After I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, I struggled to relate to the therapeutic treatment on offer, so gave up on it. It was only at my last admission that I decided I had to try something and made some clay egg cups in the shape of chicks. Keen to put them to use, I…
https://www.thedailybeast.com/charles-krauthammers-quiet-contribution-to-our-understanding-of-bipolar-disease By 1984, Krauthammer was granted board certification in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. In a time when mental illness had yet to achieve public-health recognition and was still viewed through heavy handed stereotypes that categorized bipolar disease as mania (a term rarely, if at all, used now), Krauthammer’s recognition of the disease…
https://www.medpagetoday.com/psychiatry/bipolardisorder/70219 Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a safe and effective add-on therapy for type I or II bipolar depression, researchers found. In an intention-to-treat analysis of 52 patients in the randomized, double-blind, Bipolar Depression Electrical Treatment Trial (BETTER), active tDCS had significantly greater antidepressive effects than a sham procedure (differential effect size of −1.68…
https://www.medpagetoday.com/psychiatry/bipolardisorder/70219 Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a safe and effective add-on therapy for type I or II bipolar depression, researchers found. In an intention-to-treat analysis of 52 patients in the randomized, double-blind, Bipolar Depression Electrical Treatment Trial (BETTER), active tDCS had significantly greater antidepressive effects than a sham procedure (differential effect size of −1.68…
Woman with bipolar denied travel insurance amid outrage at industry’s unwillingness to cover mental health sufferers. http://google.com/newsstand/s/CBIw5IDenTY http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/bupa-travel-insurance-mental-health-coverage-bipolar-woman-denied-coverage-a7981226.html Ms Watson told The Independent she had initially decided to use Bupa because she had been physically unwell as she suffered from acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome. Neither had anything to do with her bipolar disorder….
https://psychcentral.com/news/2016/10/13/childhood-adversity-linked-to-bipolar-disorder/111089.html A new U.K. review of more than 30 years of research on bipolar disorder found that people with the condition are more than twice as likely to have suffered emotional, physical, or sexual abuse as children than the general population. University of Manchester researchers identified 19 studies from hundreds published between 1980 and 2014…
I have bipolar. My ah ha moment just happened. Bipolar emotions can be dealt with if you deal with yourself first. https://t.co/5QIgON9KJr — The Good Men Project (@GoodMenProject) January 10, 2017 This is where my mental health journey began. We looked for doctors. We visited with quite a few of them. All seemed to say…
http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/well-good/motivate-me/88083035/carrie-fisher-is-a-prime-example-of-what-it-means-to-live-with-bipolar-disorder-productively As a psychologist, I am aware of Bipolar Disorder’s significant fallout. It is chronically difficult for those who live with it and hugely taxing on partners and families. Every mental health professional has witnessed the distress of someone raised by a wildly unpredictable mother or father (often with undiagnosed Bipolar), who forced them to…
Carrie Fisher's most feminist act was her frankness about being bipolar in a world where women are called "crazy" https://t.co/mHVEK8IiXs — Quartz (@qz) December 28, 2016 … she refused to fit any of the stereotypical and limiting roles that the world tried to force upon her: Hollywood heiress, bimbo in a bikini, drug-addled trainwreck, crazy…
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-12-22/researchers-closer-to-identifying-those-at-risk-of-bipolar/8140934 “So what we found is that people who are at high risk of bipolar disorder have weaker connections from the insular — the insular is the part of the brain where you feel your body physiology,” Professor Breakspear said. “These superhighways that come from the insular that go mainly to the pre-frontal cortex —…
Sam is a psychotherapist and the lead support worker for the Auckland Central area. He conducts one-on-one therapy and also facilitates support groups.
With a Post Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapy and a nearly complete Master of Psychotherapy, Sam is well-tooled to guide individuals towards their health and well-being goals. Through his training placements at a men’s prison and now at Better Blokes, Sam understands the unique needs of men and the present environment that men are finding difficult to navigate. Sam also brings extensive experience from several years of youth counselling.
Dave founded Better Blokes over 15 years ago now and has a passion for supporting men healing from Trauma. Dave is the West Auckland area coordinator and a peer support worker. He also sits on the Better Blokes Board. He is a long-term resident of West Auckland and is married with 5 adult children and 5 grandchildren.
Dave is a qualified builder and has also trained as a teacher, body therapist, grief facilitator and peer support worker. Dave is also a keen sportsman; having been a provincial rugby representative and gaining honours in both Taekwondo and endurance running. Some of his other interests include; prayer and meditation, connecting with cultures other than his own and walking.
In his work Dave has found as he is able to offer identification and acceptance of others’ pain, he too is able to heal from his own pain. Dave values commitment and loyalty and is learning to leave space for God as decisions and life guidance occur.
As Dave helps men to heal from trauma he is hopeful of creating a more loving and peaceful nation of Aotearoa New Zealand and connecting with other likeminded individuals and organisations around the world.
