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If you’re considering an autism diagnostic assessment, here’s what the journey often looks like, and how it can support individuals and families.

Have you ever experienced something distressing and found yourself avoiding talking or even thinking about it? Perhaps when the memory begins to surface, you quickly push it away: you change the subject, distract yourself, or tell yourself, “It’s nothing.” If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. Avoidance is one of the most common responses following a traumatic experience. It is also a core feature of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD): research consistently shows that people who experience ongoing trauma-related difficulties often rely heavily on avoidance as a coping strategy. This article explores why avoidance develops after trauma, the hidden cost of long-term avoidance, and how trauma therapy can help.

Moving to a new country is one of the most significant life changes a person can experience. And it’s not uncommon: in 2024, the global number of migrants reached 304 million, representing 3.7% of the world’s population. People migrate for different reasons, both voluntary and involuntary, including to escape conflict and/or persecution, seek safety and opportunity, reunite with family, pursue education or employment, or simply to build a better life. Regardless the motivation, migration brings both opportunities and challenges. But the visible aspects of moving, such as packing boxes, learning a new language, adjusting to unfamiliar systems, and securing accommodation, often mask the deeper emotional journey that unfolds beneath the surface.

Australia is preparing to introduce major changes to how young people use social media, including a national ban for children under 16 from 10 December 2025. The announcement has sparked a mix of relief, confusion, and frustration - and plenty of questions from parents, teachers, and young people themselves. This is unsurprising. Social media is now woven into how children connect, learn, and express their identities. It can offer creativity, belonging, and support, but it can also expose young people to stress, comparison, and pressure. A ban may ease some of these pressures, but it won’t be a magic fix. What will matter most is how families, schools, and communities prepare for the change and support young people through it. Below is a clear overview of what we know so far, along with practical guidance for navigating this transition.

Important information for GPs and health professionals. As the festive season approaches, Solasta wishes to inform our valued stakeholders about our closure period and the availability of alternative services during this time. Solasta’s centres at Klemzig and Christies Beach will close at 5 pm on Thursday 18th December 2025 and will reopen on Monday 5th January 2026. Clients referred to Solasta during this period must be made aware that they will not be contacted until after Monday 5th January 2026.

A practical guide to how an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) works, how employees can access support, and why it’s a smart investment for your workplace.

The beauty of a clear coastline is a source of joy, a cornerstone for economies, and a powerful balm for the soul. But when that water turns thick, green, and toxic with a harmful algal bloom, the damage is more than aesthetic. Beyond the visible discoloration of the water and the immediate economic losses, the ongoing presence of the bloom challenges our sense of safety, connection to place, and emotional equilibrium, creating a psychological impact that affects daily life. Regardless of the environmental or political causes, the consequences extend far beyond the water's edge, often invisible and multifaceted.

School can be a place of discovery, where young people develop skills, explore their passions, and build lasting friendships. For many, it's a space of growth and opportunity, but it can also bring challenges. Academic pressures, social expectations, developmental challenges, and looming transitions can all contribute to stress. A certain level of stress can be a healthy motivator, but too much can negatively impact mental health, self-esteem, and academic performance. This article explores the common causes of school-related stress, how to recognise when it becomes a problem, and what parents, caregivers, and teachers can do to help. The article also explores the role of perfectionism, a factor that can intensify ordinary academic pressures into an unrelenting cycle of stress and self-criticism.

Over the past two decades, social media has become a central part of daily life. Unlike traditional media (like TV or magazines), social media is interactive: users create, share, and respond to content. Built-in features such as likes, shares, follower counts, and comments can strongly influence how people feel about themselves and others. Unfortunately, research now confirms what many suspected: social media use can have a detrimental effect on body image.

Just like physical health, psychological wellbeing is an important part of a rich, fulfilling life. Later life can be a time of wisdom and new opportunities – but it can also bring profound change and challenges: health issues, retirement, the loss of loved ones, or shifts in social roles can all impact how we feel. These challenges are real, but their impacts are treatable.