Sherylyne Moran – TCC Coordinator
Wattle is blooming, and what a beautiful sight that is. So beautiful that it has taken me 10 years in my workplace to realise that the Thurgoona Community Centre has several in the back yard. Hard to notice… not really, unless I’ve been looking but not seeing.
This revelation is thanks to the first of a great series of Zoom workshops provided by Psychologist Dr. Richard Brown for members of the Albury Northside Chamber of Commerce.
The first title was Working with Worries … Combating Relentless Worry.
Who wants to admit that they worry? Any takers?
Dr. Richard provided some great tips for all those people who worry and those who say they don’t!
Dr Richard’s Tips for Challenging Worries: My great take away was how to challenge worry by asking the following questions:
1. What is the evidence that…?
In other words, I need to be my own detective and think about whether I am just making up what I think is the big issue. Perhaps this is where coffee with a friend will help, they could help work out if the issue is as bad as what I think it is.
2. What else might be happening?
Maybe someone has said something a bit hurtful. Allowing people the space to have a bad day could help alleviate my concerns. I appreciate it when people give me room to make a mistake and forgive my slipups.
3. Is this under my control?
If I have some sort of control over the matter, this is where I work on a plan to overcome the issue. When I write things down it unloads my mind and then I know that I don’t have to constantly think about it. Instead of spending time thinking it over in my mind, I will stop and spend the time writing it out.
If it isn’t under my control this can be so tricky. It might mean that I just decide that worrying isn’t going to change anything. However, what is under my control is how I am reacting to the issue. This can be a bigger challenge.
Now I plan to have a good stroll out in the garden in my work breaks. I want to notice what is good about the world, think about what is beautiful, praiseworthy, of noble character. This is a great way to rest my mind and uplift my soul.
Now in my workplace garden, I have discovered there are Wattle trees that I had never noticed before. Bright, beautiful, golden blossoms are just outside waiting to be discovered.
Maintaining our mental health is very important not only for our own wellbeing but also for the wellbeing of the people we impact – our family and friends. If you are someone who would like support in this area there are many different ways to ensure good health.
You can now watch Dr. Brown’s presentation at Working with Worries on YouTube.
Lifeline provides phone counseling if you need to talk to someone straight away. Ring 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support
Visit your GP and let them know what has been happening for you. They are able to refer you to the best support.
The Black Dog Institute has many wonderful resources as does Beyond Blue:
Black Dog: https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/resources-support/
Beyond Blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
Your support network. We all need support. Whether it be our family, friends, social, spiritual, or cultural group. Supporting others and being supported builds relationships and community.
At TCC we have many different groups. People who have visited have found great friendships and support by joining one of these fabulous groups. Give TCC a ring to learn more on 6043 1588.
