We’ll be closed from Friday, 20th December and reopen on Monday, 6th January 2025. Merry Christmas!
The deep-seated dread of being left alone, rejected, or forgotten—fear of abandonment—represents one of the most profound human anxieties. This complex emotional response shapes our connections with others, influences our self-perception, and can significantly impact our mental wellbeing. Affecting approximately 17% of Australian adults according to recent attachment studies, abandonment fears often operate beneath conscious…
In a world that constantly demands our time, energy, and attention, learning to say "no" is perhaps one of the most valuable skills we can develop. Yet for many of us, declining requests or establishing limits feels uncomfortable, even anxiety-inducing. At Ararat Wellness, we regularly observe how the inability to set healthy boundaries can contribute…
In the quiet spaces between our words lies a powerful language that often speaks louder than any verbal expression. Non-verbal communication skills—the subtle art of conveying meaning through body language, facial expressions, gestures, and vocal tone—constitutes approximately 60-65% of our interpersonal exchanges. Yet despite its significance, many of us remain largely unaware of how these…
The Silent Struggle of Modern Communication In today's hyperconnected world, a peculiar paradox has emerged. Despite having more communication channels than ever before, many Australians find themselves gripped by intense fear when their phone rings. This phenomenon, known as phone anxiety or telephobia, affects people across all demographics and has become increasingly prevalent in our…
In the hustle of modern Australian life, the quest for work-life balance has never been more challenging—or more essential. Despite Australia's progressive workplace policies, a concerning 52% of Australians rate their work-life balance as merely average or poor. This disconnect between aspiration and reality creates a profound impact on our mental wellbeing, relationships, and overall…
In the quiet towns and regional centres across Australia, a silent crisis is unfolding. Social disconnection—the gradual unravelling of community bonds—has become increasingly prevalent, transforming the social landscape of communities like Ararat, Victoria. The statistics tell a sobering story: 15% of Australians experienced social isolation in 2022, with young males aged 15-24 showing particularly concerning…
Grief touches all of us at some point, yet the intensity and duration of our response to loss varies significantly from person to person and situation to situation. While we may navigate some losses with relative resilience, others seem to penetrate the very core of our being, leaving lasting imprints on our emotional landscape. This…
Grief arrives in our lives with profound intensity, yet how we experience and process it varies tremendously from person to person. The journey through grief is as unique as our fingerprints—shaped by our cultural background, personal experiences, and the nature of our loss. While grief is universal, the path we take through it is distinctly…
Self-doubt can quietly undermine our potential, hindering personal growth and satisfaction in everyday life. That persistent inner critic questioning our abilities affects nearly everyone at some point—in fact, research indicates that approximately 85% of people globally experience low self-esteem. If you find yourself frequently questioning your capabilities or worth, you're certainly not alone in this…
