a very special issue of frankie, and it’s all about helping you feel tip-top. expect real talk about mental health (including plenty of personal stories), plus brain-soothing activities and a bunch of handy resources. there are honest chats with therapists and we explore the science of laughter, share uplifting craft projects and ways to help a friend in need. in true frankie style, the pages are lovely to look at, too. for your most ‘meh’ days, frankie feel-good is here.
Frankie Feel Good
first thought
feel-good bits
will you be my friend? • PUI PUI TAM WONDERS WHY DATES ARE SOMETIMES LESS COMPLICATED THAN MATES.
unchained melodies • elly scrine uses music to mess with our minds (in a very good way).
beauty in the humdrum • felicia chiao’s artistic world is both peaceful and a little melancholy.
the science of laughter • sophie kalagas investigates what giggling means, biologically speaking.
therapy 101 • nasalifya namwinga is a clinical psychologist and founder of pola psychology. here, she talks us through the basics of therapy and how to check in on your mental health (and your mates’, too).
making space • ALLIRA POTTER IS ON A MISSION TO DECOLONISE THE WORLD OF ‘WELLNESS’.
me and my anxiety • ROWENA GRANT-FROST TRIES HARD TO KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON.
fragile thoughts • marie-claude marquis likes to make stuff and feel things.
mind games • FOR RHIANA JAY, HAVING OCD IS LIKE BEING AT ODDS WITH HER OWN BRAIN.
sugar and spice • WARM YOUR BELLY AND YOUR HEART WITH THIS CLASSIC GINGER FLUFF CAKE FROM THE COUNTRY WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION OF VICTORIA.
and now for some BRAIN-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES
sports for the non-sporty • PHYSICAL ACTIVITY CAN FLOOD YOU WITH HAPPY-MAKING HORMONES, BUT DON’T BE PUT OFF IF YOU’RE NOT AN ‘ATHLETIC’ TYPE – THESE PASTIMES DON’T REQUIRE SNEAKERS OR BALL-HANDLING SKILLS.
the friendship bench • in zimbabwe, a special program encourages therapy with local grandmas.
your very own yay • MAKE YOURSELF A SET OF CHEERFUL AND SUPPORTIVE PILLOWS THAT WILL ACT AS A VISUAL HIGH-FIVE EVERY TIME YOU’RE NEAR.
let’s get physical • science proves your feelings aren’t all in your head – they’re in your body, too.
how i found my people • community can be discovered in unexpected places. for these three, they include online chat groups, drag competitions and (literally) their own backyard.
ah-choo-choose you • BENJAMIN LAW GETS UP CLOSE AND SNOTTY WITH SEVERAL PACKS OF TISSUES.
mmm, feelings, yum • ELEANOR ROBERTSON EXPLORES EMOTIONAL EATING WITH A SIDE OF MASHED POTATOES.
on the job • ROISIN TRAINOR IS A MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID INSTRUCTOR.
a pocketful of bliss • MARIEKE HARDY LEARNS HOW TO HOLD ON TO HAPPY.
something to say • get your ears around a brand-new frankie podcast featuring rants, musings and a whole lot of opinions from some of our favourite writers.
help! • SINÉAD STUBBINS KNOWS THERE’S A BETTER VERSION OF HERSELF LYING JUST OUTSIDE HER GRASP. SHE JUST HAS TO SCREENSHOT THE RIGHT INSTAGRAM QUOTE.
frankie fellows
trouble in mind • JAMES SHACKELL LOOKS BACK ON SOME LESS-THAN-LOGICAL TREATMENTS FOR MENTAL ILL-HEALTH.
what i’ve learnt from my mental health condition
language warning • CHANNEL YOUR ANGST INTO SOME SWEARY BITS AND BOBS.
settle, petal • melbourne artist kalindy williams finds joy in a big bunch of blooms.
Last drinks • A FEW STIFF TRUTHS FROM A FORMER ALCOHOLIC.
feelings, illustrated • five artists show us what it feels like inside their brain during a tough period in their mental health.
i love my shop • ANNABELLA DICKSON RUNS MIXTAPE STUDIO, A TOTALLY RAD FITNESS STUDIO IN...