelmann emphasises that recognising faulty thinking patterns is crucial because it helps identify cognitions worth challenging – an integral part of cognitive behavioural therapy, which is strongly supported by evidence.

Submitted by: Annelize Prinsloo APAM 
WA Chair

Reflections on professional development in 2024 

As 2024 comes to a close, we reflect on some of the outstanding professional development activities undertaken by the Mental Health national group. 

  • Face-to-face session – ‘That makes me want to die, in my body: a brief on psychological trauma’ 
    Held on 21 August 2024, this session was presented by Dr Brian Lim, a psychologist with Fly2Health. It was very well received and sparked engaging discussions among participants. 
  • Online Lecture – ‘Understanding eating disorders in physiotherapy practice’ 
    This online session, presented by Sally Partington APAM on 1 October 2024, provided valuable insights and left participants with much to consider. 
  • World Congress on Menopause 
    I attended this international conference in Melbourne on 19–22 October 2024, where various presentations highlighted the intersection of mental health and menopause. Contributing factors influencing mental health during menopause, such as sleep disruptions, diet and exercise, were explored, with an emphasis on lifestyle changes to benefit women during this stage of life. Managing mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and low mood through hormone replacement therapy (HRT) remains the gold standard, rather than prescribing antidepressants. Menopause is gaining recognition as a vital area of research internationally, and we anticipate more robust evidence emerging in the near future. See my full review in the conference section of this update. 

Looking ahead 

Our committee is actively exploring new topics for discussion and presentation in 2025. Our goal is to deepen our understanding of the complex interactions and nuances in mental health, enhancing the support we provide to our clients and patients.

 

 

Research


During renewals, you have the chance to advance physiotherapy by donating to the PRF

How does PRF research impact physiotherapy?

describe image

  • 73 per cent of PRF funded research has influenced clinical practice.
  • 71 per cent PRF-funded research has been published in peer-review journals.
  • For every invested by $1 the PRF, an additional $6.35 of further funding has been generated.

When you renew your APA membership for 2025, your $5 donation to the PRF helps guide the physiotherapy profession forward.

Learn more


2023 Pat Cosh Trust grant recipients

Teaching physiotherapy students about mental ill health

Ryan McGrath APAM, member of the NSW Mental Health Committee, physiotherapist and researcher at the University of Melbourne’s Department of Rural Health in Shepparton, was awarded the 2023 Pat Cosh Trust Annual Grant with a grant amount of $29,292. Ryan’s research is to develop a mental health learning package for physiotherapy students that will support mental health literacy and raise awareness of mental health conditions commonly encountered in practice. A co-design approach involving students currently enrolled in the physiotherapy program will be used to develop and evaluate a blended learning package to support mental ill health awareness and literacy, which will be incorporated into the first year of the Doctor of Physiotherapy program. Read more.

Upskilling physiotherapists in trauma-informed care

Dr Sophie Heywood MACP, Clinical Research Coordinator for the Department of Physiotherapy at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, has been awarded the 2023 Pat Cosh Trust Annual Grant with a grant amount of $29,971. Sophie’s research aims to develop and evaluate a training program for physiotherapists covering four key themes – understanding trauma and the impact of trauma; trauma-informed principles, including psychological safety and skills to improve patient experience; overcoming barriers to implement trauma-informed care; and physiotherapist safety and resilience and strategies for clinician stress management. Read more.

 

Professional development

Self-paced opportunities

Enrol anytime in the APA’s on-demand learning platform, cpd4physios. Log into cpd4physios to complete the on-demand Mental Health Physiotherapy Level 1  course.

 

InMotion 

September 2024 issue

October 2024 issue

November 2024 issue

inmotion cover collage

 

Conference 

World Congress on Menopause in Melbourne 

Submitted by: Annelize Prinsloo APAM 
WA Chair 

I attended the World Congress on Menopause on 19 to 22 October 2024, which brought together delegates from over 52 countries. The conference addressed topics impacting women from the premenopausal stage through to post-menopause. It is well known that there are more than 200 symptoms associated with menopause, with individuals experiencing these symptoms in significantly different ways. Most symptoms directly affect day-to-day life, influencing physical, emotional and mental health. 

