* this program is subject to funding
We live in a world today that is highly stressful, and many of us, at different times, also face the challenge of adverse life events and trauma.
It is estimated that around 75% of all visits to the GP are life event/stress related and lack of stress recovery, has been linked to a whole range of physical and mental health problems. [1]
In terms of our mental health, one in 16 Australians is currently experiencing depression and one in seven Australians will experience depression in their lifetime. [2]
One in seven Australians is currently experiencing anxiety and one quarter of Australians will experience an anxiety condition in their lifetime. [3]
One in eight Australians is currently experiencing high or very high psychological distress. [4]
And every day 8 Australians take their lives. [5]
Overall, while we may well be more affluent, as a society we are becoming more stressed, more anxious as well as more depressed. In fact one could argue that our modern lifestyle is not only driving us crazy, it is driving many of us to an early grave!
So is there any antidote?
Life can become too serious and we can feel ‘stuck’ in the problems of our everyday existence. While not discounting the challenges many face, we need opportunities to ‘lighten up’, with others, and to focus on our well being in inventive, enjoyable and playful ways.
And the good news is that there are practices that can help. [6]
Raising self awareness, doing focussed self care activities and strengthening relationships has been found to greatly reduce the impact of distress and to increase our resilience to a range of mental health disorders. [7]
These activities include both physical, psychological and social elements, such as; connecting to others; consciously focussing on positivity; relaxation and meditation; movement such as yoga and dance; being playful and connecting to a level of joy through laughter.
The Live Well and Laugh Well Being Program incorporates all of these elements. It is a combination of laughter, meditation and movement and set in a warm and welcoming environment.
Notes
[1] https://www.huffpost.com/entry/stress-and-health_b_3313606 accessed 5/06/2019
[2,3,4,5] Beyond Blue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/media/statistics accessed 29/08/2020
[6] We do not suggest that the LWL program is a panacea or substitute for serious mental health problems and we advocate that people get the appropriate professional help when needed. However, the LWL program can be enjoyed as part of any recovery program.
[7] https://www.mqmentalhealth.org/posts/stress-and-mental-health accessed 5/06/2019
Life Is Foundation 