Author Archives: Catherine Wilson

Mental health crisis, or mental health failure?

There is much talk about the crisis in mental health. A significant number of young people are not in employment or education, and there is a big rise in autism and ADHD diagnoses.

There is an odd dichotomy between the advice you read in newspaper problem pages, like Philippa Perry’s in The Guardian, and treatments offered on the NHS.

In the former, childhood experiences are considered, with links made to current problems. The unique complexity of each individual and their situation is recognised.

As a mental health professional, I found that this approach is the most helpful in bringing about positive change. It enables people to stay in work, and make good relationships.

Posted in Op-eds | Tagged and | 5 Comments

Are we fiddling while Australia burns?


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The good news for Australia is that temperatures have fallen and rain is forecast.

I was born and brought up in Australia, so can imagine all too vividly what it is like to live through the horror of out of control bushfires. I’ve seen one from a distance, and even though I was safe it was frightening. Having to flee to the nearest beach in order to save yourself from burning to death is terrible to contemplate.

Although bushfires have always been part of the Australian experience, the number and intensity of the fires has increased. In the 1950s and 60s we had bush fires, but no ‘bush fire season’, as there is now.

Posted in Op-eds | Tagged , and | 21 Comments
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