Connected Self

01/10/2025

Today, the Connected Self staff gathered on Kaurna Land for a workshop on Vicarious Training. We are grateful for the vulnerable conversations and focus on self-compassion and self-care that came with this.

29/09/2025

We would love for you to contribute to this important research project. ❤️

𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗮𝗻𝗱/𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗗𝗛𝗗?

We are interested in learning about your experiences with mental health services and how they align with your needs and preferences.

This research will inform the development of a Patient-Reported Experience Measures (PREMs) specifically for autistic and ADHD people, striving to improve mental health care support.

Mental health Support includes any services or support that help with your psychological and emotional well-being. This can include:
· Healthcare professionals (like GPs, psychiatrists, nurses)
· Mental health professionals (like psychologists, counsellors, and social workers)
· Allied health professionals (like exercise physiologists, occupational therapists, speech therapists)
· Qualified support workers (like ADHD coaches, and case managers)
· Peer support workers or lived experience supporters
· Crisis support services (like helplines, text support, online chat)

Most importantly, if something has helped or was intended to help your psychological and emotional well-being, whether it's listed here or not, we consider this mental health support and want to hear about your experience.

𝗦𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘆 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸:
https://unisasurveys.qualtrics.com/.../SV_7WhMUSNne3Cuf54
This research employs a co-design methodology with a Community Advisory Board comprising autistic and ADHD individuals, ensuring that the community voices lead the research.

Please reach out if you have any questions (michelle.emery@mymail.unisa.edu.au), and I would greatly appreciate it if you could share with your network.

25/09/2025

Too cute not to share ... ❤️

24/09/2025

Wednesday wisdom ...

17/09/2025

Connected Self psychologist, Kylie, and Training Facilitator, Stevie, attended the 2025 Australasian Sexual and Reproductive Health Conference in Adelaide today.

Kylie presented a poster titled Integrating Adventure Therapy into Sexual Health Education and Support for Young People.

15/09/2025

Check this out ....!!

Our psychologist, Lauren, was recently interviewed by Behind The News for their story on cringe culture. You can read the ABC write up or skip straight to the video.

In Lauren's words, cringe is just part of being human. 😊

A psychologist says the growing online phenomenon of "cringe" is making young people avoid doing things they fear are embarrassing, sometimes to their detriment.

11/09/2025

Connected Self acknowledges R U OK? Day 2025.

However, ANY day is the day to check in and support those who might be struggling.

If you’re not sure how to start the conversation, use these 4️⃣ steps.

1️⃣ Ask R U OK?
2️⃣ Listen
3️⃣ Encourage action
4️⃣ Check in

***deprevention

10/09/2025

As part of Mental Health Month and Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness week, Connected Self invite you to join us on Thursday 2nd October for a relaxed afternoon facilitated by Connected Self's Art Therapists.

We welcome you to express and connect through a guided art process and afternoon tea.

Art making is a great way to explore and express your feelings and to better understand your internal and external experiences. It’s a way to explore your emotions and help communicate thoughts and feelings – often for which there are no words.

You don’t need to be good at art to participate; just a willingness to come and connect with us and others with lived experience of Borderline Personality Disorder, through the joint experience of creating and making.

This event was made possible with funding from the Mental Health Coalition of SA, Borderline Personality Disorder Collaborative, and Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network.

10/09/2025

Today, 10th September 2025, marks World Su***de Prevention Day. This year's theme is ‘Changing the Narrative on Su***de’.

Changing the narrative on su***de is about transforming how we perceive this complex issue. It’s about shifting from a culture of silence and lack of understanding to one of openness, empathy, and support.

Changing the narrative on su***de aims to inspire individuals, communities, organisations, and governments to engage in open and honest discussions about su***de and suicidal behaviour. By initiating these vital conversations, we can break down barriers, raise awareness, and create better cultures of understanding and support.

If you, or someone known to you, needs support please reach out to a trusted person, a crisis line, your GP, or present to a Medicare Mental Health Centre.

***dePreventionDay

09/09/2025

❤️❤️❤️

03/09/2025

Wednesday wisdom ... ❤️

29/08/2025

💜✨ Connected Self acknowledges Wear It Purple Day. ✨💜

This is an opportunity to celebrate the theme of Bold Voices and Bright Futures 🌈.

By wearing purple, you’re sending a powerful message of support, love, and visibility to LGBTQIA+ young people everywhere: you are seen, you are supported, and you are celebrated for exactly who you are. 💫

Thank you for standing with us and helping to create a world where every young person feels safe, proud, and free to be themselves.