Crohns and Colitis Awareness Month

#IBDHasNoAge 


In Australia 1 in 250 people are affected by Crohn’s and Colitis. Today we shed some light on Inflammatory Bowel Disease, which affects both young and old. We advocate for those who are struggling or may have just been diagnosed, to raise awareness and #FlushtheStigma surrounding this difficult condition. 

The more awareness we raise about this condition, the more we assist people in seeking help and advocating for better health care and intervention in a disease that can make a person feel uncomfortable or ashamed to talk about. It is reported by many that their journey to diagnosis has been strenuous and difficult, often dismissed and exacerbated by incorrect treatment for other common gut problems. 


Crohn’s Disease can occur anywhere in the digestive system from the mouth to the Anus. And symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. And can be serious to mild. Colitis – or more often known as Ulcerative Colitis is a form of IBD that affects the large intestine and the colon. It is caused by inflammation in the gut that results in redness, swelling and pain. Ulcers may form on the surface of the intestines, leading to bleeding and increased production of mucous. Symptoms usually come in flares (times where the symptoms are more prominent than other periods and can lead to some confusion, especially when you are first seeking help and diagnosis).


Common Symptoms: 

  • Abdominal Pain 
  • Frequent Diarrhoea (sometimes with bloody stools) and an urgent need to use the bathroom. 
  • Tiredness and Fatigue 
  • Loss of Appetite and Weight 
  • Persistent Anaemia 

 

Diagnosis of IBD can often be difficult, with physicians often treating symptoms as bacterial infections or the more common Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). It can take time to receive an accurate diagnosis, and this is where advocating for your body is important. Multiple tests are often required, as IBD has been seen as an illness that begins as a teen or young adult, but it is becoming more apparent that people of all ages can develop IBD, and it is not limited to starting in young age. 


 Dietary Tips to aid Gut health for those with IBD: 
Always consult with your doctor and dietitian. As symptoms vary and malnutrition is common, it is vital that a dietitian has input and can work on a plan of what your body can and cannot tolerate and when to intervene with supplements. 


Trigger Foods: 

  • Foods high in Insoluble Fibre 
  • High Lactose Foods 
  • High Fat Foods/ processed Foods 
  • Caffeine 
  • Alcohol 

 

Foods to increase your Diet: 

  •  Fruits (Bananas, raspberries, Apple Sauce) 
  • Vegetables: Squash, Carrots, Green Beans 
  • Foods Rich in Omega 3 Fatty Acid 

 

Do: 

  • Increase Protein 
  • Increase Fluids 
  • Nutrient Dense meals and Snacks 
  • Consult with your Doctor and Dietitian 

 

For additional help and resources with diet, visit Dietitians Crohn’s Colitis Australian Network


‘’I went from being a normal healthy person, to noticing some problems around my gums and teeth. Within 7 months I had dropped 40 kilograms. It baffled doctors and I struggled to advocate for myself, within the realms of health services, from running the usual gamut of tests and ruling out cancers, to having internal bleeding because I kept being susceptible to Pylori and infectious gut diseases. Months of antibiotics and scopes, I was passed from doctor to doctor. I didn’t know about IBD or how it affected the system. It was a fight to advocate that this was not some stress related side effect, as I collapsed over and over. It took a year for me to find the correct Gastroenterologist who listened to me and has empowered me to learn about my illness and to inform the healthcare sector, that even at my age, it was possible for IBD to present itself. It’s been a long journey that has involved both medical assistances, but also an awareness of how I need to treat and listen to my body – after all it is my body, and I wish I had fought harder and listened to my literal ‘gut instinct!” 

