Calming Waves Mental Health and Family Support

07/04/2025

📢 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬! 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 𝐄𝐌𝐃𝐑 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐲 (𝐆-𝐓𝐄𝐏) 🌊

We are thrilled to announce that Calming Waves Mental Health and Family Support is now offering Group EMDR Therapy (G-TEP)!

Following specialized training in the Group Traumatic Episode Protocol (G-TEP) of EMDR, we can now provide this safe, structured, and effective therapy for:

✅ 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐬
✅ 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐬
✅ 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬
who have experienced single-incident/episode traumas such as accidents, loss, natural disasters, or distressing life events.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐆-𝐓𝐄𝐏 𝐄𝐌𝐃𝐑?
G-TEP (Group Traumatic Episode Protocol) is a research-backed, evidence-based EMDR approach designed specifically for groups. It helps individuals process trauma without having to verbalize or disclose painful details. Instead, it uses a structured journaling process combined with emotion regulation techniques and psychological resourcing with eye movement techniques. This creates a safe and supportive environment for healing.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐆-𝐓𝐄𝐏 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤?
🔹 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩-𝐛𝐲-𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 – A trained therapist leads the group through structured exercises that gradually help reduce distress related to a trauma incident/episode.
🔹 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬 – Instead of talking about the trauma, participants engage in journaling and visual mapping to help the brain reprocess distressing memories.
🔹 𝐄𝐲𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 & 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 – Like individual EMDR, eye movements or tapping techniques help the brain naturally process trauma.
🔹 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 – Since disclosure is not required, privacy and emotional safety are prioritized.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐆-𝐓𝐄𝐏?

✔️️ 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐦𝐚 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 – Helps reduce PTSD symptoms and emotional distress.
✔️️ 𝐍𝐨 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐦𝐚 – Ideal for those who find verbalizing painful experiences difficult.
✔️️ 𝐅𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 – Even without sharing details, the group setting provides support, validation, and a shared healing experience.
✔️️ 𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 – Designed to help stabilize emotions and provide relief in just a few sessions.
✔️️ 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐁𝐞 𝐔𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐦𝐚 – Helps individuals cope with both recent events and older distressing memories.

𝐅𝐀𝐐𝐬:

❓ 𝐃𝐨 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐦𝐚 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩?
No. G-TEP is structured in a way that allows for healing without discussing personal trauma details.

❓ 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐢𝐬 𝐆-𝐓𝐄𝐏 𝐟𝐨𝐫?
Anyone who has experienced a single-event/episode trauma—such as an accident, sudden loss, natural disaster, or other distressing experiences—can benefit from G-TEP.

❓ 𝐈𝐬 𝐆-𝐓𝐄𝐏 𝐚𝐬 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐌𝐃𝐑?
Yes. G-TEP follows the same principles as individual EMDR but in a group-adapted format, making it both effective and supportive. Individual EMDR is more personalised, in-depth and targeted. Group EMDR is cost effective and can help more people at once.

❓𝐃𝐨 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐦𝐚?
No. Group participants can be working on different incidents or episodes of trauma in the same group. However the process for the trauma processing will be the same for everyone.

❓ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐟 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬/𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞, 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐈 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐨 𝐆-𝐓𝐄𝐏?
Yes. You can still do G-TEP but you will only process one trauma event/episode per group session.

❓ 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝 ?
Following one intake session, most people only need 1-2 trauma processing sessions.
While benefits can be felt after just one session, some people may choose to participate in multiple sessions for deeper healing or to process other trauma incidents/episodes.

If you or someone you know has experienced a single-incident/episode trauma and is looking for a safe, non-verbal, and effective healing process, G-TEP may be the perfect fit!

📩 Contact us today to learn more or to book a session.

📞 03 9999 7393
📩 info@calmingwaves.com.au
🖥 www.calmingwaves.com.au

02/04/2025

Feeling Burnt Out as a Parent or Carer? You're Not Alone.

