Mental Mobility

22/06/2026

17/06/2026

Here are the details for my fellow Aussies:

I have been asked to be a speaker at an AA meeting based in the USA. If you would like to be there, the details are:

7.30am
Thursday 18 June (tomorrow)
Location: Zoom id 6293309949, no password

Hope to see you there.

17/06/2026

Character Defects/Character Flaws,

Hello Friends,

Being in recovery, primarily substance abuse disorder is very difficult and no easy feat, but it comes with many benefits. One of them is sponsorship, or in simple terms, supporting and providing guidance to other individuals. My mother often says to me, “Why do you sponsor people, it takes too much of your time, or you are not mentally stable enough yourself to sponsor somebody”. My mother does not benefit from or practice a 12-step program but I wish she did, like I do anybody who is not in a 12-step program. Do not get me wrong, my mother is my rock and an incredible individual. But everyone has the capacity to grow even more, regardless of age.

My first taste of a 12-step program was Alcoholics Anonymous. The program gave me back my life. I am proud to sponsor two people in the program. One of the main benefits from Sponsorship is it enables me to recognize my own character defects also know as character flaws.

It raises the question, what is a character defect. A character defect is a personal flaw or negative trait that can hinder personal growth, relationships, and overall well-being.

Character defects like impulsivity, denial, and a tendency to escape from reality can lead to substance abuse and addiction. Recognizing and addressing these flaws is a crucial part of the recovery process. I have many character defects and continue to recognise then. My defects contributed me into a horrific pattern of addiction.

Alcoholics Anonymous, the very first 12 step program, written in the 1930’s has identified 194 character defects. The 13 major character defects are:

Dishonesty
Perfectionism
People-Pleasing
Greed
Apathy
Resentment
Self-Pity
Anger
Selfishness
Lust
Gluttony
Pride
Envy

You probably relate to at least one of the above. Now that you know what a character defect is and you have hopefully written down your defects, what do I do about it. Watch the below short video (less than 5 minutes) for 5 steps to get you started on addressing problem areas in your life.

No human being on this earth is perfect, which means everyone has a...

09/06/2026

Did you know post weekend depression, also known as the Sunday scaries is a real thing. I am feeling it today. How about you? Basically it is a temporary drop in dopamine. It will pass and is no excuse to pick up a drink or drug.

Also known as the Sunday scaries or post-vacation blues, post-weekend depression is the dip in mood that happens as the weekend ends. It is a temporary drop in dopamine as your brain transitions from excitement to routine, bringing fatigue, anxiety, and a lack of motivation.Why It HappensDopamine Drop: Your brain is adjusting from the high of leisure to the realities of daily life.Contrast Effect: The stark difference between two days of freedom and five days of work can feel jarring.Stress Anticipation: Anxiety about upcoming deadlines and responsibilities.Quick Ways to CopePlan Something Small: Give yourself something to look forward to during the week, like a Tuesday night dinner or a Meetup group.Ease Into Monday: Avoid over-scheduling your Monday morning. Block out time for focused work before jumping into meetings.Physical Reset: Counter the sluggish feeling with light exercise, or a walk outside to get fresh air and sunlight.Prioritize Rest: Create a relaxing Sunday evening wind-down routine—such as reading or taking a warm bath—to reduce Sunday night anxiety.If your low mood lasts more than a couple of weeks or impacts your daily functioning, consider reaching out to a licensed professional to explore ways to build more balance into your routine. You can find local support options through Healthdirect to connect with mental health services in the Parramatta area.

I do hope everyone had a great long weekend. Did you know that post weekend depression is real. Basically it is a temporary drop in dopamine. Also known as the Sunday scaries or post-vacation blues, post-weekend depression is the dip in mood that happens as the weekend ends. It is a temporary drop i...

15/05/2026

As you would have read from my posts I recently entered a new relationship after a 10 year break and a realisation that single life might be easier. Yes, in many respects it is but can be lonely and empty. My love for my partner grows everyday as does the risk of getting terribly hurt. In life, everybody is going to hurt you, it's a matter of choosing the ones getting hurt for. I choose Ted, good and bad. Who have you chosen?

Choosing whether to have a relationship depends on finding peace with your own needs rather than adhering to societal expectations. The decision involves weighing the joy and companionship of being bonded to someone against the freedom, self-growth, and independence of being single, with the ultimate goal of achieving personal fulfillment and joy.

03/05/2026

This week it came to my attention my partner has Narcissist Personality Disorder. As a keynote speaker on substance abuse disorder and mental illnesses it came as a shock to me that I did not see it earlier. What a frightening revelation. As a person who suffers my own demons with mental illness, I find it hard to turn my back on my partner and rid him from my life. But there comes a point where you have to put yourself first and stop the pain they are causing you.

If you think your partner is a narcissist, here are the 9 symptoms. To be diagnosed, you have to meet 5 of the essential traits being:

The Nine Signs of NPD
Self-importance: A grandiose sense of self-importance, often exaggerating achievements and talents.
Preoccupation with fantasies: Fantasies about unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love.
Expectations of special treatment: A belief that they are special and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people or institutions.
Constant need for admiration: A need for excessive admiration and attention from others.
Interpersonal exploitation: Exploitative behavior in relationships, taking advantage of others to achieve their own ends.
Absence of empathy: A lack of empathy, being unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others.
Lack of accountability: Frequent envy of others or believing that others are envious of them.
Means of arrogance: Exhibiting arrogant and haughty behaviors or attitudes.
Envy: Often feeling envious of others or believing that others are envious of them.

29/04/2026

Read this if your mental health is affecting your relationships

READ THIS IF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH IS AFFECTING YOUR RELATIONSHIPS 💔 Mental health doesn’t just live in your head… It shows up in your relationships. In the way you go quiet In the way you overthink a simple message In the way you snap… then feel guilty after In the way you push people away, e...

06/04/2026

Mental Health posted images on LinkedIn