Women’s Health Seminar: Key Moments & Takeaways

This Wednesday (29/10), we had the pleasure to welcome some experts, students and professionals for an evening of open discussion and reflection on our Women’s Health Seminar. From self-care and balance to empowerment and mental health, the session delivered valuable insights and authentic stories. We hope this inspires you to take care of yourselves and maintain a balance between your work, study and well-being.

The panelists

A/Prof. Wendy Ingman

Research scientist in breast cancer, breastfeeding, and breast development.

Founder and leader of InforMD, a national alliance of breast cancer researchers.

Passionate about the importance of community education and advocate for women to be well-informed about how to take control of their own breast health.

Joanna McNamara

Over 20 years of experience as a counsellor in both government and non-government settings, such as Women’s Health and Sexual Health.

Expertise in working with diverse young people on trauma and sexual violence, sexuality and gender identity, relationships, and grief and loss. 

Georgina Mollison

Advocate for mental health awareness and the importance of getting out in a natural environment as a form of therapy.

Beyond Blue Volunteer Speaker, raising awareness for anxiety and depression.

Ambassador for Coastrek, an event promoting walking in natural environments to raise funds for Beyond Blue.

• Common blind spots on how women approach their health

  Grant:

  Today, I hope we can tackle some questions that are on everyone’s mind about physical and mental health. I also encourage everyone to participate. Even though I’ll ask the panel questions, please raise your hand if you have one. We’ll have time for questions and answers at the end. Since we’re an intimate audience, let’s make it a discussion.

  I’ll start with a question for all three of you, about both physical and mental health. What are the most common blind spots you’ve seen in how young women approach their health? Who’d like to start?

  Wendy:

  I mentor a number of amazing young women - smart, driven, and with very high expectations for themselves. They juggle so many things at once. I tell them, “You’re wonderful for all that you’re doing.” It’s inspiring to work with them.

  But sometimes they do all this at the expense of their own wellbeing. It becomes like a house of cards - everyone relies on them, and they rely on themselves. If one thing goes wrong - maybe they get sick - they push through instead of resting. That minor cough turns into something much worse because they ignored it. I’ve seen young women end up missing a month or more of school because they couldn’t recover from something that started small.

  All because they didn’t take care of themselves early. I’ve done that too, so I know how it feels. It comes back to self-care. It’s not easy when you have high ambitions, but neglecting self-care can really take over.

  Georgina:

  I’d say balance. That’s something I still struggle with every single day - balancing mental health, physical health, and the needs of others. Especially for women, we’re almost taught not to have balance.

  I see it constantly in my work - I’m a Pilates instructor and personal trainer. Messages about physical health are often directed at women: “Go hard, lose weight, be fit.” It’s all very performance-driven, and that mindset is reinforced by social media. We’re not given the space to explore what true physical and mental health mean. We’re pushed to meet expectations of others.

  For years, I felt that pressure - be thin, be strong, be everything, but you only have one hour a week to do it all. You’re told, “Don’t get depressed, don’t be anxious,” but you’re only given a tiny window to take care of yourself. I still haven’t mastered it, but I’m getting better at redefining what health means - understanding that physical and mental health are deeply connected.

  Joanne:

  That’s right. These two things are exactly what I was thinking of raising, so I’ll just add to them.

  These themes come up often - especially with young women. Many feel it’s selfish to say no to helping others or to give up a volunteering role. They’re high achievers doing amazing things, but when life happens - illness, loss, or having a baby - they can’t keep doing everything.

  Learning to prioritize yourself, say no, and let go of some things is like building a muscle. Life always brings crises, so we have to practice tolerating those feelings. We also need to challenge the idea that being a “good woman” means looking after everyone else.

  I’m going through menopause now, and I’ve lost a lot of estrogen - that drive to care for everyone has faded a little. And honestly, it’s not a bad thing. It’s helped me focus on myself more and care less about what others think. That’s an important part of growing - learning not to carry that constant worry.

• Self-care strategies for both physical and mental health

  Grant:

  You’ve all touched on self-care. Let’s focus on that - how women can care for themselves and each other, and how men in their lives can better support them. What are some self-care strategies in your areas of expertise, for both physical and mental health?

  Georgina:

  Remember to frequently check your body. And it doesn’t have to be large amounts of time. Even five minutes for a mind-and-body check-in helps. There are lots of grounding techniques, and while some sound cliché, they really work.