Parents and carers are full of love, but caring for others and raising children can also be exhausting—especially when you can’t take a break. If you’re running on empty, here are some ways to care for yourself, even in the busiest moments:

☕️ Micro-Moments of Rest: A deep breath, a cup of tea, or just closing your eyes for 30 seconds can reset your mind.
🫠 Lower the Bar: Not everything needs to be perfect. Give yourself permission to do just enough.
💻 Lean on Your Community: Even if you can’t step away, venting to a friend, joining an online support group, or simply sharing how you feel can make a huge difference.
🙅 Say "No" More Often: If it’s not essential, let it wait. Your well-being matters, too.
🎶Find Joy in the Small Things: Listen to your favorite song, step outside for fresh air, or savor a moment of quiet.
🤸Move Your Body: Even gentle stretching or a short walk can help ease stress.
🛌 Prioritise Sleep When You Can: Rest is essential. Try power naps or early nights when possible.
⚡️Notice what triggers you and upsets you so you can have strategies in place for when this happens.
🩶 Let go of any guilt experienced when you are able to take a break. Taking this time is essential for your well-being and for you to be the best parent or carer you can be.
🙋 Ask for Help: You don’t have to do this alone. Reach out to friends, family, or support services.

Be kind to yourself. You’re doing your best—and that’s enough.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone. There are people who want to help:

📞 Parenting & Mental Health Support (Australia):

Parentline – Call 1300 30 1300 (Support for parents and carers)

Lifeline – Call 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)

Beyond Blue – Call 1300 22 4636 or chat online (Mental health support)

PANDA – Call 1300 726 306 (Perinatal anxiety & depression support)

Carer Gateway- Call 1800 422 737 (Find support for yourself and the person you care for)

For ongoing support, Calming Waves Mental Health and Family Support can help:

📞 03 9999 7393

📩 info@calmingwaves.com.au

🖥 www.calmingwaves.com.au

*waiting lists currently apply

❤️

29/03/2025

BREATHE IN, BREATHE OUT: THE POWER OF DEEP BREATHING FOR EMOTIONAL BALANCE

Did you know that something as simple as deep breathing can have a profound impact on your emotional well-being? Deep, intentional breaths do more than just calm you down in the moment—they actually change your physiology and psychology, helping you regulate emotions more effectively.

✨ PHYSIOLOGICAL BENEFITS:
✅ Activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress hormones like cortisol
✅ Lowers heart rate and blood pressure, promoting a sense of calm
✅ Improves oxygen flow to the brain, enhancing focus and clarity

🧠 PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS:
✅ Helps manage anxiety, stress, and overwhelm
✅ Increases emotional awareness and control, preventing impulsive reactions
✅ Encourages mindfulness, keeping you present in the moment

Next time you feel overwhelmed, take a moment for slow, deep breaths—in through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth. You’ll be amazed at how much power your breath holds!

22/03/2025

👏 Medibank Steps Up for Mental Health – But More Needs to Be Done 👏

Great to see Medibank investing $50 million into mental health and recognizing the crucial role of mental health social workers by offering benefits for their consultations. This is a big step in the right direction!

However, we must acknowledge that private health care is a privilege that not everyone can access. While initiatives like this help, the government must do more to ensure quality mental healthcare is accessible to all, regardless of income or private insurance status.

Mental health support should not be a luxury—it should be a basic right. Let's keep pushing for a system where everyone can get the care they need.

🔗 Read more: https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/post/medibank-to-invest-aud50m-into-mental-health?fbclid=IwY2xjawJLU3FleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHdopuSmQn-4LUAc9d5v92UfxPSmTPpSj5eRSL78bKIDM8iPUBhiw4Chbwg_aem_TnbAxO06y7crUYwb81irww

Medibank is investing $50 million over the next five years into mental health, with the aim of improving access, innovation and prevention for its customers.

19/03/2025

Just watched the SEEN movie documentary last night at the beautiful Capitol theatre in Melbourne. What a powerful, eye-opening documentary💥. It really drove home the idea that parenting isn’t just about raising our kids—it’s also about healing ourselves❤️‍🩹.

The more we nurture our own hearts, the more present, patient, and joyful we can be with our children. And isn’t that what they need most? Us—not just as caregivers, but as whole, emotionally connected humans💞.

