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In my practice, I have noticed an increasing number of clients seeking support for symptoms consistent with Complex PTSD (C-PTSD). This shift reflects a broader change in how mental health professionals and the public understand trauma and its lasting effects. In this post, I will explore why C-PTSD is gaining recognition and what the latest research tells us about effective treatment approaches. The Rise in Recognition of C-PTSD C-PTSD has moved from the margins to mainstream clinical practice over the past decade, and there are factors that have contributed to this shift. Formal Diagnostic Recognition A major milestone came in January 2022 when C-PTSD was officially included in the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD-11). This marked the culmination of decades of advocacy and research demonstrating that prolonged, repeated trauma produces a distinct pattern of symptoms beyond those seen in traditional PTSD. While C-PTSD remains absent from the DSM-5-TR used in the United States, and thus Australia, the ICD-11 inclusion has validated what clinicians and trauma survivors have known from experience: not all trauma produces the same effects. Decades of Advocacy The journey to recognition has been long. Advocates like trauma expert Bessel van der Kolk pushed for acknowledgment of C-PTSD dating back to the 1990s. A DSM-IV work group voted 19 to 2 to create the diagnosis, though their recommendation was ultimately not implemented. This persistent advocacy has gradually built momentum within the mental health community. Growing Public Awareness Google search data reveals a marked and exponential increase in worldwide searches for “CPTSD” since 2014, suggesting that awareness is growing not just among professionals but within the public. People are increasingly recognising their own experiences in the description of C-PTSD symptoms. Understanding Different Types of Trauma Research has increasingly clarified that prolonged, repeated interpersonal trauma particularly during childhood produces symptoms beyond traditional PTSD. While standard PTSD primarily involves intrusive memories, avoidance, and hyperarousal related to traumatic events, C-PTSD also includes: Difficulties with emotional regulation Negative self-perception and feelings of worthlessness Persistent challenges in relationships Problems with self-organisation and functioning Overlap with Other Mental Health Conditions Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and C-PTSD are frequently confused because they often share a root cause of chronic interpersonal trauma and manifest similarly through intense emotional dysregulation and relationship difficulties. The confusion arises partly because people with BPD may have trauma histories that could also meet criteria for C-PTSD, and both involve struggles with emotional regulation that can look quite similar on the surface. However, the core distinction lies in the motivation behind the behaviours and the individual's self-concept. BPD is primarily driven by a frantic fear of abandonment and an unstable sense of self, leading to rapid shifts in identity and impulsive attempts to maintain attachments. Conversely, C-PTSD is characterised by a fixed negative self-concept, such as a deep internalised shame or feeling permanently "damaged", and a nervous system stuck in a survival response (e.g., hypervigilance and flashbacks), which often leads to avoidance and withdrawal rather than the turbulent pursuit of connection as seen in BPD. Sometimes, the hypervigilance required to scan for danger looks identical to ADHD, but the root cause is anxiety-driven distraction rather than an innate executive function deficit. Similarly, the deep need to withdraw from people due to a lack of safety can be mistaken for the social differences seen in Autism, while the rapid, trigger-based mood swings of trauma are often misdiagnosed as the cyclical chemical shifts of Bipolar Disorder. What distinguishes C-PTSD from these overlapping disorders is the pervasive sense of toxic shame. While other disorders involve specific symptoms, C-PTSD involves a belief that the self is fundamentally damaged, leading to the severe dissociation and emotional fragmentation that often confuse the diagnostic process. Understanding the distinction matters because it can influence treatment approaches. What Does the Research Say About Treatment? I am committed to providing evidence-based care. So, what does current research tell us about treating C-PTSD effectively? Trauma-Focused Therapies Show Strong Evidence The good news is that existing evidence-based treatments for PTSD are showing effectiveness for C-PTSD as well. Trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) have the strongest evidence base for core PTSD symptoms, and recent studies indicate that both prolonged exposure therapy and EMDR are effective for adults with C-PTSD. Complementary Therapies for Nervous System Regulation The literature strongly supports the use of complementary therapies for regulating the nervous system in individuals with C-PTSD and chronic trauma, particularly emphasising body-based and mind-body interventions. These are highly relevant because C-PTSD involves a persistent state of autonomic nervous system dysregulation or being "stuck" in fight, flight, or freeze phases. While it is often noted that the methodological rigor for these complementary approaches as standalone treatments is still developing, the consensus is that they are highly promising and effective when used to complement conventional therapies. The literature highlights key approaches that specifically target nervous system balance by focusing on bottom-up processing (body to brain, rather than brain to body): Yoga practices like breathing and gentle movement are believed to help restore autonomic balance by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system (AKA ‘rest and digest’). Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-oriented therapy is cantered on the idea that trauma symptoms result from residual energy from the threat response being "trapped" in the body. SE guides the client to gently focus on internal, subtle sensations to facilitate the natural titration (or gradual discharge) and completion of these blocked survival responses, helping to restore the nervous system's capacity for self-regulation. Practices like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) are associated with reduced anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms. They help trauma survivors shift their awareness away from traumatic memories and dissociation and toward the present moment (AKA grounding), which can calm an overactive nervous system. Biofeedback and Neurofeedback techniques are supported as complementary treatments. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Retraining is a form of biofeedback that helps clients gain conscious control over their heart rhythm to optimise the vagal tone, a direct measure of nervous system flexibility and resilience. Neurofeedback aims to normalise dysfunctional brainwave patterns associated with trauma. What This Means for Treatment at Behavioural Edge Psychology Current evidence suggests that people with C-PTSD can benefit from existing PTSD treatments. Your current modalities (CBT/ACT) primarily utilize a "top-down" approach, focusing on thoughts, beliefs, and behaviours. For C-PTSD, this is often ineffective until the body is regulated. Complementary therapies offer "bottom-up" regulation, meaning they start with the body's physical sensations and nervous system state. Integrating these two approaches is where you gain the Behavioural Edge  in trauma treatment by:   1. Expanding the "Window of Tolerance" C-PTSD clients spend most of their time in a state of hyperarousal (fight/flight) or hypoarousal (freeze/dissociation). When they are outside their Window of Tolerance, the prefrontal corte, the part of the brain needed for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy's (ACT) logical thought and insight, is offline. Somatic techniques (e.g., grounding, Vagal nerve stimulation, breathwork) are the prerequisite skill set for expanding this window. You cannot successfully challenge a cognitive distortion (CBT) or commit to a new action (ACT) if the client's body is simultaneously screaming "DANGER!" It is helpful to include Heart Rate Variability (HRV) biofeedback or a Polyvagal-informed breath exercise in session to bring the client into a regulated state before  introducing cognitive or behavioural work. 2. Deepening the "Edge" of Behavioural Change My practice seeks to provide practical, measurable steps and purposeful support. For trauma, a lack of insight is not the problem; the body's reflexive  defensive response is the barrier to behavioural change. Somatic work allows clients to process and metabolise the "trapped" survival energy in small, safe doses. This changes the implicit body memory that drives the fight/flight/freeze reactions. When a client discusses an avoidance behaviour (ACT principle), instead of immediately challenging the underlying thought, you pivot to interoception: "Where do you feel that avoidance in your body? Can we notice that sensation for a moment and allow it to soften, even just a bit?" This releases the physiological barrier to change, making the behavioural step much easier. 3. Enhancing the Trauma-Informed Approach Complementary therapies move you beyond simply acknowledging  trauma to actively reorganising the traumatised nervous system. This directly combats the powerlessness and relational betrayal at the heart of C-PTSD, building trust both in the therapist and, crucially, in the client's own body. Medication can also support treatment, with SSRIs and SNRIs being the most evidence-based pharmacological options for reducing symptoms. Moving Forward with Hope The growing recognition of C-PTSD represents progress in understanding trauma’s varied effects and acknowledging the lasting impact of childhood and chronic trauma. More importantly, effective treatments exist and continue to evolve. At Behavioural Edge Psychology, I collaborate with each client to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for their unique situation. Whether through direct trauma-focused therapy or a phased approach that builds skills first, management of C-PTSD is possible. If you are struggling with the effects of prolonged trauma, know that specialised support is available. For more information about trauma treatment at Behavioural Edge Psychology or to schedule a consultation, please contact me at sarah.fischer@behaviouraledgepsychology.com .