  My husband’s lovely - he’ll say, “Take a whole afternoon.” But I don’t need that. I’d rather have a few small breaks - fifteen minutes here and there - to reset and check in. Big gestures like a day out aren’t always necessary. It’s the little pauses - standing outside, listening to the trees - that help regulate my mind and emotions.

  If I don’t take those moments, my emotions build up until they’re overwhelming and confusing. Having those small breaks keeps me grounded.

  It’s not about grand gestures. For me, small moments make the biggest difference to my mental health and give me breathing space. Otherwise, I miss what my body and brain are trying to tell me. I’ve lived with depression and anxiety most of my life, and those check-ins help me prevent things from spiralling.

  Wendy:

  I was thinking along two lines when answering this - physical and mental health. Supporting each other is about showing up, noticing how people are, and being consistent. It’s not about solving problems but being someone others can rely on - someone who listens without judgment or expectation.

  Those are the people I value most.

  As for physical health, I’m a breast cancer researcher, so I think a lot about breast health. There are some class="sqsrte-large" myths:

  • It doesn’t only affect older women - 30% of breast cancers occur in women under 50.

  • Family history isn’t always a factor - 8 out of 9 women diagnosed don’t have one.

  • And men can get breast cancer too.

  Breast awareness is key - knowing the normal look and feel of your breasts. Everybody is different. Look, feel, and check regularly for any changes. If something seems off, see your GP.

  Sometimes GPs dismiss younger women’s concerns, especially older doctors trained when breast cancer was considered an older woman’s disease. But incidences have increased across all ages. So if you’re dismissed, don’t be discouraged - seek another opinion. Advocate for yourself.

  It might turn out to be nothing, but it’s important to take every concern seriously.

  Joanne:

  I’ve been thinking about that because it often comes up in counselling. Many young women experience severe period pain that’s been dismissed or minimized, and they come to believe nothing can be done about it. I always encourage them to seek a second opinion.

  Sometimes it’s about finding ways to overcome barriers to care. Even something as simple as making the appointment can feel difficult for young people now. Having a short dot-point list before you call - what you want to say, what you need help with - makes it easier. You don’t have to tell your whole life story; just note the three things you want to discuss with your GP and focus on those.

  Speaking up and being assertive is an important part of wellbeing. It’s a skill you can learn. You don’t need to wait for a major problem before asking for help. You can come in simply to talk about how to become more assertive in different parts of your life. That comes up quite often.

• Rise of genetic testing without professional guidance

  Grant:

  I have a question about what you just mentioned. From my perspective, I’ve had the same doctor for about a decade. Finding a doctor you’re comfortable with is so important because they get to know you. There are times when I’ve felt anxious, and my GP has been able to help calm things down because they understand me.

  I think many people don’t build that kind of relationship with their GP, and it makes a big difference. When you connect with your doctor, they know your history, your habits, and your needs. It becomes a holistic relationship that supports your overall wellbeing.

  Now, I want to ask about something else. These days, anyone can get their DNA tested online. You can send a sample off and receive a report without ever seeing a genetic counsellor. Many young people are doing this to learn more about their health, which then sends them to their GP with questions.

  We hear about genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 - which are linked to breast cancer - and people often refer to Angelina Jolie’s story. What are your thoughts on the rise of genetic testing that happens without professional guidance?

  Wendy:

  I’m not a fan. These tests open a can of worms without proper counselling or understanding. There are valid tests for BRCA mutations and other high-risk genes, but they should always be done through a genetic counsellor. It’s not just about getting the result - it’s about what that result means for you and your family.

  These are serious, personal decisions that need professional discussion. Many of the commercial companies offering genetic testing aren’t standardized or accredited. Each company does things differently, and their reports can be vague or misleading.

  You might get told you have a “6% increased risk” of something - but what does that really mean for you? Without context, it can cause unnecessary anxiety. Genetic counselling ensures you understand the implications and next steps before you even take the test.

  Georgina:

  Do people know what genetic counselling actually involves? Where would you go for it?

  Wendy:

  Within SA Health and hospitals, there are specialists in genetic counselling. It’s their job to guide you through what your results mean and what options you have.

  One thing people often worry about is how this might affect insurance. For example, if you apply for life insurance, you’re asked whether you’ve taken a genetic test. You must answer truthfully, or a future claim could be denied. Insurers can request to see your report, and in some cases, use that information to determine coverage.

  Georgina:

  There have been some changes in legislation around that, making it a bit more protective now. It’s not completely resolved, but it’s improving.

