Send Me a Message! The sixth instalment of the Fortnightly Check-In series. In this episode I tackle daytime sleepiness and the possible role SSRI's are having in causing somnolence. I also investigate a new medication I have been prescribed for my anxiety disorders, Lyrica (Pregabalin). Further, I have successfully weaned myself off one of my antipsychotic medications and I explain why this is a very good idea as backed by the research. Although I am still suffering from a mystery virus and the...
May 05, 2022•30 min•Ep. 26
Send Me a Message! I’m sick! I've been struck down with a cold and as a result my mental health has rapidly deteriorated. Many view mental health as being confined to the mind, but as I illustrate with great difficulty (in between gasps for air), that just isn't the case. Whatever virus I have picked up is playing havoc with my mood and for a variety of reasons. But I can't blame all of my woes on being sick, as many of the negative thoughts I am dealing with could've been nullified if I had fac...
Apr 23, 2022•13 min•Ep. 25
Send Me a Message! Sertraline (Zoloft), Black Dog Institute presentations and camping. How is mental illness affecting me right....now? The next instalment of the Fortnightly Check-In series has it all! Support the show You can follow me on Instagram: @ elliot.t.waters, and the show on Facebook!
Apr 13, 2022•10 min•Ep. 24
Send Me a Message! Part 2 of the Left vs Right Brain series. In this episode I introduce two therapies which have a focus towards left brain processes and behaviours: CBT & DBT. I also put forward the current state of play with therapeutic approaches and offer some possible ways to improve the therapeutic relationship and course of therapy. Support the show You can follow me on Instagram: @ elliot.t.waters, and the show on Facebook!...
Apr 09, 2022•42 min•Ep. 23
Send Me a Message! In this episode I discuss how things have been over the last few weeks: an increase in anxiety, new medications and an intense loss of capacity. Although I have been in the wars a bit lately I'm not about to surrender to the enemy! Support the show You can follow me on Instagram: @ elliot.t.waters, and the show on Facebook!...
Mar 31, 2022•17 min•Ep. 22
Send Me a Message! The next instalment of the "My Journal" series looks at two of my journal entries during a mental health crisis. On this occasion I made the decision to go to hospital, to try and regain a sense of hope around my predicament. The first journal entry was written the day before going to hospital and the second the day after. This offers a unique insight into the influence mental health professionals can have on those battling mental illness, and also some of the thoughts and fee...
Mar 19, 2022•21 min•Ep. 21
Send Me a Message! This episode I delve into what it's like to assume, create and hold onto social rejection. None of us enjoy the feeling of rejection, but for some (like me) it can prove a huge barrier to improving one's quality of life and interpersonal relationships. This is especially true when logic is hard to come by in the face of perceived, but not necessarily founded, social disappointment. Support the show You can follow me on Instagram: @ elliot.t.waters, and the show on Facebook!...
Feb 17, 2022•19 min•Ep. 20
Send Me a Message! This week is all about mandatory isolation and Covid! And that means plenty of podcast episodes, because what else is there to do? Yet, this week a few goals were ticked off the list, among them my first consultation with my new Psychologist! So far so good.....I think. Support the show You can follow me on Instagram: @ elliot.t.waters, and the show on Facebook!...
Feb 10, 2022•9 min•Ep. 19
Send Me a Message! In this episode I have a look at what it means when psychiatric illnesses are deemed, "treatment resistant". Although we don't want to find ourselves in the situation where the tried and true therapeutic approaches aren't working, the good news is this is not uncommon and there are ways out of the treatment resistant zone. Novel treatments and ever evolving research show us that one's quality of life can still be improved immensely and the remission of symptoms very possible. ...
Feb 10, 2022•37 min•Ep. 18
Send Me a Message! This episode I explore how I am feeling....right now. After all, it is the present that really matters, right? Or so they say anyway. This is the first of the 'Check In' series which offers listeners genuine, real-time insight into what it is like living with multiple mental illnesses. Support the show You can follow me on Instagram: @ elliot.t.waters, and the show on Facebook!...
Feb 02, 2022•22 min•Ep. 17
Send Me a Message! In this episode we dive into one of Pop-Psych's favourite topics; the Left Brain vs Right Brain dominance theory. The concept will be discussed in a two-part series. This first instalment sets out to answer the following: > Does the theory hold a degree of validity? > What are the implications for cognition, behaviour and personality? > How does being left or right brain-dominant explain the development of mental illness and distress? The second part of the series wil...
Jan 17, 2022•49 min•Ep. 16
Send Me a Message! In this episode I recall the year that has been. It is also a story of the perils of being a self anointed workaholic! A cracker to end 2021, see you next year for more! To reach out please do so on Instagram @elliot.t.waters Support the show You can follow me on Instagram: @ elliot.t.waters, and the show on Facebook!...
Dec 31, 2021•21 min•Ep. 15
Send Me a Message! I am so lucky to be able to share my story, whether that's in person or on this podcast. Yet as privileged that I am to have an audience that listens to me, it is the audience that teaches and inspires me so much more. It is you, the listener, who provides me with my greatest honour. To get in contact please follow @elliot.t.waters on Instagram. Support the show You can follow me on Instagram: @ elliot.t.waters, and the show on Facebook!...
