Episode 13, #GetChatty About Your Local Businesses, Series 2024
As I went on an unintended hiatus from the overwhelming feeling of news and social media, I revisited my recordings (and also took tech-free breaks), and my interview with Shaun from Bent Couch Counselling went so well that we had unreleased recordings, which seeded the ideation of a Christmas episode return.
For many of us, the end of the year can be more draining than the recovery/celebration time that we are supposed to have, and for a lot of LGBT+ people, the holidays can be a tug of war from within. That’s why in this episode, we discuss this very useful article by Shaun https://www.bentcouch.com.au/articles/holiday-survival-guide-lgbtq-mental-health and apply it to our own journies. I think it’s relevant not only to LGBT+ friends and allies; these can benefit everyone, and not only the festive season but should be sth we do when we self-care any time of the year!
Listen on Spotify:
or watch on YouTube:
3 of my learnings this time:
- It’s okay to set boundaries in social situations, say no, take a step back and prioritise your well-being over societal expectations, which is useful at any time of the year. I often say, “My social battery is getting low”.
- We often fear losing friends, but we can also gain friends; why not seek out new communities and friendships that align with what’s authentic to you? Where your values align.
- Shaun promotes the idea of self-acceptance and celebrating one’s uniqueness. He encourages people to embrace their identities and imperfections, reminding them that everyone has flaws and that it’s important to love oneself as they are.
Bent Couch Counselling focuses on mental health within the LGBT+ community, where he addresses issues such as well-being, drug use, relationship challenges, and abuse. Many neglect this part of their lives; I hope this episode will help emphasise the need for self-care and mental well-being, no matter who and how you are.
Find Shaun:
bentcouch.com.au
linkedin.com/in/shaun-williams-119442250
facebook.com/bentcouchcounselling
instagram.com/bent_couch_counselling
tiktok.com/@rainbowcounsellor
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Produced and hosted by Arthur Chan “The Chatty Curator”
Concepts, Curation & Marketing #GetChatty @ChattyCurator #TeamArt2Public
Here’re some useful mental well-being resources available in Australia:
- QLife A free service for LGBTQIA+ people in Australia
- 13Yarn 24/7 Crisis Support run by Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders
- Mensline Australia 24/7 telephone counselling support for men with concerns about mental health, anger management, family violence (using and experiencing), addiction, relationship, stress and wellbeing.
- Suicide Call Back Service 24/7 Support Service for anyone with suicidal ideation
- Beyond Blue 24/7 Mental Health advice
- Headspace Mental Health resources
- Reach Out Peer Support Service for young persons
- Kids Helpline 24/7 Support for Kids from 5 to 25
- SANE Australia 24/7 Mental Health Assistance
- Lifeline 24/7 Crisis Support