  Wendy:

  Last I heard from a genetic counsellor, it hadn’t officially passed yet, but it’s good progress. Particularly for BRCA testing - that’s becoming more standardized. It’s also being used now to guide treatment and access to specific therapies.

  Grant:

  Has anyone here had a DNA test or considered having one?

  Wendy:

  I was encouraged to but decided not to.

  Georgina:

  Not by choice, but both my children have a rare genetic mutation. We were referred to the U.S. for full family genome testing, which included a long counselling process. We were given the choice to find out everything or only what related to their condition.

  We chose to learn only what was relevant at the time. It was already overwhelming, and we didn’t think we could mentally handle more information. We can revisit the rest later if needed.

  Grant:

  Anyone else?

  Joanne:

  Not really. I’ve thought about sending a sample off to one of those services, but I’m hesitant.

  Grant:

  It’s interesting. I’ve had DNA testing myself. When I went through cancer a decade ago, I was referred to a clinic at the Children’s Hospital. They had proper genetic counsellors there to guide me through the process.

  Now, there are so many commercial options - 23andMe, Ancestry.com, and others - and they’re getting cheaper. I even saw an ad for a full head-to-toe MRI scan. It can scan your entire body, and my first thought was, “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

  These technologies are evolving fast, but we forget the psychological side - especially for people who’ve gone through something like cancer. Having access to such scans might create unnecessary anxiety, even when nothing’s actually wrong.

  Wendy:

  And MRIs can show false positives up to 75% of the time.

  Grant:

  Exactly. It’s an interesting trend, but not always helpful.

• Experience and Advice in male-dominated areas with toxic masculinity

  Grant:

  Now, last night I was preparing some questions for today, and I wanted to ask something that many women experience. Let me know if I word this wrong. In male-dominated areas where toxic masculinity can appear, have you experienced any personal pushback? What was your experience, and what advice would you give?

  Joanne:

  Yes - all the time. It’s part of having these conversations. Resistance to change always exists, especially in cultural issues.

  We saw it during the pandemic with mask-wearing - huge resistance at first, but once there was enough support, people adapted quickly. That shows behaviour change can happen fast when society is on board.

  In my work, I’ve had difficult conversations - for example, a student once told me he didn’t believe the gender pay gap was real and tried to argue it. These are tricky discussions. People can cherry-pick research and statistics, and the debate becomes circular.

  So instead of arguing, I try to meet people where they are. I focus on compassion and understanding. Resistance often comes from fear - fear of losing power, status, or identity. By approaching conversations with empathy, we can connect rather than clash.

  I’ve worked with all genders, and I’ve learned that open, compassionate dialogue is far more effective than confrontation. Change in emotive areas - like gender and reproductive health - always comes with resistance, but empathy helps move things forward.

  Georgina:

  From a mental health perspective, I’ve seen a lot of progress. Young men today are remarkably supportive of women, which is fantastic. For a long time, men were under pressure not to talk about mental health.

  When I speak in male-dominated industries, it can be hard to start those conversations. But once people open up, the response is incredible. Many are desperate for language and space to talk about mental health. The stigma still exists, but it’s slowly breaking down.

  I’ve experienced stigma in a different way. Recently, I had major surgery and now live with an ileostomy - a very stigmatized condition. Around 80% of people in my life reacted with fear or discomfort. I’ve faced stigma after stigma, but I’m not accepting any of it. I’m no different than before the surgery.

  It shows how deeply physical and cultural stigmas run. We don’t talk about these things, and that silence makes it harder. The only way forward is to talk openly - both men and women - to break those barriers.

  Wendy:

  There was a backlash when Angelina Jolie had her mastectomy. Many men questioned, “How could you do that?” It revealed an undercurrent of ownership - as if the public had a claim over her body. That kind of mindset still exists in subtle ways.

  Grant:

  You’ve both raised important points. There’s progress, but challenges remain. In the U.S., for example, we see podcasts and social media promoting toxic masculinity, reaching young men everywhere.

  How can men better hold each other accountable? Speaking out against inappropriate behaviour can feel isolating. What advice would you give?

  Joanne:

  At the university, we run something called Bystander Training. The feedback has been great. It’s designed to help people - often young men - who see inappropriate behaviour and want to know how to respond safely.

  We see more male students coming in concerned about someone in their group - someone mistreating women or acting inappropriately - and they want to take action. The program gives them skills and confidence to intervene safely.

  The Bystander Movement has a big influence on cultural change. It helps people address harmful comments, sexist jokes, and behaviour in everyday life. Even small actions - not laughing at a joke, walking away, or checking on someone at a party - matter.

