Olivia Jurcik Counsellor

17/11/2025

This Movember, let's all get behind supporting men's mental health.

A quick look at some statistics...

➡️ 43% of men will experience anxiety or depression at some stage in their lives
➡️ 26% admit to delay seeking a health professional when they need it
➡️ Seven out of nine people who die by su***de each day are men.
➡️ Only 37% of men and boys reach out for support when they need it.

These statistics are alarming. You don't have to have all the answers. All it takes is one simple conversation, an ear to listen, and a shoulder to lean on.

03/11/2025

It's Men’s Mental Health Month.

At White Ribbon Australia, we know that looking after your mental health isn't just about you, it’s about being able to support the people around you too. Taking care of yourself gives you the strength and clarity to look out for others.

Check out our Better Guides: Better for Myself has practical tips to manage stress, build resilience and prioritise your wellbeing.

Small steps for yourself can make a big difference for everyone in your life.

Head to our website to read the guides: https://whiteribbon.org.au/not-perfect-better/

(Source: The Australian Bureau Of Statistics)

16/10/2025

Cannabis (also known as w**d, pot, or dope) is the most commonly used drug among young people in Australia. And while many can think of it as harmless, the reality is far more complex.

The active ingredient in cannabis, THC, changes the way your brain communicates. It boosts dopamine, creating feelings of relaxation or euphoria, but it also disrupts memory, judgement, concentration, and reaction times. Over time, these changes can increase the risk of dependence and addiction.

Physically, cannabis can affect your lungs, heart, immune system, and even unborn babies during pregnancy. Psychologically, it can heighten anxiety, depression, paranoia, and, in some cases, trigger hallucinations or panic attacks.

About 1 in 10 people who use cannabis will develop an addiction - and the younger that someone starts, the higher their risk. That’s why early intervention is so critical.

We support individuals and families who are impacted by cannabis and other substance use. From medically supervised detox (if required), through to long-term rehabilitation, our programs are designed to help people break the cycle and rediscover a healthier, more fulfilling life.

13/10/2025

Studies may show that younger people are drinking less, but at what cost? We have seen steady increases year after year with other drugs, both prescribed and illicit. With such high demand across AOD services nationwide, the harms caused by alcohol misuse remain at alarming levels. In my experience alcohol is the single biggest reason for treatment presentations, with methamphetamine (ice) coming in close second.

Younger people are drinking less alcohol in Australia, with Gen Z leading a cultural change that could be long-lasting, a new study has claimed. 🍹🎉

"Generation Z are redefining what it means to socialise and celebrate, and they're doing it with less alcohol," Dr Kirrilly Thompson has said.

MORE DETAILS ON THE STUDY: https://nine.social/11Z4

01/10/2025

🌿 What is Mental Health Month?

October is Mental Health Month, a time to shine a light on the importance of mental wellbeing and reduce the stigma that still surrounds mental health challenges.

Mental health affects everyone. Just like physical health, it exists on a spectrum and it can fluctuate depending on life stressors, support systems, and personal resilience.

This month is a reminder that:
👉 Looking after your mental health is just as important as looking after your body.
👉 Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
👉 Recovery and resilience are possible.

💡 Let’s use this month to start conversations, share resources, and encourage one another to take small but meaningful steps toward mental wellbeing.

📞 If you or someone you know is struggling: Lifeline 13 11 14, Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636, 13YARN 13 92 76.

Need support for alcohol/substance dependence disorders? Call Hader Clinic Queensland on 1300 856 847.

11/09/2025

💬 R U OK? Day: A Conversation Could Change a Life

Today is R U OK? Day, an important reminder that a simple question - “Are you OK?” - has the power to start life-changing conversations.

In addiction, I’ve seen how isolation and silence can deepen someone’s pain. Often, people don’t need us to “fix” things, they just need to be heard without judgement. Checking in with a colleague, friend, or loved one can be the opening they need to share what’s really going on.

The message of R U OK? Day is clear: we don’t need to wait for a crisis to ask the question. By making connection a part of our everyday lives, we can create a stronger safety net for the people we care about.

So today, and every day...let’s keep checking in, listening deeply, and reminding those around us that they’re not alone.

📞 If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available:

Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
13YARN (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support line): 13 92 76

10/09/2025

🌍 World Su***de Prevention Day: Changing the Narrative on Su***de

Today is World Su***de Prevention Day, a time to reflect on how we can shift the way we speak about and respond to su***de in our communities.

This year’s theme, “Changing the Narrative on Su***de”, asks us to move away from silence, stigma, and shame toward open, compassionate conversations.

In my work, I am reminded every day that small actions matter. A check-in, a listening ear, or helping someone feel seen can be life-saving. Su***de prevention is not just about crisis response; it’s about building a culture where people feel safe to speak openly, seek help, and know that they are not alone.

Changing the narrative means recognising that:
👉 Talking about su***de does not cause harm - silence does.
👉 Asking someone directly about their struggles can open the door to hope.
👉 Recovery is possible, and support is always within reach.