There is a particular weight that comes with being the person others turn to in crisis. Emergency responders, healthcare workers, therapists, social workers, lawyers, clergy: these professionals spend their days holding space for others' pain, making life-altering decisions, and maintaining composure when everything around them is falling apart. But who holds space for them? At Behavioural Edge Psychology, I have built my practice around a simple truth: those who support, design, protect, and lead others also need support. As an AHPRA-endorsed organisational psychologist with deep expertise in workplace psychological health and safety, I understand not just the clinical presentation of stress and burnout, but the systemic and organisational factors that create them. The Unique Burden of Professional Responsibility Professionals in high-stakes fields face a distinctive set of psychological challenges. Whether they are responding to human crises, engineering critical systems, or steering organisations through turbulent waters, their burden is compounded by: Vicarious trauma and critical incident exposure : Repeated exposure to others' traumatic experiences can accumulate in ways that mirror direct trauma. The ER nurse who sees another child come in unresponsive, the social worker documenting another case of abuse, the lawyer reviewing evidence from a violent crime. These experiences leave marks. But it is not just direct caregivers who face this. The IT security professional who discovers a breach exposing millions of customers' personal data, the engineer reviewing a catastrophic system failure, or the executive who must announce mass layoffs. These too carry psychological weight that accumulates over time. Moral injury : When professionals are forced to act against their values due to systemic constraints, resource limitations, or organisational pressures, it creates a wound that is distinct from stress or burnout. The therapist who must discharge a suicidal patient due to insurance limitations, the firefighter who couldn't save someone due to delayed response times, the engineer who's overruled when raising safety concerns, the CTO who must ship a product they know has vulnerabilities, the CEO who must choose between shareholder demands and employee wellbeing. These situations create lasting psychological harm. My work with the Victorian Bar has given me particular insight into how even highly accomplished professionals, barristers at the top of their field, face profound psychosocial risks: high job demands, financial instability, isolation, lack of support, and exposure to traumatic material. These are not signs of weakness; they are the predictable outcomes of working in systemically challenging environments. The weight of consequential decisions : Some professionals live with the knowledge that their decisions can have life-or-death implications or affect thousands of people. The structural engineer signing off on a bridge design, the IT professional managing life-critical healthcare systems, the executive deciding whether to close a facility that supports an entire community. These decisions can haunt, especially when outcomes are uncertain or when things go wrong despite best efforts. The competence trap : Many professionals entered their fields driven by a desire to help, to be effective, to make a difference, or to solve complex problems and achieve excellence. When the system fails, when the elegant solution does not work, when market forces override sound strategy, or when outcomes are poor despite their best efforts, it strikes at the core of their professional identity. Isolation at the top : This is particularly acute for executives and senior leaders. As you climb the organisational hierarchy, the number of people you can talk to candidly shrinks. CEOs and executives often describe a profound loneliness, surrounded by people yet unable to show vulnerability, share doubts, or process complex decisions with those who report to them or sit on their boards. The higher you go, the more isolated you become, and the weightier the decisions you carry alone. The always-on culture : Technology professionals, those working in professional and consulting services, and executives increasingly face an expectation of constant availability. The on-call engineer who cannot fully disconnect, the IT manager who gets paged at 3 AM, the executive who is expected to respond to emails on vacation; this erosion of boundaries creates chronic stress and makes true recovery impossible. The helper's paradox : Those trained to support others often struggle to seek or accept help themselves. There is an implicit expectation, sometimes internalised, sometimes cultural, that "healers" should not need healing. This extends to other high-achieving professionals: the brilliant engineer who should be able to "figure it out," the doctor or nurse who is supposed to be the strong leader in the clinical team, the IT professional who can fix everyone's problems but their own. How Behavioural Edge Psychology Approaches This Work My practice is built on three key pillars that distinguish how I support professionals: 1. Evidence-Based, Client-Centred Treatment I combine lived experience with evidence-based theory about human behaviour to provide holistic care. This is not just about managing symptoms. It is about understanding you as a whole person navigating complex professional demands. My approach addresses: