Craig Wilson Psychology

30/05/2021

So, we in Victoria have returned to lockdown, homeschooling etc.
It is important to remember to :
1 stay connected
2 stay positive
3 look after people you know/ love
4 Be active in finding fun!
If you are experiencing difficulty with your mental health ( yeah, broad concept, I know!), you can access psychologists via Telehealth still. Contact you psychologist or your gp, find out the details
Stay well.

24/08/2020

Mood Jackers.
We all know how music can affect mood, or do we? We can identify music that sounds, sad, happy, angry, dramatic etc. Right?

Think about songs you have gone to when feeling down, "Break up " song lists ( or tapes if you are of an earlier generation).

So MOOD JACKERS gets you to make a songlist of music that seems to affect your mood in a positive way. I generally recommend about 20 minutes of music , so 7-10 songs and listen to it daily, and when you note that your mood is lower than you would like.

Call it "active meditation" if you like.

Take note of changes in mood when listening, remember it's not about like , its about LIFTING mood.

Rules:
*Choose music that lifts your mood, not necessarily songs you like... yep you have to do some research.
* Keep music on your list if it is a good Mood Jacker ie 8/10 for Jacking.
* Swap out music that doesn't do it any more, ie less than 8/10 Jacking.

Example:
Katrina and the Waves , "Walking on Sunshine", I don't particularly like this song but it has a positive effect on my mood.

Stevie Ray Vaughan "Scuttle Buttin" No words, I really like the music and it lifts my mood

05/08/2020

Here in Victoria we have returned to necessary restrictions, especially for Melbournians. This is a time where we get to demonstrate our resilience and our patience, even perhaps some creativity.
It is easy for us (humans that is) to focus on negatives, eg think about 7 times you felt embarrassed....TOO EASY! Now think of 3 times when you felt proud... not so easy! Its human nature!!

So being positive is something we have to work on.
I would like to promote ideas for surviving/thriving in these times, so:
1. Formal dinner night with the people you share your home with, family house mates etc, dress up, get the good glasses/ cutlery out, do it regularly... Thanks Aitchison's great idea.

2. Treat it as a 6 week training program, getting more flexible, getting stronger, there are heaps of helpful aps for this, or keep it simple, establish a base line (What am I like now), record it and re measure in, say, 2 weeks after you have worked at it. Being able to comfortably touch my toes in 6 weeks for example.

3. Engage with friends, play a game online, doesn't have to be a video game, but could be. There are lots of Aps that allow player to player like chess.

4. Learn a new skill, 6 week program solving a cryptic crossword clue each day, learn 5 new words in another language each day, "we will eventually be able to travel again".

I am hoping that people will ad their own tips for positivity and I am looking forward to it!

Here's a nice photo

20/05/2020

As a Community, State, Country, Families and Individuals we have done a great job protecting vulnerable members of our community and limiting the pressure on our front line health resources. Well Done!
As restrictions begin to soften it is important to remember that many of us (hopefully most if not all) will be returning to "normal" routine in the near future.
This is the time to be practicing the routine, so that it does not coma as a large change when it occurs. So installing start and finish times for school/work, maintaining daily routines like brushing teeth, making your bed etc.
If you are already doing this.... Fantastic!

06/05/2020

As families, communities, states, territories and a country we are doing a great job facing the challenges of COVID 19. You have probably learned novel ways to entertain, engage and endure in these times.
Mental Health has shifted more strongly into the spotlight in recent weeks, with some of the predictors of positive mental health being severely challenged at this time.

So let's make every day "RUOK" day! and if your friends , families or colleagues are not OK, assist them to get help... It's really, really important.

20/04/2020

10 tips for surviving extended homestay with children, from Professor Mark Dadds, University of Sydney, Child Behaviour Research Clinic.
Check out their website,
I couldn't have said it better myself, so I didn't!
Stay Safe, be kind to each other, wash your hands and stay in touch

20/04/2020

Covid 19 , has created challenging times, we are all learning to adapt and practicing resilience. In terms of our positive mental health it is a good idea to "look to the future".
No De Loreans needed here, just planning:
😁who will you visit?
🤪what will you do? Park run (Yay), Bunch ride with the gang, Playgroup etc etc,
👣start planning a holiday ( a weekend in a tent sounds nice!)
👏What will you be grateful for?
💪This will be over if we continue to keep ourselves and those around us safe and we will endure!

The next post is some tips for surviving with kids at home. It comes from the University of Sydney,Child Behaviour Research Clinic .
I couldn't have stated it better myself...so I didn't!
Wash your hands, stay safe and be kind to each other.

29/03/2020

The Australian Psychological Society, informed us today that:

"From tomorrow, universal telehealth - including for psychological services - will be available to all Australians.

This means that all Australians will be able to access their psychologist using telehealth during the coronavirus outbreak.

We understand that the items will be made available from tomorrow, and will be in place until 30 September 2020."

So we/you will have access to your psychologist via telephone and/or video link. There will be some conditions, more info as it becomes available.

26/03/2020

For kids: ABC Coronacast this morning, a 12 minute poddy Dr Norman Swan answering kids questions.... extremely good!

26/03/2020

Covid 19 Corona virus has changed our world, in many ways. At times of increased threat anxiety may also increase. Here are some top tips for your self and your family to stay psychologically well at this time.

*get enough good information to be aware, but avoid obsessive news watching/listening

*Stay in touch with family and friends via telephone, social media, you might even have a go at writing a letter. Share a joke, start a nostalgic interest group.

*Give children enough information so that they understand, and be prepared to answer their questions with facts. They don't need to be exposed to detail, and they don't need to be frightened by hearsay or gossip.

Some useful links:

-World Health Organisation ":Mythbuster" page https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-bustershttps

- Australian Psychological Society, "Tips for coping with Corona Virus anxiety", https://www.psychology.org.au/getmedia/3821ed7a-1a8a-4e1d-b303-2943ea9ae6b7/20APS-IS-COVID-19-Public-P2_2.pdf.

and
Australian Psychological Society, tip-sheet "Maintaining your mental health during social isolation"https://www.psychology.org.au/getmedia/53f35a80-8a72-48fa-a5db-e09e1feb5335/20APS-IS-COVID-19-Isolation-P2_1.pdf

Opportunities to provide Psychological support via telephone and video link have increased (eg medicare etc), at this time and it will be important to seek assistance if rquired.
Stay Safe, Stay well
Wil
You may share this if you think it's useful.

From the evidence so far, the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in ALL AREAS, including areas with hot and humid weather. Regardless of climate, adopt protective measures if you live in, or travel to an area reporting COVID-19. The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by frequently clean...

01/08/2019

Kids driving you crazy?
Lets talk about being an effective parent.

01/08/2019

Craig Wilson or Wil as he is known, is a Psychologist in North East Victoria, he has been in practice over 20 years and focusses on working in Rural and Regional settings. Wil is a very practical human being with a "stuff that works" approach to Psychology and counselling.

TAC, Workcover, Medicare and Employee Assistance Program rebates are available and appointments can be arranged to suit your timetable.