Dr Michela Sorensen

Health and illness sit at opposite ends of the spectrum, right? So why is it when people talk about mental health they think it only applies to those who are suffering mental illness? The simple fact is, just like everyone has physical health, everyone has mental health that needs looking after. People go for a run and eat salad because they know it is good for their heart, but people don’t often think about what they need to be doing to look after their mind. Dr Michela covers everything people should be doing to support their mental wellbeing, the warning signs that their mental health might not be as healthy as they thought and how to turn it around.

Growing up in rural and regional Australia, Dr Michela knows first hand the everyday challenges rural Australian’s face when it comes to their health. From the practical barriers like the sheer lack of access to basic health care services, to the ingrained “she’ll be right” culture, Dr Michela covers the health inequities people living in rural areas face, how this can be changed and what these communities can do to support one another and improve their physical and mental health.

Adolescence – a word that sends shivers down anyone’s spine. From pimples to periods, breasts to bullying - who would have thought a “natural stage” would be so difficult? Dr Michela breaks down the enigma that is puberty and adolescence for both parents and teenagers alike. In her approachable “real world” way she covers what’s normal, what’s not and what to do about it. She empowers adolescents by not only supporting them in understanding and managing their physical changes but also supporting them to build resilience and enhance their mental wellbeing.

From breasts to burnout, pregnancy to pimples, Dr Michela knows women’s health issues inside out. She breaks down these issues in simple, digestible terms and helps women understand their body and mind. She teaches them to recognise what’s normal, when to worry and where to go for support. She provides practical, everyday tips to support women in managing their physical and mental wellbeing and, in turn, empowering them support the community around them.