Photo by eggbank on Unsplash

The phrase "when life serves up lemons, make lemonade" is a common saying that encourages people to turn a difficult situation into something positive. This doesn’t mean to just “suck it up”, or to put on a brave face, or that your feelings are wrong and you should be able to deal with this… What it is trying to convey is for us to stop and reflect on what tools we already have to help us make this situation at least manageable, or possibly even an opportunity for growth … (aka add sugar and water and cook it on the stove, and voila we have lemonade). 
This phrase is a powerful reminder that in difficult moments we might not be able to change our circumstances, but we can always choose how we respond; and we actually have the ability to transform adversity into growth and resilience.

Here are some tips on how to make your wellbeing "lemonade" :
1. Accept your emotions:
It's understandable to feel upset, sad, angry, or frustrated when life doesn't go as planned. Accepting and acknowledging your emotions can help you to process them and move forward. They may well be telling you something important about an unmet need that you have, so dont try to avoid or suppress those emotions and pretend it doesn’t matter. Instead, “Notice and Name” the emotions you are experiencing, and offer yourself some self compassion and kindness for how difficult this is.
2. Embrace a growth mindset
A growth mindset is the belief that challenges and setbacks are opportunities for growth and learning. Instead of seeing difficult situations as roadblocks, we can view them as opportunities to develop new skills, strengths, and perspectives. This can help us reframe our experiences and see them in a more positive light.
To develop a growth mindset, start by recognising the negative self-talk that might be holding you back. When you catch yourself thinking "I can't do this" or "this is too hard," challenge those thoughts with more positive and empowering statements like "I can learn from this" or "this is an opportunity to grow."
3. Practice gratitude
​Gratitude is a powerful tool for boosting wellbeing and resilience. When we focus on the good things in our lives, we are more likely to feel optimistic and hopeful, even in the face of challenges.
To practice gratitude, start by making a list of things you are grateful for each day. This could include simple pleasures like a a nice meal or a sunny day, as well as more profound experiences like meaningful relationships or personal accomplishments. By cultivating a daily gratitude practice, you can shift your focus from what's going wrong to what's going right, which can help you to develop a more balanced perspective.
4. Build a support system
Having a strong support system can help us navigate difficult times with greater ease and resilience. Whether it's family, friends, or a professional counsellor, having people we can turn to for emotional support can make a big difference in our ability to cope with stress and adversity.
To build a support system, start by reaching out to people in your life who you trust and feel comfortable talking to. Share your struggles and ask for their help and support. If you don't have a strong support system in place, consider reaching out to a professional counsellor who can provide guidance and support during challenging times.
5. Practice self-care
Self-care is essential for maintaining our emotional and physical wellbeing. When we prioritise self-care, we are better equipped to handle stress and adversity.
To practice self-care, start by identifying activities that bring you joy and help you feel calm and centred. This could include exercise, meditation, spending time in nature, or engaging in creative pursuits. Make time for these activities each day, even if it's just for a few minutes. By prioritising self-care, you can build resilience and emotional strength that will help you weather life's challenges.
6. Focus on the present moment
​When we're facing difficult situations, it's easy to get caught up in worries about the future or regrets about the past. However, focusing on the present moment can help us stay grounded and reduce feelings of anxiety and overwhelm.
To focus on the present moment, try mindfulness meditation or other mindfulness practices. These can help you develop greater awareness of your thoughts and feelings, which can help you stay centred and present in the moment. By focusing on the present moment, you can cultivate greater resilience and distress tolerance that will help you navigate life's challenges with greater ease.

Remember, “making lemonade” is not about denying or minimising the challenges you're facing.
We dont tell ourselves that the lemon is sweet enough and eat it anyway, we try to transform that sour fruit into something more palatable. Similarly it’s about finding a way to cope with our challenges in a positive and proactive way; we just need the right mindset and tools.
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 #OrangesAndLemonsDay #OrangesAndLemons #TheBellsOfStClements #Citrus
#WhenLifeGivesYouLemons #AwarenessDay

What is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker?   
​by Claire Raworth (AMHSW)

Are you looking for a mental health professional who can provide compassionate, holistic, evidence based support? Look no further than an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW) in private practice.

What is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker?
One of the greatest advantages of working with an AMHSW is their level of training and expertise. AMHSWs are university educated professionals who have completed a bachelor or master's degree in social work, followed by at least 2 years of supervised clinical experience in a mental health specific social work role, and then completion of a thorough accreditation process. Only after successful completion of this accreditation process, can a social worker be known as an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW) and be able to register with Medicare for rebates for counselling through a Mental Health Care Plan provided by a GP. They may also provide therapy or supports through NDIS funding.
​This is the base level of training, but many also have further training in counselling, family therapy and certifications in particular therapeutic modalities.
This level of training and experience allows them to provide a wide range of effective mental health services to clients and to work with a variety of mental health issues.

​What can they do?
AMHSW are trained to provide counselling, therapy and support to individuals, families, and groups with mental health issues. They work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, clinics, schools, and community agencies, and may also provide case management services and collaborate with other healthcare professionals. 

​They can also work in private practice, offering mental health services as self-employed practitioners. They can offer a wide range of services, including individual, couples, and family therapy, as well as group therapy. They may also provide counselling and support for clients dealing with a variety of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship problems. They work with clients of all ages, including children, adolescents, and adults, although typically specialise in providing therapeutic support to a particular age group. 

Private practice AMHSWs may also choose to specialise in certain areas of mental health, such as working with specific populations (e.g. veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, or people with addiction) or specific issues (e.g. depression, eating disorders, PTSD, or grief and loss). 

In addition to working with individuals, mental health social workers also provide support to families and groups. They can help families to understand and cope with a loved one's mental health issues, and can provide guidance on how to communicate effectively and provide support. They may also work with groups of individuals who have similar mental health concerns, such as veterans or survivors of trauma, facilitating the provision of support and guidance to each other.

AMHSW’s are trained to use a variety of evidence-based therapeutic techniques, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), ACT, Schema therapy, and EMDR (to name a few), to assist clients to achieve their goals. AMHSW, like psychologists and counsellors, tend to have particular modalities which they prefer to utilise, based on their personal preference and client group; some modality’s are believed to be more effective with specific issues or sometimes a particular approach just sits best with a therapist’s approach and values. Usually their bio’s will specify what modalities they use.   

​One of the aspects that separates AMHSWs from other therapists is their comprehensive focus. Social workers usually apply a holistic approach, considering the person within their entire psycho-social system rather than seeing the person as the problem. They also tend to encourage a therapeutic relationship based on collaboration and partnership rather than the therapist being the “expert”. 

Mental health social workers are also trained to work with other healthcare professionals in providing treatment for clients. They may work with psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals to develop treatment plans that are tailored to the unique needs of each client. They may also collaborate with primary care providers, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure that clients receive the most appropriate and effective care if this is required.

Overall, mental health social workers play an important role in helping individuals, families, and communities to cope with mental health issues. They are trained to provide a wide range of services that can help clients to improve their mental health and well-being. If you or a loved one is dealing with mental health issues, a mental health social worker can provide the support and guidance you need to achieve a better quality of life.