Mind and Soul Matters

In 1971, Charlie Pierce left his home in the UK and took a post as a school teacher in Port Villa, in Vanuatu. For over 40 years Charlie dedicated himself to teaching in the small island nation. In 2012, however, Charlie was the victim of a brutal attack in his own home. This is Charlie’s story, courtesy of Baha’i Blog productions and Sam Irwin Media. 

Dr Laura Hedayati, a clinical psychologist, discusses the impact of forgiveness on our well-being and shares steps we can use to train ourselves to move from hurt, anger and resentment towards forgiveness, peace and healing.  

In Part 3 of the "Family Wellbeing" series, Danae Watkins from Relationships Australia talks about the importance of connection. Danae explains that as we make time for our physical fitness, we must also prioritise our social fitness by making time for connecting to others. She also shares some of the services provided by Relationships Australia and how these can enhance our connections.  

In Part 2 of "Family Wellbeing" series, we welcome back Veronica Anderson, facilitator of the Spiritual Parenting Program who shares with us an overview of how we can bring out the best in our children.

"Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom."      Baha'i Writings

In Part 1 of "Family Wellbeing" series, family therapist Nilly Cope shares findings from research on how we can be masters in our relationships, rather than disasters. She also identifies for us what John Gottman, a world leading relationship expert, referred to as the sulfuric acid of relationships and how we can avoid it. 

Hero candidly shares her struggles with mental health and how the bio-psycho-social-spiritual model of therapy has helped her navigate through these challenges. What can we take away from her story to help us in our own healing and to support others, particularly youth, to overcome mental health challenges?

In Part 3 of 'Conversations About Suicide', Lisa O'Malley MLA (member of parliament) candidly and courageously shares with us her personal struggles with mental illness and the impact of losing her brother, Michael to suicide 10 years ago. A touching story that guides us in how we can support those who have lost a loved one to suicide. 

In Part 2 of 'Conversations About Suicide' series, Hoda Golestani, a counselling psychologist, sheds further light on this very important topic and explains the role of emotional pain and loneliness in those at risk of suicide. 

In Part 1 of 'Conversations About Suicide' series, Lifeline crisis counsellor, Virginia Bradshaw, shares with us some life changing tips on how we can respond to a person at risk of suicide, what questions we must ask and steps we can take to potentially save a person's life. 

Andrew, a youth mental health worker at Headspace, has lived a life of challenges and trauma, and along the way he’s had to make choices. How has his life experiences and traumas shaped who he is today? How does a person live through trauma, and make choices that lead to healing and giving back to others with compassion, empathy and love?