  It’s about shifting culture and empowering individuals. And we’re seeing that shift happen naturally, which is encouraging. It’s about learning to critique the culture we’re part of and refusing to participate in behaviours that normalize disrespect.

• Awareness of algorithms and information flow on social media

  Grant:

  Georgina, you mentioned how quickly things are changing with access to information and social media. I’d like to hear from the audience about that. This is a well-educated group, and we all know algorithms influence what we see. How aware are you of that when using social media? Do you think about how content is being directed to you?

  Audience:

  Yes. I’ve learned to train my algorithm by being deliberate about what I like and interact with. It filters out the content I don’t want to see. It takes time, but it’s worth it. Now I regularly click “Not interested” or report content I don’t want. Even if platforms like Instagram don’t always act on it, taking those steps still helps shape what shows up in my feed.

  Wendy:

  So you’re being more active in managing what you’re exposed to.

  Audience:

  Exactly. Instead of scrolling past something and thinking, “That’s terrible,” I take action to stop seeing that kind of material. It makes a difference over time.

  Wendy:

  That’s a great point - actively shaping your online experience helps reduce exposure to harmful or toxic content.

  Grant:

  Any other thoughts?

  We’ve talked about a lot today - mental health, physical health, toxic masculinity, and more. I have many more questions, especially about the experiences of women in academia, but for now I’d like to open it up to the audience. It’s your turn to ask the panel some questions.

  Georgina:

  No question is out of bounds for me. I’m an open book. So even if it’s difficult, please feel free to ask.

• How can we support others without trying to fix their problems?

  Audience:

  Can I start with a question?

  You mentioned earlier that when supporting others, we shouldn’t try to solve their problems but be there for them instead. How exactly do we do that? Should we offer words of affirmation, empathy, or something else?

  Joanne:

  Both. For me, when I’m struggling, I’m already thinking through solutions. When someone jumps in and says, “You should do this,” it can be frustrating because I’ve already considered that, or it doesn’t fit my situation.

  What helps most is when someone says, “That sounds really hard,” or “How can I help?” It’s about understanding and empathy, not fixing.

  For example, I have a colleague going through a tough week. I sent her a simple message - “Hope you’re okay. If you need anything, I’m here.” She shared a bit about what she was dealing with, and I replied, “That sounds really tough. It won’t be like this forever.” Just showing understanding can mean a lot.

  Georgina:

  I’d like to mention a great resource. If everyone could look up Beyond Blue, it’s an incredible website full of free mental health resources. You don’t need to be in crisis to use it. There’s a 24/7 helpline with trained counsellors who can help with anything - from prevention and early intervention to advice on supporting friends or family members.

  The website has fact sheets, personal stories, and self-assessment tools for depression and anxiety. You can even calculate a mental health score to see where you’re at. It connects you to therapists and resources, and it’s completely free.

  Just visiting the site once helps - next time you type “B-Y,” it’ll pop up automatically, making it easy to access when you need it.

  There are also online options. Beyond Blue has chat groups where you can talk to a counsellor any time - 24/7. There’s something for everyone.

  Many people say, “I’m not in crisis,” as if that means they shouldn’t reach out. That’s not true. Beyond Blue supports people through prevention, early intervention, and recovery.

  It can be difficult to get appointments with GPs or mental health practitioners, so this is a great way to access help quickly. The counselling services here at the university are excellent, but if you ever find yourself thinking, “I need to talk to someone right now or I won’t do it,” Beyond Blue is perfect for that moment.

  I’ve used it myself - after my surgery, when I was struggling, it was the easiest way to speak to someone who could offer strategies, guidance, and reassurance right when I needed it.

  Joanne:

  That’s good advice. It’s helpful for students to know there’s always more support out there than they might realize. When you ask for help, people can often do more than you expect.

  Georgina:

  And even if you ask the wrong person at first, that’s okay. You can always redirect and find the right kind of help.

  Grant:

  There’s a great YouTube video called Nail in the Head. Has anyone seen it? It’s a short, funny example of the difference between trying to fix a problem and actually listening.

  There’s also an excellent animated talk by Brené Brown on empathy versus sympathy. I can email the links to everyone. They both illustrate exactly what we’re discussing - the importance of being present instead of problem-solving.

  Georgina:

  Exactly. Sometimes the best thing to say is simply, “That’s really awful,” or, “This is really hard right now.” It’s okay to acknowledge that something is bad instead of trying to make it positive immediately.