This film was a beautiful reminder that doing our own inner work isn’t selfish—it’s a gift to our kids, our families, and ourselves. If you’re a parent (or ever had parents!), I can’t recommend it enough.

https://seenthefilm.com/

For anyone wanting support with parenting or reparenting themselves to heal trauma and emotional wounds, get in touch with Calming Waves.

💻 www.calmingwaves.com.au
📩 info@calmingwaves.com.au
📞 03 9999 7393

13/03/2025

🌟 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗵 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱 🧠💡

💭 A gentle and fast way to reduce the intensity of tough memories—without reliving them.

✨ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗵 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲?

If painful memories feel overwhelming, the Flash Technique offers a simpler, gentler way to process trauma. It’s designed to help you feel relief without having to fully relive past distress. It uses the principles of Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) but is adapted to have less exposure to painful memories.

✅ 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 – Stay focused on positive thoughts while only briefly “flashing” to the memory.
✅ 𝗗𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 – Balance a happy thought (like your favorite song 🎵 or a peaceful place 🌅) with a tiny glimpse of the difficult memory.
✅ 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 – Your brain processes the memory in a calmer way, reducing its emotional intensity over time.

📌 𝗕𝗼𝗻𝘂𝘀: 𝗜𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻’𝘀 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝘄𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘁𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳! 🧠💪

🔹 𝗘𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲-𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵:
The Flash Technique is backed by scientific research and has been shown to effectively help individuals process difficult memories and reduce emotional distress.

🔄 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗗𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗜𝘁 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸?

✨ The technique helps the brain 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 stressful memories in a way that feels 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱.
✨ Instead of feeling “stuck” in trauma, your mind 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗲𝘀 the memory with less distress.
✨ It taps into 𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆, your brain’s 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁.

🔹 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲:
➡️ From 😟 stressed & overwhelmed → to 😌 calm & in control

🌿 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗧𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗵 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲?

✔ 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 tied to painful memories
✔ 𝗔 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘂𝗺𝗮
✔ 𝗡𝗼 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 into painful events

💛 Healing doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it can be simple, fast, and effective.

🔗 𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲?
📌 https://flashtechnique.com/wp/
📌 https://emdraa.org/emdr-resources/

✨ 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂?

Contact Calming Waves Mental Health and Family Support

📞 03 9999 7393
📩 info@calmingwaves.com.au
💻 www.calmingwaves.com.au
Please note that a waiting list for Support currently applies

11/03/2025

These statistics are shocking. Medicare continues to be eroded by all sides of politics and the mental health of all Australians suffers. We need a better and fairer system for mental health care that is accessible for everyone.

Rates of mental ill-health among young people increased by 50% between 2007 and 2022, so that now two out of five young people experience a mental health condition in a given year.*

We’re urging all political parties to commit to free mental health care for everyone under 25 as part of their federal election platforms.

Let’s change the trajectory for mental health in Australia this election.

Read more about MHA’s Federal Election Platform 2025 here: https://ow.ly/h7s750Vfnma

* Source: ABS (2020-2022). National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing [Internet]. Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra.

10/03/2025

Let’s Talk About Mental Health – You’re Not Alone!

Did you know that, on average, Australians wait 12 years before seeking help for mental health difficulties? That’s 12 years of unnecessary suffering—often filled with loneliness, isolation, and shame.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. Talking about mental health reduces stigma and encourages people to seek help sooner. The earlier you reach out, the sooner support and treatment can make a difference.

If you’re struggling, you don’t have to do it alone. Help is available, and you deserve support. Let’s break the silence and make mental health a conversation we all feel safe to have.

If you or someone you know needs support, reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or professional. You matter. Your mental health matters. 💙

To seek help contact Calming Waves:

📞 03 9999 7393
💻 Www.calmingwaves.com.au
📩 info@calmingwaves.com.au
*Please waiting list currently applies



https://theconversation.com/australians-are-waiting-12-years-on-average-before-seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem-new-research-249159?fbclid=IwY2xjawIw6gFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHSU6TkQStJfkJ9GbTyZ4xoPKBz-Qts8mDMfXzaSDagu57b103Nrr13nZMQ_aem_psJRHGiiz_eXPLVFsbDKvw

There are a number of things that could help reduce these delays, so that people can get the help they need sooner.