Stress, burnout, trauma, anxiety, and depression. Career stagnation or transition Leadership and interpersonal capability Emotional intelligence development Overall wellbeing 2. Deep Organisational Psychology Expertise Combined with Clinical Psychological Support Unlike many clinical psychologists, my training and experience in organisational psychology means I understand the systems you work within. I have designed strategic frameworks for workplace psychological health and safety, developed psychosocial safety readiness plans, and created diagnostic tools used across health services. This means I can recognise when your distress is not about your coping skills. It is about an organisationally toxic environment. When an executive describes impossible board demands, or a healthcare worker explains under-resourcing, or an engineer talks about safety corners being cut, I do not just hear individual stress. I understand the systemic factors at play and can help you navigate them strategically while protecting your wellbeing. 3. Practical, Measurable Support for Organisations Because I work at both the individual and organisational level, I can bridge the gap between personal wellbeing and workplace culture. Through my consulting work, I: Provide practical, measurable steps to ensure employee wellbeing. Advise on psychosocially safe workplaces that meet regulatory requirements. Offer early intervention, risk mitigation, and critical incident management. Develop education programs and strategies that promote psychological safety. This dual focus means that when I am supporting you as an individual, I am doing so with a sophisticated understanding of organisational dynamics, leadership challenges, and systemic change. Speaking the Language One of the most important aspects of being an effective psychologist for professionals is contextual fluency. When a surgeon talks about a case that "went south," a police officer describes the aftermath of a domestic violence call, a pilot explains a catastrophic failure mode, a CISO discusses a zero-day vulnerability, or a CEO describes a board meeting where they were blindsided; I need to understand not just what happened, but what it means. My research background, exploring trust between employees and leaders, the factors that influence engagement in safety and quality, and healthcare system change capacity, means I am proficient in understanding complex organisational situations. I can grasp why a technical decision was genuinely difficult, why a strategic choice involved impossible trade-offs, or why a leadership moment felt like failure even when outcomes were acceptable. This understanding is crucial because it allows us to accurately name what is within your control and what is a systemic constraint. It prevents the therapeutic trap of turning organisational failures into personal pathology. Beyond Individual Sessions: A Comprehensive Approach My work extends beyond the consulting room in several important ways: Consultation and training : I work with organisations to build cultures that support rather than deplete their workers. Whether it is developing an inaugural Occupational Health and Safety Policy for a professional body, creating psychosocial safety frameworks, or delivering education to staff about psychological health, I am committed to upstream prevention. Critical incident support : Whether it is a medical error, major system outage, security breach, failed product launch, or strategic decision that went badly, I provide structured support for those involved in critical incidents. This includes both immediate psychological intervention and longer-term processing. Strategic organisational development : Using my skills in quantitative and qualitative data analysis, I help organisations find and address the root causes of psychological harm. This might involve survey design, stakeholder interviews, or comprehensive diagnostic assessments that drive evidence-based decision-making. Leadership development with psychological insight : For executives, I offer support that blends psychological understanding with strategic thinking, helping you navigate the emotional and interpersonal complexities of leadership while addressing the toll the role takes. The Distinct Challenges Across Professions While there are common threads, each professional domain has its particular psychological landscape: Caregiving professions  (healthcare, social work, therapy, emergency response) deal with direct exposure to trauma and suffering, moral injury from system constraints, and the expectation that compassion is infinite. Legal professionals  face exposure to distressing material, high job demands, financial pressures, professional isolation, and a culture that often stigmatises vulnerability; issues I have worked extensively with through my role supporting barristers. Engineering and technical professions  face the weight of technical responsibility (knowing your code or design could fail with serious consequences), the isolation of deep technical work, imposter syndrome in rapidly evolving fields, and cultures that often do not make space for emotional processing. IT and cybersecurity professionals  live with constant vigilance, the knowledge that they are always one step behind potential threats, the pressure of being solely responsible when systems fail, and the peculiar burden of understanding