  When people are struggling, they don’t want to hear, “It’ll be fine.” They want validation that what they’re feeling makes sense. From there, you can slowly build upward.

  Joanne:

  Yes - being able to sit with someone in that moment and just say, “This is tough,” is often everything they need.

• How can I break my mood swing caused by the tension from my mental and physical health?

  Audience:

  Yes. I’m not sure if this fits what you’re addressing, but it’s personal. I often plan my days and weeks carefully - even small things like what I’ll eat or watch. When those plans don’t work out, it triggers my mood badly. Sometimes I just need to be alone because I can’t explain what I’m feeling.

  I’ve also noticed physical effects - changes in my menstrual cycle and tension in my body. It feels like a loop where my mental state affects my physical health and vice versa. How can I break out of it?

  Joanne:

  What you’re describing is very common and exactly the kind of thing people bring up in counselling. It doesn’t have to mean you’re seriously depressed - it’s part of how stress builds up.

  Mental and physical health constantly feed into each other. When we’re stressed, our bodies get run down. We sleep poorly, which makes us tired, less active, and more withdrawn. That isolation increases overthinking and worry. When we don’t move or rest properly, our immunity drops, and we start to feel physically unwell - headaches, tension, fatigue.

  The key is breaking that cycle. Start by identifying when it began and what small steps can interrupt it. Make a simple checklist - are you eating regularly, drinking enough water, moving your body, and connecting with others? Even a short walk helps flush stress hormones out of your system.

  You don’t need big changes - just small, consistent actions. Think of it as coaching yourself through it. Talk to someone - a counsellor, a friend, or even a helpline - for accountability and guidance. Education about how this cycle works can also help. It’s not just you; it happens to everyone. Understanding it makes it easier to manage.

• Experience and Advice when dealing with imposter syndrome in male-dominated fields

  Audience:

  My question is about professional development. As students preparing to enter the workforce, many of us - especially women - struggle with impostor syndrome, particularly in male-dominated fields. Have you experienced that, and how have you dealt with it?

  Wendy:

  Absolutely. Impostor syndrome is rampant, especially when we’re being challenged in unfamiliar ways. It can make you question your abilities. I’d love to hear advice on managing it too.

  Joanne:

  Brené Brown has spoken about this - impostor syndrome often appears when you’re stretching yourself. It’s a sign that you’re growing. Once you master something, that feeling fades. It’s uncomfortable, but it means you’re developing.

  Wendy:

  That’s true. We even organized training on impostor syndrome in my faculty because everyone experiences it. I think part of it comes from stereotypes - for example, the image of a scientist as an older white man in a lab coat. When you don’t fit that picture, you unconsciously start doubting yourself.

  It’s internalized over time - messages like “girls aren’t good at math” or subtle biases from teachers and peers. It seeps into your self-talk.

  Recently, the National Health and Medical Research Council published a document acknowledging the structural disadvantages faced by women scientists - from taking family leave to limited access to grants. Seeing it written down by a government body was validating.

  It shows this isn’t just in our heads. It’s systemic. And awareness is the first step to change.

  Joanne:

  Yes, and from a mental health standpoint, impostor syndrome ties closely to anxiety. Don’t let it stop you - push through it.

  Georgina:

  I agree. I’ve worked in many different roles and industries, and I’ve felt like an impostor in nearly all of them. For me, when that feeling doesn’t go away and keeps me from enjoying things, it’s a sign to check in with my mental health.

  I’ve lived with depression for most of my life. It never fully disappears, but I’ve learned to manage it. It’s important for people to know that you can live a fulfilling, successful life and still have ongoing mental health challenges.

  When impostor syndrome feels overwhelming, ask yourself: am I still enjoying the things I usually love? Do I still find them meaningful? If not, and if anxiety is increasing, that’s the time to reach out for help.

  Recognizing it early makes a big difference.

  Grant:

  Before we close, I want to add something on impostor syndrome. I work in research with many older men who sometimes comment on my longer hair, saying I should look more “proper.” I see it as a small act of protest - a way to say times are changing.

  We need to embrace that change and challenge old expectations. And sometimes, reframing anxiety as excitement can help us face those challenges with confidence.

Here's a quick look at the beautiful and unforgettable moments from the event:

Thank you Grant for facilitating and the event team for organising and setting up the event. We would also like to express out gratitude the panelists for their insights and everyone who joined us to make the event so impactful. Your participation made the seminar truly special and we look forward to having you at our future events!