lgbtiq health
Living your best life: find help & break the ice
Research shows higher rates of Crystal Methamphetamine (ice) use in the LGBTIQ+ communities than among the general population. However, it is possible to find help and recover from ice dependence. Following a decade of ice use, Alex Bartzis found the help he needed. Alex says living your best life involves moving beyond the shadows caused …
Ditch the Bitch! Paul Martin says it’ll be a win-win
As the holiday season approaches, it’s a great time to reflect on our personal attitudes to the diversity in our communities. What sort of welcome do we offer new people coming out? Some might see playing mean as witty or fabulously camp. But research says, ditch the bitch and you’ll feel better yourself. Paul Martin …
Chris Pye: The 9 Rs of Relationship First Aid – Part 1
For twenty-five years Relationship Coach and Counsellor, Chris Pye, has supported individuals, couples and families to transform problem conflict. Now, over the next three issues, he unpacks his essential guideposts for a healthy relationship – the 9 Rs of relationship first aid. Relationship first aid Guidepost 1: Retire It may seem an ironic place to …
Things to do before getting sexy after lockdown
Is that the smell of pheromones in the air or freshly opened poppers? Lockdowns are ending and borders are opening. Here’s Doc Q’s list for getting sexy after lockdown. Aussies are dusting off their dildos and making sure their sexy undies are sex-ready. Before you dive into that hot & sticky post-lockdown sex check out …
Gay Community Periodic Surveys: Champions of Change
Rebecca Reynolds writes on the contribution of changemakers within our communities. Right now, the annual Gay Community Periodic Survey is taking place. Recently, QC launched the inclusive chosen families General Practice, QCGP+. Changemakers recognise what needs to change and act to make it happen. They recognise that things may not look different on a day-to-day …
Doc Q: Dr Rhys Young on avoiding unhealthy drinking
Are you an ‘I love a beer at the end of the day’ type person or an ‘I only drink once a week but when I do it’s a wipeout’? Every now and then it’s important to check in with your drinking and make sure it’s healthy and safe because unhealthy drinking is more common …
Mental health crisis: Responding to Someone in Need
Sadly, people in our communities sometimes experience a mental health crisis or even end their own lives. How do you recognise when someone is struggling, and what can you do to help? People often avoid bringing up concerns to their friends, fearing they might make things worse. Unsure what to do, they try to distract. …
Doc Q: Everything you didn’t know about herpes explained
In my job, I get to see a lot of STIs! Whenever I see someone with a first hit of herpes I’m always reminded of the massive stigma behind it. There are a lot of myths about herpes. If you think you know about herpes, think again! Dr Rhys Young is a proud member of …
Overdose Awareness Day – Hi-Ground Chatroom Takeover
Hi-Chat is a free 24-hour service moderated by peer volunteers in the Harm Reduction Community. Today, on International Overdose Awareness Day, the online forum launches its first Chatroom Takeover. During takeovers, healthcare professionals and peers facilitate discussions around specific topics. Check out the chatroom here. Register anonymously The International Overdose Awareness Day chatroom takeover happens …
Strategies for dealing with unhealthily high levels of anxiety
Anxiety is an important emotion as it keeps us physically safe. When a psychotic rabies-infected emu threatens to maul you, anxiety will prompt you to flee the danger. But that doesn’t happen often. Unhealthily high anxiety levels are generally not helpful. Words: Paul Martin is the Senior Psychologist at the Centre for Human Potential. Anxiety can severely …