Mental Health in Practice

Young People and Trauma: Applications of Systems Theory

How can a systems approach improve care for young people with complex trauma? Join host Dana Shen (Consultant), and guests Seanna Davidson (Systems Change Practitioner and Education) and Tim Crowley (Nurse Practitioner in Child and Adolescence Mental Health) as they explore how family, community and services connect around a young person and shape trauma-informed care. Equally focused on the efficacy of these broader services, Dana, Seanna and Tim discuss the role that systems thinking plays in helping multidisciplinary teams to navigate workplace challenges and collaboratively engage.Liked this episode? Stay tuned for future episodes by following Mental Health in Practice.Explore resources on trauma-informed care and multidisciplinary practice on the MHPN website. Share your comments, questions and feedback about Mental Health in Practice: https://mhpn.org.au/podcast-feedback/.

Barriers to Care: Designing a men’s mental health service

Content advice: This episode discusses the topic of suicide, listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is in crisis, support is available. In Australia, contact Lifeline (13 11 14), Suicide Call Back Service (call or chat online), or Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800 – for those aged 25 and under). If it is an emergency, call 000.How can practitioners overcome barriers to effectively engaging men in care? Join Co-Directors of the Ballarat Men's Mental Health Service, Maxine Troon, Andrew McPherson and Mick Fryar, as they share their insights into why men delay help-seeking and can find it difficult to remain engaged in supports. They explore common experiences, such as challenges with referral pathways, alongside other barriers that are unique to this demographic. By cultivating a person-centred environment, this episode demonstrates how the Ballarat Men’s Mental Health service continues to innovate, evolve and meet men where they're at. Liked this episode? Stay tuned for future episodes by following Mental Health in Practice. Visit the MHPN website for episode host and guest bios, recommended resources and a self-directed CPD form. Share your comments, questions and feedback about Mental Health in Practice: https://mhpn.org.au/podcast-feedback/. 

Anxiety in the Perinatal Period: A Peer Work Perspective

Anxiety can often be difficult to recognise during the perinatal period, with many people hesitating to seek support. Robyn Stanislavski and Katie Rogerson from PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia) discuss their roles as peer worker and clinical practitioner, and how the intentional and safe sharing of lived experience can reduce shame and complement clinical care during this stage of life. Drawing on both lived experience and professional practice, Robyn and Katie discuss the value of peer support for people experiencing anxiety in the perinatal period. As part of the conversation, they also clarify what peer workers do in real practice settings and how collaboration between peer and clinical roles can strengthen support for parents.Listen to gain a deeper understanding of how peer support works in practice and the positive difference it can make in perinatal mental health.Robyn Stanislavski recently shared her expertise at an MHPN webinar, Supporting Perinatal Mental Health After Loss or a History of Eating Disorders. You can watch the full webinar recording on our website here: https://mhpn.org.au/webinar/perinatal-mental-health/Liked this episode? Stay tuned for future episodes by following Mental Health in Practice.Visit the MHPN website for episode host and guest bios, recommended resources and a self-directed CPD form.Share your comments, questions and feedback about Mental Health in Practice: https://mhpn.org.au/podcast-feedback/.

What Makes ADHD Burnout So Different?

Mental Health Occupational Therapist Emma Ketley and ADHD and autism advocate Amy Green explore neurodivergent burnout and why it is so often misunderstood in clinical settings. Amy candidly shares her lived experience, highlighting how burnout differs from depression and occupational burnout, and the impact it can cause to sensory tolerance and executive functioning. Emma and Amy unpack what accessible, neurodiversity-affirming care looks like in practice. From working with individual strengths and tailoring communication, to creating flexible, collaborative spaces, they explore practical ways that practitioners can reduce barriers and truly support neurodivergent people in engaging with care.  This episode is essential listening for health practitioners, mental health professionals, and anyone supporting people with ADHD. It provides clear strategies to incorporate into your practice, to create safer, more inclusive, and supportive spaces. Liked this episode? Stay tuned for future episodes by following Mental Health in Practice. Visit the MHPN website for episode host and guest bios, recommended resources and a self-directed CPD form. Share your comments, questions and feedback about Mental Health in Practice: https://mhpn.org.au/podcast-feedback/.

ADHD: Support Beyond Medication

How can people with ADHD be supported beyond medication?Occupational Therapist and ADHD Coach Emma Ketley and ADHD and autism advocate Amy Green bring their professional insight and lived experience, for an honest conversation about supporting people with ADHD beyond medication. They explore sensory load, masking, ADHD burnout, and nervous system regulation, and discuss practical, non-pharmacological strategies that can make a meaningful difference for neurodivergent adults. This episode is essential listening for health practitioners, mental health professionals, and anyone supporting people with ADHD. It offers guidance on neurodiversity-affirming approaches, and on how to create safer, more inclusive spaces in practice. Liked this episode? Stay tuned for future episodes by following Mental Health in Practice.Visit the MHPN website for episode host and guest bios, recommended resources and a self-directed CPD form.Share your comments, questions and feedback about Mental Health in Practice: https://mhpn.org.au/podcast-feedback/.