Key takeaways 

Mental health and cognitive health 

Managing mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression and low mood during menopause through hormone replacement therapy (HRT) remains the gold standard, rather than relying on antidepressants. 

Cognitive difficulties during perimenopause often co-occur with vasomotor symptoms, sleep disruptions and low mood. Strategies for maintaining cognitive health and reducing the risk of dementia include: 

  • managing heart health (particularly addressing hypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes) 
  • engaging in regular physical exercise, including resistance and cardiovascular components 
  • slowing midlife weight gain through a healthy diet, such as incorporating whole plant-based foods and proteins 
  • quitting smoking and avoiding excessive alcohol intake 
  • maintaining social engagement 
  • exercising or challenging the brain, such as learning a new language, reading, volunteering or acquiring a new skill. 

Lifestyle modifications 

Several sessions focused on lifestyle modifications to manage obesity and chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, cancer and bone health. 

More women die from cardiac arrest than from any other disease. Symptoms of heart attacks often differ between women and men, and women are frequently not taken seriously when presenting at emergency departments. This remains a significant concern within the healthcare environment. 

Sleep disruptions 

Sleep disruptions, ranging from insomnia to sleep-disordered breathing (for example, obstructive sleep apnoea, snoring and nocturnal hypoventilation due to decreased oestrogen levels), were highlighted as major factors impacting daily life. Other contributing factors include: 

  • pain 
  • mood fluctuations 
  • endocrinological and metabolic changes 
  • the use of pharmacological interventions. 

Bone health 

Bone health, including sarcopenia and osteoporosis, remains an essential consideration for menopausal individuals. It is recommended that clients undergo a bone density test early on as a baseline measure. A variety of medications and lifestyle strategies are available to support bone health. 

The TeleFFit trial, a 12-month program funded by the Medical Research Future Fund (Preventative and Public Health Research Initiative), is currently underway and focuses on these issues. 

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) 

GSM affects up to 80 per cent of menopausal individuals, with 26 per cent reporting lower self-esteem, reduced physical activity and poor sleep. Other impacts include: 

  • urinary tract and pelvic floor concerns, such as increased urinary frequency, recurrent urinary tract infections, dysuria and bacteriuria 
  • impaired sexual function (reported by 75 per cent) 
  • impaired partner relationships (affecting 33 per cent). 

Human sexuality is multidimensional, and individuals should be assessed holistically, considering biological, psychological and contextual factors. The International Menopause Society has published a white paper on sexual wellbeing after menopause, offering further guidance on this topic.

 

International physiotherapy

Submitted by: Ellen Lake APAM
National Chair and IOPTMH APA representative

International Organisation of Physical Therapy in Mental Health (IPOTMH) Conference

The 10th IOPTMH conference was successfully held in Barranquilla, Colombia, from 19 to 21 September 2024, with 165 colleagues attending from across the globe. The program featured presentations on the latest research into exercise and physical activity, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), humanitarian projects and social impacts, and student wellbeing. Workshops on mindfulness, mindful movement, breathing and the principles of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) were also well attended. The IOPTMH Awards for Best Infographics were announced, with first place awarded to Sophie Heywood and the team at St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne. 

The IOPTMH Committee for Clinical Practice has distributed a global workforce data survey to map the clinical practices of physiotherapists working with mental health patients. The aim is to gain a deeper understanding of how to better support patient needs. The survey is open to all physiotherapists working in any setting and takes approximately five minutes to complete. This initiative builds upon a 2017 survey, which predominantly received responses from Scandinavian countries. The current version aims to achieve greater global diversity. The IOPTMH has secured ethical approval for the project, and all participation is anonymous. Complete the survey.

