ANNABELLE PSYCHOLOGY
周泳伶临床心理诊所
clinical psychologists
Quick, evidence-based tools to calm your body and mind
When stress feels like too much, your body stays on high alert. These seven simple, evidence-based relaxation strategies can help you reset and feel steadier.
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Understanding self-harm: Why it happens, why it’s hard to stop, how to support someone or yourself
Self-harm is often a way of coping with overwhelming emotions, numbness, or distress, rather than an intent to die. With understanding and the right support, it is possible to break the cycle and build safer ways to cope.
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A kinder, more human approach to planning your day.
When time feels tight, we often blame ourselves. This guide offers a kinder approach to time management: values-first planning, small steps, and supportive structure.
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Understanding what’s underneath, and how to calm your body and responses.
Anger can feel like it is always there, but it often carries a message about hurt, stress, or boundaries. Learn how anger impacts your wellbeing, why “venting” may backfire, and simple, body-based ways to soothe yourself when anger rises.
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A simple, step-by-step breathing exercise to ease stress, calm your body, and support steadier breathing in daily life.
When we feel stressed or overwhelmed, our breathing often becomes quick and shallow, which can leave the body feeling even more tense. Abdominal (belly) breathing is a simple technique that helps slow the breath, steady the nervous system, and bring you back into a calmer state. In this guide, you’ll learn an easy step-by-step method you can practise sitting or lying down, even if it feels unfamiliar at first.
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Distressing headlines can hijack your nervous system, here’s how to settle it.
Traumatic news can leave you feeling anxious, numb, or on edge, even when it happens far away. If your mind keeps replaying what you saw or read, you are not overreacting. Here are gentle ways to ground yourself, limit overwhelm, and feel steadier again.
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Erectile dysfunction is more common than you think, and it’s treatable.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is more common than many realise, especially with age. Far from being a sign of weakness, ED often involves a mix of physical and psychological factors. This article unpacks the causes, emotional impact, and what you can do to seek support, improve wellbeing, and restore intimacy.
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When we talk about men’s mental health, the focus is often on visible stressors like work stress, family responsibilities, financial stress, or major life transitions.
Many men feel emotionally “off” without knowing why. From low energy to irritability, these changes are often signs of shifting hormones. This article explores how testosterone and other hormones affect men’s mental health across life stages—and how understanding your body can support your emotional wellbeing.
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Feeling like you're never doing enough at work? You're not alone.
When the pressure to perform perfectly becomes constant, it can lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout. This article explores five practical strategies to help you manage high personal expectations at work — from shifting your mindset to setting realistic goals and letting go of unhelpful comparisons. Learn how to stay productive without compromising your wellbeing.
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You may have heard worrying things about Kpods, so why would someone take such a risk?
If you are a parent concerned about your child, see our article: Kpods and Teens: A Practical Guide for Parents.
Kpods are vape pods laced with ketamine, a dissociative drug sometimes used in hospitals as an anaesthetic. More recently, another drug, Etomidate, has also been found in some of these laced vapes. Etomidate is a powerful anaesthetic meant for use in hospitals under strict medical supervision.
When used outside of medical supervision, the effects can be unpredictable and serious. Side effects include:
Ψ Shaking or tremors
Ψ Slurred speech and confusion
Ψ Loss of balance and difficulty walking
Ψ Memory blackouts or detachment from reality
Ψ Damage to adrenal glands, intestines, and brain
Ψ Mental health risks: depression, anxiety, panic attacks, sleep disturbances, and psychosis
Even one-time use can be dangerous, and repeated use increases the risk of long-term physical and psychological harm.
People rarely use Kpods just to “get high.” Often, substance use is a response to emotional pain or unmet needs. There’s usually more going on beneath the surface. Understanding these reasons does not mean we approve of the behaviour. Rather, it helps us respond in ways that are more supportive and effective.
Ψ Escape pain or stress: Ketamine’s dissociative effect can feel like an escape from reality, while Etomidate’s sedative properties can temporarily numb emotional distress.
Ψ Fit in with peers: Peer influence and the need to “fit in” can play a big role in experimentation, especially if the risks are downplayed.
Ψ Curiosity: Stories or conversations about Kpods, especially those that do not mention the risks, can spark a desire to try them “just once.”
Ψ Chase a stronger experience: Regular vape users may be drawn to the idea of “stronger hits,” unaware of the potent and dangerous drugs inside.
Your response matters. Fear or frustration is natural, but support fails if it is clouded with shame and criticism. Focus on leading the conversation with empathy and curiosity.
What to avoid:
Ψ “Just stop it.”
Ψ “You’re destroying your life.”
Ψ “I’ll report you if you don’t quit.”
What to try instead:
Ψ “I’ve noticed you haven’t been yourself lately. What’s been going on?”
Ψ “Let’s talk about what you’ve been going through. Life must have been hard for you.”
Ψ “I’m here to listen, and understand, not to judge. What’s making it hard to stop using?”
Ψ “Can we try to explore other ways to help you feel better?”
Ψ “We can get through this together.”
Recovery is not a straight line. It is a journey with setbacks, detours, and gradual change. But with the right support, individuals can learn to manage better and overcome addiction.
If someone is open to it, encourage them to speak with a psychologist or addiction counsellor. Offer to accompany them if you are comfortable.
Therapy can help with:
Ψ Identifying emotional triggers
Ψ Learning healthy ways to cope
Ψ Rebuilding a sense of self-worth
Ψ Setting goals and creating structure
Ψ Reducing harm while working towards change
Where to get help:
Ψ NAMS Helpline: 6732 6837
Ψ National Mindline: 1771 (for personal support and guidance)
Ψ Any emergency: call 995 or head to the nearest A&E department (especially if person is unconscious, hallucinating, in immediate danger)
A Final Thought
If you or someone you care about is caught up in Kpod use, it can feel frightening and overwhelming. But change rare begins with shame or punishment. It begins with understanding, support, and the courage to ask for help.
Substance use does not define a person’s character or worth. It is often a sign that something deeper needs attention.
With the right support, people can recover, rebuild their confidence, and find healthier ways to cope. Remember that you do not have to navigate this situation alone, there are trained professionals who are ready to support you.