Unmasked Minds

Ep 17: Life update 6 months after selling our retreat, parenting, values & everything between

Sarah Wills provides a comprehensive life update, discussing the sale of Glen Eden Estate, the move to a new property, family adjustments, health challenges, and shifts in her psychology practice. She also shares insights into her work with EMDR therapy and the creation of a healing program for Aboriginal women. Takeaways * Life transitions and decisions are driven by a desire for alignment with values and family well-being. * Intensives and retreat-style therapy offer a fulfilling and sustainable approach to mental health support. Chapters * 00:00 Life After Glen Eden * 07:51 Family Adjustments and Health Challenges * 14:08 Shifts in Psychology Practice

Ep16: Burnout Beyond Work — Why So Many Women Are Running on Empty | Dr Kate

The podcast episode explores the topic of burnout, its symptoms, and its impact on individuals, particularly women. It delves into the concept of burnout as a clinical diagnosis, its presentation in different work environments, and the role of personality traits in contributing to burnout. The conversation also highlights the impact of societal expectations and the importance of self-care in preventing burnout. The conversation delves into the importance of self-care and the impact of burnout on individuals. It explores the barriers to self-care, the need for evidence-based support, and the cultural context of burnout. The conversation also highlights the complexity of burnout and the significance of preventative health measures. Takeaways * Burnout is a complex phenomenon that can manifest in various work environments and is influenced by personality traits and societal expectations. * The concept of burnout as a clinical diagnosis is explored, shedding light on its presentation, symptoms, and the need for self-care and awareness. * The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing burnout, understanding its contributing factors, and prioritizing self-care to prevent and address burnout. Self-care is non-negotiable for preventing burnout * Evidence-based support and preventative health measures are crucial for addressing burnout

Ep15: Dr Kate and Sarah discuss the ADHD 'movement' and medications

The conversation delves into the complexities of ADHD diagnosis, the differences in ADHD presentation in women and adults, and the diagnostic processes followed by psychologists and psychiatrists. It also explores the impact of societal factors on ADHD diagnosis and the importance of family history in understanding vulnerabilities. The conversation covers the use of stimulant medications as the first line treatment for ADHD, the effects of stimulants on the ADHD brain, and the role of GPs in diagnosing and prescribing ADHD medication. Non-medication strategies for supporting ADHD are also discussed, emphasizing the importance of education, good sleep patterns, regular exercise, and nutrition. Takeaways * ADHD diagnosis is a complex process * ADHD presents differently in women and adults compared to children Stimulant medications are the first line treatment for ADHD, with short-acting and long-acting options available. * Non-medication strategies for supporting ADHD include education, good sleep patterns, regular exercise, and nutrition. Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to ADHD and Diagnostic Process * 25:12 Understanding Stimulant Medications for ADHD * 32:12 Explaining the Effects of Stimulants on the ADHD Brain * 40:01 Role of GPs in Diagnosing and Prescribing ADHD Medication

Ep14: Meet my Sister Dr Kate- how did we both end up here as a psychiatrist and psychologist

The episode features a conversation between Sarah Wills, a psychologist, and her guest, her sister Dr. Kate, a psychiatrist. They discuss late career transitions, family dynamics, societal norms, and the value of lived experience in their respective fields. The conversation highlights the challenges and rewards of pursuing passion and purpose later in life. The conversation covers topics such as simplifying medical jargon, understanding mental health professions, navigating the health landscape, the difference between psychologists and psychiatrists, the role of general practitioners, psychological strategies vs. medication, referral to psychiatrists, treatment resistance and psychotherapy, access to psychiatrists, cost and Medicare rebates, collaboration between psychiatrists and psychologists, multidisciplinary team in mental health, and challenges in the mental health system. The speakers also discuss the expectations from the podcast. Takeaways * Late career transitions bring unique perspectives and lived experiences to professional roles. * Challenging societal norms and overcoming shame are essential in pursuing career changes. Simplifying medical jargon for patient understanding * Understanding the roles of psychologists and psychiatrists Chapters * 00:00 Introducing the Host and Guest * 07:09 Influence of Family and Career Choices * 12:32 Passion for Film and Career Transition * 17:34 Navigating the Health Landscape * 23:21 Access to Psychiatrists * 29:29 Expectations from the Podcast

E13- Couples Series-Your Questions Answered: Parenting, Infertility & Mental Load

The podcast episode covers a range of topics related to parenting, relationships, and family dynamics. It explores the challenges of navigating different parenting styles, addressing barriers to parenting alignment, educating partners on parenting, discussing critical conversations on parenting beliefs, understanding neurodiversity in families, managing the mental family load, and addressing infertility struggles in marriage. Takeaways * Navigating different parenting styles can be challenging and may require critical conversations and education for alignment. * Addressing the mental family load and infertility struggles in marriage may require open communication, support, and seeking professional help.