Poutoa is a father and great grandfather born in Samoa but raised in New Zealand. He facilitates 3 support groups and also one to one support sessions in the South Auckland area. He has been with Better Blokes for 6 years. He also works for the Salvation Army where he facilitates a prison group.
Pou has found over his years with Better Blokes that while he does the work for the benefit of his men, he also gains as much from mahi as do the men – it’s a two way process almost like self-therapy. Outside of Better Blokes Pou enjoys spending time with family, sports, faith, camping and personal exercise. Pou is hoping to do some more travel in the next few years too, possibly to Israel and the U.S. One of the values that Pou holds dear is the mana that every person holds, regardless of their behaviours. Because of this, everybody deserves respect, love and compassion. Pou describes himself as an empathetic, understanding person created in the image of God.
Beyond her professional endeavours, Jenny finds joy and fulfilment in various activites that enrich her life. Whether she is immersed in a captivating book, enjoying quality time with friends, or exploring the great outdoors on horseback, Jenny embraces every opportunity to cultivate her passions and nurture her well-being. Looking ahead, Jenny envisions a future where she can continue her meaningful work at Better Blokes and transition away from the confines of corporate life to pursue a career that aligns more closely with her values and aspirations.
At the core of Jenny’s identity are the values of respect, kindness, and curiousity, which guide her interactions and shape her worldview, She firmly believes that even the smallest acts of kindness or positive change have the potential to catalyse greater transformation in individuals and communities alike. Jenny’s personality is characterised by a quiet strength, thoughtful demeanour, and unwavering loyalty to those she cares about, making her a valuable asset to the Better Blokes team and a source of inspiration to those around her.
Patrick first ventured into this line of work by enrolling in Lifeline’s telephone counselling training program, Survivors, which focused on addressing men’s issues through a service called Mensline. He dedicated 4 ½ years to this cause, committing to two evening shifts a month. During his time there, he participated in Essentially Men’s introductory weekend course, leading him to join a men’s group that he remained actively involved in for about 15 years.
Additionally, Patrick pursued further education in the field, completing a paper in Family Systems and a Group Facilitation course with HD&T. About four years ago, he responded to an advertisement from Better Blokes seeking assistance with men’s groups. Since then, he has engaged in various training weekends and week-long programs offered by Better Blokes and Male Survivors Aotearoa. Currently, Patrick is leading support groups and providing one-on-one support to men on the North Shore.
As the general manager at Better Blokes, Simon Johnson has recently dedicated 2.5 years of his life to helping men on their wellbeing journey. With a Post Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapy, a Bachelor of History, and a Bachelor of Ministries in Practical Theology, Simon is well-equipped to guide individuals towards a path of healing and self-discovery.
In his personal life, Simon finds joy and fulfilment in activities such as sailing and playing the bass. These hobbies serve as a source of relaxation and connection with nature, which aligns with his passion project of starting “Sailing for Wellbeing” – a venture that aims to take people on weekend sailing journeys to promote holistic well-being. When it comes to values, Simon holds honesty, integrity, and truth with grace in high regard.
His decisions are guided by the principle of speaking the truth in love, which reflects his compassionate nature and desire to help others grow and heal. Describing himself as introverted, creative, and successful, Simon embodies these qualities in his work at Better Blokes and in his personal endeavours. His go-to inspirational quote, “The Truth will set you Free – Be True to Yourself and Success will Follow,” emphasises the importance of authenticity and self-awareness in achieving personal growth and success. Simon’s commitment to helping others, his dedication to personal growth, and his passion for sailing and music make him a well-rounded individual with a strong sense of purpose and compassion. Through his work at Better Blokes and his future endeavours, Simon continues to inspire and uplift those around him with his genuine and caring approach to life.
Peter Syke has over 40 years of experience as a community worker in Central and South Auckland, dedicated to supporting vulnerable and marginalised groups and individuals. He has worked with the Anglican Church, ME Family Services for 30 years and currently serves as an independent community activist. Peter holds qualifications in education, social policy, sociology, youth work, liberation theology, business, and regenerative practice.
Peter has been involved with Better Blokes for a couple of years and previously engaged with the South Auckland team during his time at ME Family Services, providing a link for men living with trauma. He currently serves as the Chairperson of the Board for the outgoing Incorporated Society and the new Charitable Trust. His decision to join Better Blokes was driven by a desire to support groups working on the margins that focus on providing support and empowerment for men. Outside of his involvement with Better Blokes, Peter finds joy and fulfilment in being a life member of Mangere East Hawks RL, engaging in community regeneration projects such as tree planting and caring for local parks and environments, and actively supporting his family and grandchildren. Additionally, he has been a candidate for the Green Party in Mangere in the past two elections. The values that are most important to Peter in life include relationships and connection, respect, humility, and diversity.