Nov 29, 2021•14 min•Ep. 14
Send Me a Message! Anxiety. Easily my most stubborn foe. In this episode I tell how anxiety is currently making itself known and forcing me into less than ideal behaviours. To contact me please follow @elliot.t.waters on Instagram. Support the show You can follow me on Instagram: @ elliot.t.waters, and the show on Facebook!...
Nov 26, 2021•20 min•Ep. 13
Send Me a Message! The "My Journal" series continues as I analyse one of my most confronting entries. To contact me follow @elliot.t.waters on Instagram. Support the show You can follow me on Instagram: @ elliot.t.waters, and the show on Facebook!
Nov 21, 2021•15 min•Ep. 12
Send Me a Message! In this episode I recount the circumstances around the completion of my thesis. In true Elliot style, it did not go to plan. Anxiety and ADHD both did their best to derail and prevent the thesis from being submitted, but pure determination and grit won the day! If you would like to contact me please follow me on Instagram @elliot.t.waters Support the show You can follow me on Instagram: @ elliot.t.waters, and the show on Facebook!...
Nov 10, 2021•9 min•Ep. 11
Send Me a Message! In this episode I dive back into my journal and re-tell some of the events and ways in which mental illness has shaped my life. This episode is particularly raw and emotional . It captures the distress and turmoil different mental illnesses can cause. As I read my journal, I am amazed at how vivid these memories are. The " My Journal " episodes are proving to be quite therapeutic..... If you would like to contact me please do so on Instagram @elliot.t.waters Support the show Y...
Nov 02, 2021•20 min•Ep. 10
Send Me a Message! Today I look at some of the ways in which mental illness goes beyond the mind. We look at some behavioural and physical responses that are making themselves known to me in real time. Mental illness certainly isn't just, "in your head"! If you'd like to reach out please do so on Instagram, @elliot.t.waters Support the show You can follow me on Instagram: @ elliot.t.waters, and the show on Facebook!...
Oct 31, 2021•15 min•Ep. 9
Send Me a Message! On this episode I have a look at procrastination, avoidance and how these are affecting me right now, today. I explore this idea that there are two main forms of avoidance and how these are playing a role in limiting my ability to solve the tasks that really need solving, NOW! If you're enjoying the podcast please feel like to share around. If you'd like to contact me please do so on Instagram @elliot.t.waters Support the show You can follow me on Instagram: @ elliot.t.waters,...
Oct 29, 2021•13 min•Ep. 8
Send Me a Message! I was lucky enough to be interviewed by ABC Radio Newcastle about the podcast and a few other projects I have been working on in the mental health space. I explore what I hope to achieve through the podcast and how I want to make it different from the others. And it all boils down to the raw lived experience. To connect with me please follow me on Instagram @elliot.t.waters Support the show You can follow me on Instagram: @ elliot.t.waters, and the show on Facebook!...
Oct 22, 2021•8 min•Ep. 7
Send Me a Message! In today's episode it is all about breaking free of the comfort zone. Or in my case, going for a run. Sounds simple right? Well for me and many others, it isn't. I breakdown how my mental illnesses try to play tricks on me keeping me stranded in the "comfort zone". Often they win the battle, but not today. Today I am happy to say, I went for a run! Feel free to contact me on Instagram @elliot.t.waters. Thanks for listening! Support the show You can follow me on Instagram: @ el...
Oct 20, 2021•14 min•Ep. 6
Send Me a Message! In this episode we dive into my journal, which I think details my different parts of the mental health journey the best. Yes, these entries are quite negative but there is positivity to be found and then built upon! To connect with me please follow me @elliot.t.waters on Instagram. Support the show You can follow me on Instagram: @ elliot.t.waters, and the show on Facebook!...
Oct 18, 2021•8 min•Ep. 5
Send Me a Message! In October 2020 I was lucky enough to present at a town hall event in Kiama, New South Wales. A great community working hard to improve mental health outcomes. Feel free to like, subscribe and share and if you want to get in touch please do through Instagram @elliot.t.waters. Thanks for listening! Support the show You can follow me on Instagram: @ elliot.t.waters, and the show on Facebook!...
Oct 10, 2021•12 min•Ep. 3
Send Me a Message! I was fortunate enough to be invited by the Black Dog Institute to take part as a panellist discussing the concepts of rumination and worry. Panel Members: Elliot Waters – Lived Experience Representative Professor Michelle Moulds – School of Psychology at UNSW Nisha Sethi – Clinical Psychologist Dr Carol Newall – Facilitator Recording and sound production – Nathan Bell Voiceover – Cameron Banks, Black Dog Institute Support the show You can follow me on Instagram: @ elliot.t.wa...
Oct 07, 2021•59 min•Ep. 2
Send Me a Message! In this episode I re-tell a story during time spent in a psychiatric ward where I met Dianne, who would change my life forever. I discuss the importance of accepting one's circumstances and how the commitment to change can follow. Also, the role external feedback plays when trying to see through the fog of mental illness is explored through my own lived experience. As is discussed during this episode, the objective input of others can be life changing and ultimately, life savi...
Sep 30, 2021•19 min•Ep. 4