risks that others can't see or don't prioritise. Executive leadership  carries the loneliness of authority, the weight of decisions affecting many lives, the impossibility of pleasing all stakeholders, constant scrutiny, and often the existential question of whether the sacrifice of personal wellbeing for professional achievement was worth it. Creating Space for Vulnerability There is a particular vulnerability in a professional sitting across from me, perhaps for the first time allowing themselves to acknowledge they are struggling. They have spent years building expertise, earning respect, becoming the person others rely on, whether that's patients depending on their medical judgment, teams looking to them for technical direction, or entire organisations following their strategic vision. To admit they are drowning feels like betraying everything for which they have worked. This moment requires exquisite care. It is not about reassurance or quick fixes. It is about creating a space where competence and struggle can coexist. Where the engineering director can admit that the constant pressure is breaking them. Where the executive can acknowledge the loneliness of their position. Where the incident responder can say they are exhausted from being woken up three times a week. Where the lawyer can acknowledge that exposure to traumatic material is taking its toll. My practice, whether in person at my Bentleigh consulting room or via telehealth, provides this space. A place where the mask of professional competence can come off. Where asking for help does not diminish professional identity but affirms shared humanity. The Privilege and the Commitment This work is a profound privilege. I am trusted with the private struggles of people who spend their professional lives being strong for others, making critical decisions, or solving complex problems that affect countless lives. I see their courage in acknowledging vulnerability, their resilience in continuing despite accumulating wounds, their commitment to their calling or craft even when it is costing them dearly. It is also heavy work. When you are the 'Professionals' Psychologist', you are often dealing with concentrated distress, people who have been holding it together for so long that when they finally let down their guard, years of suppressed struggle emerge. You are sitting with the loneliness of the executive who cannot share their doubts anywhere else. You are processing the moral injuries of those forced to choose between bad options. You are holding the technical weight of understanding that someone's mistake could have killed people, even though it did not. But that is exactly the point: creating a space where those who carry others' burdens can finally, safely, put them down for an hour. Where the healer can be the one who is held. Where the leader can stop leading. Where the expert can admit confusion. Where the problem-solver can acknowledge they do not have all the answers. Getting Started At Behavioural Edge Psychology, I work with professionals who are navigating stress, burnout, career transitions, or the accumulated weight of high-stakes work. My practice is grounded in evidence-based psychology, informed by organisational expertise, and committed to treating you as a whole person, not just a set of symptoms. Whether you're a healthcare worker struggling with vicarious trauma, an executive navigating the loneliness of leadership, an engineer carrying the weight of technical responsibility, a legal professional exposed to distressing material, or any other professional finding that the work that once fulfilled you is now depleting you, I'm here to help. I offer both in-person sessions at my Bentleigh practice and telehealth via Zoom and telephone, making support accessible regardless of your location or demanding schedule. Because at the end of the day, the professionals who serve our communities, who show up in crisis, who bear witness to suffering, who hold the line when everything's falling apart, who architect the systems we depend on, who make the decisions that shape organisations and lives, who lead through uncertainty, they're not superhuman. They are deeply human. And like all humans, they need support, understanding, and care. That's what it means to be the 'Professionals' Psychologist' at Behavioural Edge Psychology: honouring both your professional excellence and your human fragility, understanding that these aren't contradictions but two sides of the same courage, and providing the evidence-based, organisationally-informed support you need to thrive, not just survive, in demanding professional roles. Dr Sarah Fischer is the Principal Psychologist at Behavioural Edge Psychology, located at 1 Patterson Road, Bentleigh VIC 3204. She is an AHPRA-endorsed organisational psychologist with extensive experience supporting professionals across healthcare, legal, corporate, and technical sectors. To learn more or book an appointment, visit behaviouraledgepsychology.com  or email sarah.fischer@behaviouraledgepsychology.com .