 

Get involved 

We currently have vacancies on all our Mental Health state committees. We are also seeking chairs for the following states and territories: 

  • Australian Capital Territory (ACT) 
  • Northern Territory (NT) 
  • South Australia (SA) 
  • Tasmania (TAS). 

If you would like to step into one of these roles and make a valuable contribution to mental health physiotherapy in your state, please email your expression of interest. Step up and make a valuable contribution to mental health physiotherapy in your state. 

Stay connected 

Join the APA Mental Health Facebook group and participate in the discussions, learn about upcoming professional development opportunities and much more. This group aims to support the sharing of information and ideas, as well as promote important conversations surrounding the space of mental health within physiotherapy practice.

Consumer campaign

describe image The APA recently launched our new consumer campaign that is designed to connect with the general public, drive their interest and awareness in physiotherapy and encourage them to find an APA physiotherapist. The campaign has been performing really well and is driving a high level of Find a physio searches and engagement on the choose.physio website. 

Get involved with a variety of marketing materials that can be displayed in your practice or shared through your social channels to promote the campaign in your local area.

 

Holiday wellbeing

The end of the year can be a wonderful time filled with catching up with loved ones, joyous celebrations and opportunities to relax. However, it can also be stressful – a time when we may feel overwhelmed, worried or anxious, and are reminded of past grief and losses. 

MindSpot, a free online psychological service operated by Macquarie University and funded by the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care, provides practical tips to help us enjoy this time of year. 

Practical tips for wellbeing 

  • Make a plan: take a moment to plan your activities during the festive season. This is a great way to stay organised and reduce stress. Limit the number of social activities or commitments you take on to avoid overloading yourself. 
  • Say no: remember, it’s okay to say ‘no’. By November and December, many of us feel exhausted. Where possible, try postponing non-urgent activities, events or commitments to the new year if you are feeling burnt out. 
  • Wind down: establish a wind-down ritual in the evenings to help you switch off and de-stress. This could include listening to music, watching your favourite TV show, walking the dog, stretching, meditating or reading. 
  • Get good sleep: the last months of the year can feel especially busy. Aiming for seven to eight hours of rest each night can help prevent burnout. If you’re finding it hard to unwind at night or wake up in the morning, try going to bed earlier and limiting screen time before bedtime. 
  • Be patient: this year has been challenging for many of us. Give yourself and those around you permission to be human – occasionally grumpy, forgetful, or less than perfect. 
  • Flexibility: stay flexible when planning events. You might need to combine face-to-face and virtual celebrations. Have a ‘plan B’ in case people need to isolate or cannot attend in person. Remember, an event doesn’t have to be perfect to be enjoyable or meaningful. 
  • Stay connected: the festive season can be a lonely time for some. It’s important to check in with people you care about and stay connected. Sending text messages or scheduling calls can help reduce feelings of loneliness. 
  • Healthy routines: keeping a regular routine during the festive season, even if it’s slightly different from your usual one, helps maintain physical and mental health. This could include regular sleep and meal times, getting out of the house, exercising, taking breaks or connecting with others daily. 
  • Budget: setting a budget for the festive season can reduce financial stress. This time of year doesn’t have to be about spending lots of money – it’s about spending quality time with loved ones, taking time to rest or doing something enjoyable. 
  • Take a break: taking small breaks throughout the day can help manage stress and fatigue. Simple activities such as going for a walk, getting fresh air, reorganising your space, stretching, drinking water, stepping away from devices or making a cup of tea and a snack can help you refocus and re-energise. 
  • Lean on others: it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by growing to-do lists at this time of year. Seek assistance and delegate tasks where possible. Manage others’ expectations by asking for more time or support if you’re struggling to keep up. 
  • Respect yourself: when feeling stressed or overwhelmed, it’s common to become self-critical or push ourselves too hard. Speaking to yourself in a kind and respectful way can help you stay resilient. If you’re struggling, think about how you would speak to someone you care about. 

Support services 

If you need more support, contact: 

  • Lifeline: 13 11 14 
  • Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 
  • ReachOut: 1800 737 732 or text 0458 737 732.

 

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