- Anon, (38 years old) 


 For support, information and resources on living with IBD and for those advocating for better health care and treatment for those with suspected IBD, visit: 

Crohn’s and Colitis Australia 

Australian Crohn’s and Colitis Association 


Crohn’s and Colitis Helpline: 1800 138 029 

Each year, an estimated 720,000 people die by suicide worldwide. The impact is devastating — ripplin

Changing the Narrative on Suicide

September 8, 2025
World Suicide Prevention Day 2025: Changing the Narrative on Suicide Why World Suicide Prevention Day Matters Each year, an estimated 720,000 people die by suicide worldwide . The impact is devastating — rippling through families, friendships, workplaces, and entire communities. Behind every statistic is a story, a life, and loved ones left behind. This reality reminds us why World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) matters. On 10 September 2025 , people and organisations across the globe will come together to mark WSPD under the theme: “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.” This year, the campaign is placing particular emphasis on accessibility, with resources translated into more languages so the message of hope can reach more people, in more places. As Professor Jo Robinson, President of the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), shares: “Suicide prevention is a shared commitment that unites us across borders, cultures, and communities. As we continue our journey to change the narrative on suicide, let us ensure our message of hope and understanding reaches everyone — in every corner of the world.” What Does “Changing the Narrative” Mean? For too long, conversations about suicide have been surrounded by silence, stigma, and misunderstanding. Changing the narrative means shifting towards openness, empathy, and support. It’s about making suicide prevention everybody’s business — not just the responsibility of mental health professionals. The movement calls us to action in several key ways: Raising awareness and understanding through open, compassionate conversations. Advocating for the decriminalisation of suicide and the development of national suicide prevention strategies. Taking action by checking in with loved ones, sharing stories, and participating in training. Ensuring that people in crisis areas have access to mental health care and protective support. Ways You Can Get Involved in World Suicide Prevention Day 1. Start a Conversation and Raise Awareness Online A simple post using #WSPD can help challenge stigma and spread hope. Free resources, posters, and videos are available through organisations such as Suicide Prevention Australia, Lifeline, and the International Association for Suicide Prevention. 2. Raise Awareness at Work Workplaces play a powerful role in shaping culture and supporting staff. Host an event, share resources with your team, or consider creating a wellbeing initiative that prioritises mental health in your workplace. 3. Reach Out to Someone If you notice a friend, colleague, or family member struggling, reaching out can make all the difference. Asking “How are you really going?” might be exactly what they need to hear. 4. Listen Well When someone shares their worries, listen without judgment. Don’t minimise their feelings or rush to provide answers. Sometimes, being heard is the most powerful form of support. 5. Rethink Attitudes Toward Mental Health Reject harmful ideas like “just get over it” or “toughen up.” Encouraging openness shows people it’s safe to talk about their struggles and seek help when they need it. 6. Encourage People to Seek Support Whether it’s through a GP, a counsellor, or a helpline, professional help can make a huge difference. Remind those around you that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. 

The Youth Is Needed

August 6, 2025
International Youth Day – Celebrating the Future of Healthcare Each year on International Youth Day, we honour the creativity, resilience, and potential of young people around the globe. At Health Staff Australia, we believe it’s also a powerful opportunity to highlight how youth play an essential role in shaping the future of healthcare in our country — from aged care to frontline nursing and allied health services. Young healthcare professionals are not just the future — they’re already making a difference today. Whether it’s through their work as Registered Nurses (RNs), Assistant in Nursing (AINs), Support Workers, Doctors, Occupational Therapists (OTs), or in countless other roles, young people are stepping up with compassion, innovation, and a drive to care. Youth in Aged Care and Nursing: The Impact is Real Australia’s healthcare landscape is changing rapidly, particularly as our population ages. This makes sectors like aged care and disability support more vital than ever. Youth who choose careers in these fields bring fresh energy, empathy, and a willingness to learn — helping to enhance the quality of care for some of our most vulnerable citizens. The nursing profession is the largest single health profession in Australia, and as the Australian Parliament notes, “workforce planning is critical to ensure alignment of nursing supply with demand required by the health system, to create a sustainable nursing workforce for Australia” ( source ). That means we need more young people to consider healthcare as a career path — and not just any role, but those in high-demand sectors like residential aged care, community health, mental health support, and disability services. 

Signs You’re Meant to Be a Support Worker

July 2, 2025
You Were Made for This: The Qualities That Make a Great Support Worker – and How to Grow Them Support work is not just a job. It’s a quiet kind of strength, a steady hand, and a heart that chooses care—again and again. At Health Staff Australia, we’ve seen firsthand the impact a truly compassionate support worker can make. But what is it that makes someone right for this role? And how can you grow into the kind of carer you aspire to be? Whether you’re new to the field or have been walking alongside others for years, this is for you.