Today, let’s commit to conversations that replace stigma with understanding, and despair with connection. Together, we can help rewrite the story on su***de.

📞 If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
13YARN (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support line): 13 92 76

06/09/2025

💙 Father's Day is a day of many stories - and all of them matter.
Beyond Blue's free telephone (1300 22 4636) and online counselling service (beyondblue.org.au) is available 24/7 for everyone in Australia.

05/09/2025

🌸 Body Image and Eating Disorders Awareness Week: The Overlap Between Eating Disorders and Substance Use

This week is Body Image and Eating Disorders Awareness Week (BIEDAW) - a time to raise awareness of the serious impact eating disorders have, and to highlight the importance of early intervention and compassionate support.

Something that is often less spoken about is the intersection between eating disorders and substance use. Research shows that these conditions frequently co-occur, with individuals using alcohol or other substances to cope with body image distress, to suppress appetite, or to manage overwhelming emotions. Likewise, substance use challenges can intensify disordered eating patterns.

When these two issues overlap, the risks to physical and mental health are amplified, and recovery can feel even more complex. Yet with the right integrated support where both substance use and eating concerns are addressed together healing is absolutely possible.

This , let’s remember:

👉 Eating disorders and substance use disorders are not choices, they are health conditions.
👉 Shame and stigma can delay help-seeking; compassion and understanding encourage it.
👉 Recovery is possible with the right support, and no one should have to face it alone.

📞 If you or someone you know is struggling:

Butterfly Foundation (ED support): 1800 334 673

04/09/2025

👩‍🦰 Women’s Health Week: The Power of Putting Yourself First 👱‍♀️

This week marks Women’s Health Week, a reminder of the importance of women prioritising their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

In my work in addiction and recovery services, I see first-hand how often women put their own needs last. While caring for others can be deeply valuable, it can also come at the cost of health and wellbeing. When challenges such as substance use, stress, or mental health difficulties arise, many women delay seeking support until things feel overwhelming.

Recovery begins with a simple but powerful decision: to give yourself permission to be a priority.

➡️ To ask for help without guilt.

➡️ To make time for healing.

➡️ To know that taking care of yourself is not selfish - it’s necessary.

This Women’s Health Week, let’s encourage conversations that normalise self-care, support-seeking, and recovery for women in every stage of life.

29/08/2025

Social events are part of life, from birthdays, BBQs, work drinks, to family dinners, but in recovery, they can also be filled with unexpected triggers.

We completely understand that learning to navigate these moments without alcohol or drugs takes time, support, and the right strategies. The good news? You can enjoy socialising without putting your recovery process at risk.

Here are 10 ways to avoid social triggers and stay on track:

1: BYO – Bring your own alcohol-free drink so that you're never caught out.

2: Set Clear Boundaries – Let others know you’re not drinking and ask for their support.

3: Buddy Up – Take someone who knows your story and has your back.

4: Plan Escape Routes – Have a polite exit strategy ready, just in case.

5: Communicate – Honest chats with loved ones go a long way.

6: Be Selective – You don’t have to attend everything.

7: Compare Notes – Talk to others in recovery about what works for them.

8: Have Realistic Expectations – The first attempts will likely be challenging, which is completely normal. Keep in mind that it gets easier with time and practice.

9: Debrief Afterwards – Reflect with someone you trust.

10: Trust Your Gut – If it feels wrong, it probably is.

You can socialise and protect your progress, one step at a time.

22/08/2025

💟 What Long-Term Recovery Looks Like 🎉

Recovery doesn’t end after 30, 60, or 90 days. It is not a finish line, a single decision, or even a single path. It’s a lifelong relationship with change, self-awareness, and growth. Long-term recovery is about building a life where substances are no longer needed to survive or cope. A life that feels meaningful and worth staying present for.

It includes sustainable routines, meaningful relationships, emotional regulation, and ongoing growth. There will also be setbacks - moments of doubt, grief, or fatigue. This is normal. Healing is not linear. We return to the same places, each time with more understanding. There are still challenges, but now there are tools.

Long-term recovery isn’t perfect, but it is deeply human. It’s about moving from crisis to stability, and from surviving to thriving. People begin to ask different questions:

➡️ How do I stay grounded when life feels good, not just when it’s hard?

➡️ What does purpose look like for me now?

➡️ How do I give back, while still protecting my own wellbeing?

Recovery becomes not just what you leave behind but what you move toward. Recovery isn’t about perfection, it’s about persistence. And hope is not naïve, it’s necessary.

If you are walking this path or supporting others who are, know that the work you’re doing matters. The quiet, consistent effort. The moments of choice. The courage to continue one day at a time.

🔹 I’d love to hear what gives you hope. What keeps you going - personally or professionally? What helps you trust that healing is possible, even in the hard seasons? Let’s celebrate the hope of recovery.