08/03/2025

✨ CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY: PRIORITIZING MENTAL WELL-BEING ✨

Today, we honor the strength, resilience, and brilliance of women everywhere. But true empowerment isn’t just about what we achieve—it’s about how we feel along the way.

To every woman navigating the pressures of life, career, relationships, and self-expectations: your mental health matters. You are more than your productivity. You are worthy of rest, support, and self-care.

Let’s uplift each other, create safe spaces for open conversations, and remind every woman that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

This , let’s not just celebrate women—let’s support them, mind and soul.

03/03/2025

🌿 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐦𝐚: 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧, 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐬 🌿

Trauma affects people of all ages, but healing looks different depending on life stage, support systems, and coping mechanisms. Whether it's a child, teenager, or adult, the journey to recovery involves patience, self-compassion, and the right resources.

💛 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐦𝐚 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞

Children and teenagers process trauma differently from adults. Since they may not fully understand or verbalize their emotions, they often express distress through behavior, play, or physical symptoms.

🔹 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐚 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
✔️ Consistency and routine help children feel secure.
✔️ A stable home and school environment can reduce anxiety.

🔹 𝐄𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧
✔️ Art, music, and storytelling can help them process emotions.
✔️ Play therapy is an effective way for younger children to express trauma.

🔹 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬
✔️ Deep breathing, mindfulness, and grounding exercises help manage overwhelming feelings.
✔️ Simple activities like squeezing a stress ball or journaling can provide comfort.

🔹 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝
✔️ Trauma-focused therapy, such as 𝐄𝐲𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 (𝐄𝐌𝐃𝐑) is safe and very effective for children and teens
✔️ 𝐂𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐲 (𝐂𝐁𝐓) or 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐲, can help children process their experiences.

🔹 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬
✔️ Supportive relationships with family, teachers, and peers foster resilience.
✔️ Reassure children that they are loved, safe, and heard.

🔹 𝐄𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬
✔️ Engaging in hobbies, sports, and social activities helps rebuild confidence.
✔️ Spending time in nature can have a calming effect.

🔹 𝐁𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠
✔️ Healing is not linear; children may have setbacks.
✔️ Avoid pressuring them to "move on" too quickly.

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🌱 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐦𝐚 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐬

Adults often carry unresolved trauma from childhood or life experiences such as abuse, accidents, loss, or relationship difficulties. Healing requires self-awareness, support, and proactive steps toward emotional well-being.

🔹 𝐀𝐜𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞
✔️ Recognize that your trauma is real and valid.
✔️ Suppressing emotions can lead to long-term stress and anxiety.

🔹 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭
✔️ 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐲: Trauma-focused therapies like 𝐄𝐌𝐃𝐑, 𝐂𝐁𝐓, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐲 can help reprocess trauma.
✔️ 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐬: Connecting with others who have experienced similar trauma can be healing.

🔹 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧
✔️ Avoid self-blame. Healing takes time.
✔️ Treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer a friend.

🔹 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐦𝐬
✔️ Engage in creative outlets like writing, music, or painting.
✔️ Exercise, meditation, and deep breathing can help regulate emotions.

🔹 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐁𝐨𝐝𝐲
✔️ Trauma is stored in the body; 𝐲𝐨𝐠𝐚, 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐲 can help release tension.
✔️ 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐱𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐏𝐌𝐑) can ease physical symptoms of trauma.

🔹 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐉𝐨𝐲𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬
✔️ Reconnect with hobbies, nature, or volunteering.
✔️ Spend time with people who uplift you.

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💙 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
Healing takes time, but with the right tools and support, recovery is possible. Share this post to spread awareness and help others on their journey. 💙

26/02/2025

𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗧𝗦𝗗 & 𝗖-𝗣𝗧𝗦𝗗: 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻, 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗱𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (𝗣𝗧𝗦𝗗) and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (𝗖-𝗣𝗧𝗦𝗗) are both responses to trauma, but they differ in cause and symptoms.

