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#180 – Lana Tikhomirov on the Ethics of AI in Human Decision-Making
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Lana Tikhomirov about the intersection of AI and human decision-making, exploring its ethical concerns, cognitive challenges, and growing role in high-stakes fields like healthcare. Lana Tikhomirov is an AI safety researcher at the Australian Institute for Machine Learning, where she focuses on developing ethical, human-centered…
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Anxiety’s Influence on Cognitive Function and Decision-Making
Anxiety affects decision-making and cognitive processes by interfering with how we focus, remember, and respond to information. While it’s a normal reaction to stress, ongoing anxiety can disrupt attention, problem-solving, and daily functioning—impacting work, relationships, and wellbeing. This article explores how anxiety affects cognitive function and decision-making. By better understanding these connections, individuals and families…
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The Link Between Anxiety and Sleep Disorders
There may be a link between anxiety and sleep problems like insomnia, with anxiety often disrupting the ability to fall or stay asleep. Understanding the relationship between anxiety and sleep disorders is essential for recognising symptoms early and accessing appropriate support. This article explores this connection and the impact on daily functioning The Two-Way Street…
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Anxiety and Co-occurring Mental Health Conditions
Anxiety can co-occur with other mental health conditions such as depression, substance use disorders, and PTSD, creating experiences that benefit from holistic, integrated care. Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health concerns in Australia, affecting approximately one in four people at some point in their lives. While anxiety can occur as a standalone…
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#179 – Dr Simon Byrne on The Unconventional Use of Psychiatric Drugs to Treat Mental Disorders
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Simon Byrne about the unconventional use of psychiatric drugs, exploring new approaches to treating mental disorders, anxiety, and children’s mental health. Dr Simon Byrne is a Lecturer at the University of Queensland (UQ) since 2021. He completed a PhD/Masters of Clinical Psychology in child…
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Debunking Common Myths About Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions in Australia, yet misconceptions about it remain widespread. These myths can contribute to stigma, misunderstanding, and delays in seeking appropriate support. In this article, we’ll explore and debunk some of the most common myths about anxiety, providing insights to promote better mental health awareness. Myth…
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How Stress Triggers and Exacerbates Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are common emotional responses experienced by many Australians. While both are natural and adaptive in certain situations, excessive or prolonged stress can contribute to the onset and worsening of anxiety disorders. Understanding the relationship between stress and anxiety is crucial for promoting mental wellbeing and seeking appropriate support. This article explores how…
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How Personality Traits Influence Anxiety Levels
Anxiety is a prevalent mental health condition affecting a significant proportion of Australians. Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions, impacting individuals’ emotional wellbeing and daily functioning. Understanding the various factors that contribute to anxiety is crucial for effective prevention and management. Among these contributing factors, personality traits play an influential role…
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The Daily Impact of Anxiety on Work and Relationships
Anxiety is a common mental health condition affecting many Australians. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, one in six Australians experiences an anxiety disorder in their lifetime. While anxiety is a natural response to stress, chronic or intense anxiety can disrupt daily functioning, especially in the workplace and personal relationships. Understanding these impacts is…
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#178 – Dr Poppy Watson on Compulsive Reward-seeking Behaviour
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Poppy Watson about compulsive reward-seeking behavior, commonly seen in drug or gambling addiction, but also in more subtle forms that influence our everyday actions and habits. The research interests of Dr Poppy Watson lie at the intersection of motivation, attention and choice behaviour. A…
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Burnout
You’ve likely heard someone say that they’re experiencing burnout – and it’s becoming increasingly common across various professions. The constant demands of work and general responsibilities can take a serious toll on both mental and physical wellbeing. That’s why it’s crucial to recognise the early signs of burnout before it escalates into something more difficult…
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#177 – Dr Amy Peden on Global Drowning Prevention Through Research and Advocacy
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Amy Peden about the global drowning crisis, the key risk factors involved, and what can be done to reduce these tragic incidents. Dr Amy Peden is a Senior Research Fellow in the School of Population Health at the University of New South Wales (UNSW)…
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#176 – Dr Robyn Walser on Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with Trauma
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr. Robyn Walser about using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help individuals navigate and heal from trauma. Robyn D Walser, PhD is a clinical psychologist with expertise in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), having started to work in this treatment approach in 1991. She…
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#175 – Ahu Kocak on Suicide Assessment and Prevention Strategies
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Ahu Kocak about her experience in developing suicide assessment and prevention strategies in correctional settings. Ahu Kocak is endorsed in Forensic Psychology with over 14 years experience in prison, court and private practice settings. She holds a Bachelor of Science Psychology, Masters of Psychology (Forensic),…
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#174 – Ben Newell on The Role of Behavioural Science in Promoting Climate Action
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Ben Newell about the power of behavioral science and the role that psychology can play in motivating individuals and societies to take meaningful action on climate change. Ben Newell is Professor of Behavioural Science in the School of Psychology at UNSW Sydney, and Director of…
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#173 – Professor Kim Delbaere on Promoting Healthy Ageing
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Kim Delbaere about understanding physical, psychological and cognitive factors causing falls as well as topics about promoting healthy ageing. Professor Kim Delbaere is a Senior Principal Research Scientist and Director of Innovation & Translation at the Falls, Balance & Injury Research Centre at Neuroscience…
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The History of Anxiety in Psychology
Anxiety has been a subject of fascination and study for centuries, evolving alongside humanity’s understanding of the mind, body, and spirit. In ancient times, anxiety was often attributed to supernatural forces or spiritual imbalances, with remedies focused on rituals and prayers. Later, figures like Hippocrates linked mental health to physical factors, introducing a more systematic…
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#172 –Dr. Stefan Carlo Michalski on Virtual Reality for Life Skills in Intellectual Disabilities
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr. Stefan Carlo Michalski about using an AI-powered VR application to build life skills and improve healthcare access for people with intellectual disabilities. Dr. Stefan Michalski is a Research Fellow in the National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health at the University of New…
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Understanding Anxiety: A Guide for Australians
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns worldwide, impacting people across various age groups and demographics. In Australia, anxiety disorders affect a significant portion of the population, influencing daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. From mild and situational anxiety to more complex anxiety disorders, this condition exists along a broad spectrum, affecting…
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#171 – Jacinta Hawgood on Suicide Prevention Training Evaluation
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Jacinta Hawgood about evaluating suicide prevention training programs, their effectiveness, and the critical role they play in reducing suicide rates. Jacinta Hawgood is Associate Professor and Program Director of Suicidology at the Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention (AISRAP), Griffith University, where she has…
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#170 – Dr Lydia Brown on Navigating the Journey of Menopause and Aging
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Lydia Brown about understanding and enhancing well-being during the menopause transition and aging. Lydia Brown is a Clinical Psychologist and Senior Lecturer at the School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne. She earned her PhD in 2015, focusing on self-compassion and menopause, and subsequently…