Overstimulation in a digital world - why seeking mental health is a must-have For too long, seeking help for mental health has been shrouded in shame, silence, and misunderstanding. But today, we face a new challenge: we're living in an era of unprecedented information overload and constant stimulation. Our brains weren't designed for the relentless pace of social media notifications, 24/7 news cycles, and the pressure to be perpetually connected. It's time to acknowledge that seeking mental health support isn't a personal failing, it's a rational response to an overwhelming modern world. The New Normal: Overwhelm as a Way of Life Before we even talk about stigma, let's acknowledge something crucial: the world has fundamentally changed, and our mental health challenges reflect that reality. We wake up to dozens of notifications. We scroll through curated highlight reels of other people's lives. We're bombarded with breaking news alerts about crises happening across the globe. We juggle multiple conversations across different platforms. We're expected to respond immediately, stay informed, remain productive, and somehow maintain our wellbeing in the midst of it all. Is it any wonder that anxiety and depression rates have surged? Our nervous systems are in a constant state of activation, toggling between comparison, outrage, FOMO, and information overload. We're not struggling because we're weak and we're struggling because we're human beings trying to function in an environment that often feels deliberately designed to overwhelm us. The Hidden Cost of Digital-Age Stigma When we treat mental health differently from physical health, we create an invisible barrier that keeps people suffering in silence. But the modern twist is this: we're now ashamed of struggling with challenges that are, in many ways, manufactured by the very systems we're embedded in. Nobody questions someone for seeing a doctor about repetitive strain injury from computer work. Yet somehow, seeing a therapist for anxiety exacerbated by social media comparison or depression linked to doom-scrolling still carries an undeserved weight of judgement. This stigma doesn't just hurt feelings, it has real consequences in our hyperconnected age: People dismiss their own struggles as "just being online too much" without addressing the underlying mental health impact They hide their inability to cope with information overload, fearing they're the only ones who can't keep up They delay seeking help until the constant stimulation has pushed them into crisis They miss out on treatments and coping strategies that could help them navigate digital life more healthily The result? Unnecessary suffering in a world that already demands too much of us. Reframing the Conversation for the Digital Age Mental health support isn't a sign of weakness. It's a sign of adaptation.  Recognising that the modern information landscape is affecting your wellbeing and taking steps to address it is intelligent self-preservation, not failure. Consider this: our ancestors never had to process the volume of information we encounter before breakfast. We're exposed to more news, opinions, images, and social interactions in a day than previous generations experienced in months. Our brains are doing their best with tools that evolved for a completely different environment. Seeking therapy, setting boundaries with technology, or taking medication for anxiety isn't admitting defeat. It's recognising that we need new strategies for new challenges. Just as we developed glasses when we started spending hours reading, we need mental health support as we navigate constant digital stimulation. The Reality of Information-Age Mental Health Here's something we desperately need to normalise: struggling with the pace and volume of modern information is not a personal deficiency. Feeling anxious after consuming negative news for hours? That's your nervous system responding appropriately to perceived threats. Feeling inadequate after scrolling through filtered, perfected images of other people's lives? That's a normal psychological response to constant upward comparison. Feeling exhausted from the pressure to always be available? That's burnout from eroded boundaries. You're not broken because you can't handle unlimited information while maintaining perpetual availability. You're human. And humans need limits, rest, and support, especially now. Mental health exists on a spectrum, and the digital world constantly pushes us along it in challenging ways. Sometimes we're thriving, sometimes we're managing, and sometimes the constant stimulation becomes too much and we need extra support. That's not failure. That's being alive in 2025. What Destigmatisation Looks Like in Practice Talk openly about digital overwhelm:  Share your own experiences with information fatigue, social media anxiety, or news-induced stress. When people hear that someone they respect has sought therapy specifically for managing digital life, it normalises the experience. Acknowledge the structural problem:  It's not just individual weakness. These platforms are designed to capture and hold attention. Algorithms optimise for engagement, not wellbeing. Recognising this helps separate personal struggle from systemic issues. Change your language:  Instead of "I can't handle social media like everyone else," try "Social media affects my mental health, so I'm being intentional about my use." Reframe it from personal failing to healthy boundary-setting. Challenge toxic productivity culture:  When someone brags about being available 24/7 or consuming news constantly to "stay informed," it's okay to push back. "Actually, I've found that setting boundaries with information