➡️ 𝗣𝗧𝗦𝗗 usually develops after a single traumatic event, such as an accident, natural disaster, or assault.
➡️ 𝗖-𝗣𝗧𝗦𝗗 is caused by prolonged or repeated trauma, often in childhood, such as abuse, neglect, or domestic violence.

Both conditions can impact mental health, emotions, and daily life. However, they may look different depending on age.

🧒 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 & 𝗣𝗧𝗦𝗗/𝗖-𝗣𝗧𝗦𝗗
Children who experience trauma may not have the words to express their feelings. Signs include:
🔹 Nightmares or trouble sleeping
🔹 Intense fear, clinginess, or separation anxiety
🔹 Acting out the trauma through play
🔹 Difficulty concentrating or learning
🔹 Emotional numbness or withdrawal
🔹 Frequent outbursts or aggression

Long-term trauma in childhood can lead to C-PTSD, affecting self-worth, relationships, and emotional regulation.

🧑‍🎓 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 & 𝗣𝗧𝗦𝗗/𝗖-𝗣𝗧𝗦𝗗
Teenagers with PTSD or C-PTSD may show different symptoms, such as:
🔹 Risk-taking behaviors or self-harm
🔹 Anxiety, depression, or mood swings
🔹 Difficulty trusting others
🔹 Flashbacks or intrusive thoughts
🔹 Emotional numbness or dissociation
🔹 Struggles with identity and self-esteem

Because teens are developing independence, untreated trauma can affect their ability to build healthy relationships and make positive life choices.

🧑‍💼 𝗔𝗱𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀 & 𝗣𝗧𝗦𝗗/𝗖-𝗣𝗧𝗦𝗗
Adults with PTSD or C-PTSD may experience:
🔹 Flashbacks, nightmares, or panic attacks
🔹 Avoidance of triggers and emotional detachment
🔹 Feelings of shame, guilt, or self-blame
🔹 Difficulty maintaining relationships
🔹 Hypervigilance or feeling "on edge"
🔹 Depression, anxiety, or substance use

𝗖-𝗣𝗧𝗦𝗗 𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗼:
🔹 Chronic self-doubt and low self-worth
🔹 Difficulty regulating emotions
🔹 A strong fear of abandonment
🔹 Trouble feeling safe, even in secure environments

💙 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲
Both PTSD and C-PTSD are treatable with therapy, support, and self-care. Trauma-informed therapy, mindfulness, and connection with supportive people can help rebuild a sense of safety and self-worth.

If you or someone you know is struggling, you’re not alone. Reach out for support—help is available. 💙

Contact Calming Waves Mental Health and Family Support

📞 03 9999 7393
📩 info@calmingwaves.com.au
💻 Www.calmingwaves.com.au

Please note that Calming Waves Mental Health and Family Support are not a crisis service and there is currently a waiting list for support

22/02/2025

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲: 𝗔 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗯𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱

In the fast-paced world we live in, it’s easy to get caught up in stress, worries, and negativity. But what if one simple habit could help shift your mindset and improve your mental well-being? That habit is 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲—the practice of recognizing and appreciating the good in your life.

Studies show that regularly practicing gratitude can have profound effects on mental health, including:

🌿 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 & 𝗮𝗻𝘅𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆 – Focusing on what you’re thankful for helps shift your thoughts away from worries and negativity, creating a sense of peace.
😊 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 & 𝗺𝗼𝗼𝗱 – Gratitude activates the brain’s reward system, releasing feel-good hormones like dopamine and serotonin.
💤 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 – Ending your day with gratitude can help calm your mind, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
🤝 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 – Expressing gratitude to others fosters deeper connections, appreciation, and positive social interactions.
💪 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 – In tough times, gratitude helps reframe challenges, allowing you to focus on what’s still good in your life.

𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱! 𝗧𝗿𝘆:

📖 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹 – Write down three things you’re grateful for each day.
💬 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀 – Tell someone you appreciate them through a message or in person.
🙏 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲 – Take a moment to reflect on the small joys in your life, like a warm cup of coffee or a kind smile from a stranger.

The more you practice, the easier it becomes to see the good around you—even on tough days. So, let’s start today! 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘄?