October is Mental Health Awareness Month, so it is a perfect time to think about how people handle stress in their lives.
Psychiatrist Professor Ian Hickie and author and ABC radio identity James O’Loughlin (pictured) have just released a book to give some tips on this tricky issue.
Called Minding Your Mind, it is based on the popular podcast of the same name presented by Hickie and O’Loughlin, the book examines everything people have always wanted to know about how minds work, and the thought and emotions that steer lives.
Readfers are in for a pleasant surprise, as its warm, humorous and compassionate, as well as informative.
The book is split into three parts, with the first section exploring how minds work, the importance of social connection, body clock, the subconscious and self-esteem.
Then it tackles the problem of when things go wrong, and anxiety, depression and many related conditions take hold of minds.
The final part explains how people can improve mental health, deal better with crises, how to change, therapy, love, religion and spirituality, forgiveness, and the all-important seven secrets of happiness.
Readers can learn about cognitive strategies that can help prevent burnout and improv body clocks and of course improve mental health.
Minding Your Mind by Prof. Ian Hickie and James O’Loughlin is published by Penguin Random House and available now at favourite book suppliers.

By Julie Houghton