has improved my mental health" can open important conversations. Lead by example: Turn off non-essential notifications Take genuine breaks from screens and social media Use "do not disturb" modes without apologising Talk about your therapy appointments or mental health practices openly Show that disconnecting isn't weakness: it's wisdom Creating Supportive Spaces in an Overstimulated World Organisations, schools, and communities have a crucial role in addressing this modern mental health crisis. Mental health support should explicitly acknowledge information overload and digital stress as legitimate concerns. This means: Providing mental health resources that specifically address digital overwhelm, social media anxiety, and information fatigue Establishing clear boundaries around after-hours communication and expectation of availability Creating "right to disconnect" policies that protect people from constant connectivity Training managers and educators to recognise signs of digital-age burnout Offering digital wellness programmes alongside traditional mental health support Normalising periodic digital detoxes and unplugging A Personal Responsibility (That Acknowledges Systemic Issues) Destigmatising mental health support starts with each of us, but it also requires acknowledging that our struggles aren't happening in a vacuum. Yes, we have personal responsibility for our wellbeing. But we're also navigating systems, like social media platforms, news cycles, workplace communication tools, that often prioritise engagement and productivity over human wellness. If you're struggling with anxiety from constant news exposure, depression linked to social comparison, or exhaustion from being perpetually available, please know: seeking help isn't giving up. It's recognising that you deserve support in navigating an unprecedented landscape. Whether that's: Working with a therapist who understands digital-age stressors Joining support groups focussed on healthy technology use Consulting with a doctor about medication for anxiety exacerbated by information overload Learning mindfulness techniques to manage overstimulation Setting firm boundaries with technology and social media You deserve support. Your nervous system wasn't designed for this level of stimulation, and struggling with it doesn't make you weak. Practical Steps for Right Now While we work on destigmatising mental health support, here are some immediate actions you can take: Audit your information diet:  Notice how different apps, news sources, and accounts make you feel. Unfollow, mute, or delete ruthlessly. Create sacred offline time:  Designate phone-free hours, especially first thing in the morning and before bed. Your mental health needs buffer zones. Practise selective ignorance:  You don't need to know everything happening everywhere all the time. It's okay to miss things. It's okay to not have an opinion on every trending topic. Seek support without shame:  If you're struggling, talk to someone. Therapists increasingly specialise in digital wellness and information-age anxiety because these are real, widespread challenges. Build analogue rituals:  Reading physical books, having face-to-face conversations, engaging in activities without documenting them. These aren't nostalgic luxuries. They're mental health necessities. Moving Forward in an Overstimulated World We're at a critical juncture. We're the first generations to truly grapple with the mental health impact of perpetual connectivity and information overload. The conversation is shifting and people are more open about "doomscrolling," "social media breaks," and digital detoxes than ever before. But we need to go further. We need to collectively acknowledge that our current relationship with information and stimulation is unsustainable. Seeking mental health support for digital-age struggles isn't a personal failing. It's part of learning to be human in a hyperconnected world. Every time we speak openly about how social media affects our mental health, every time we set boundaries with technology without apologising, every time we prioritise our wellbeing over constant availability, we chip away at the stigma. We create a world where seeking help for information overwhelm is seen not as weakness, but as essential self-care. The Bottom Line Here's the truth we need to embrace: Your brain is doing its best in an environment that constantly pushes it beyond its natural limits.  Taking care of your mental health in the face of relentless information and stimulation isn't something to hide. It's intelligent adaptation. You're not failing because you can't seamlessly handle unlimited news, constant social comparison, and perpetual availability. You're recognising your humanity and taking steps to protect it. And that's not just worth spreading. It's essentia l for our collective survival in the digital age. Remember: If you are in a crisis or feeling unsafe, please contact Lifeline 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call-back Service on 1300 659 467 (available support 24/7). If the circumstances are urgent or time critical, seek immediate assistance by attending your local hospital emergency department. In an emergency dial 000.  Support is available, and you don't have to face this alone. It's also okay to turn off your phone, close your apps, and give yourself permission to disconnect.