Tara Hurster, is the CEO of The TARA Clinic and a psychologist who started working within the area of addiction in 2010. The TARA clinic, short for Therapeutic Addiction Recovery Assistance, recently started offering online programs to overcome and recover from addiction.
Tara spoke with Australian Health Journal about the early warning signs of anxiety and stress in health staff and executives, including irritability, changes in sleep patterns and diet leading to more serious mental health decline. These behaviours and symptoms increase the risk of substance abuse that could take the form of excessive smoking, drinking alcohol and drug use, porn, sex and gambling.
As Australian health care workers continue to manage COVID in the community, in wards and in management and policy discussions, the end of 2022 is a good time to consider some of the self help techniques and when to consider professional help.
This interview does not replace the need to consult your own trusted GP, psychologist or other suitably qualified medical professional.
You Might also like
-
A clinical research career working Sponsor-side, CRO-side to Site-side
In July 2025, Paratus Clinical, a Australian provider of dedicated clinical trial services, announced the appointment of Megan Morrison as its new Chief Executive Officer, at the same time as a significant milestone as the company celebrating over a decade of impact in the clinical research space. Paratus now operates a network of five purpose-built, research-only clinics along Australia’s eastern seaboard.
-
Addressing Wound Management
The cost of chronic wounds in Australia is estimated to be $3 Billion per year, impacting 420,000 Australians. Not only is this a national economic concern, but more importantly, is the suffering the person may be going through.
Australian Health Journal met with Hayley Ryan, Board Director and Chair at Wounds Australia and Director at WoundRescue to hear her work in chronic wound management, palliative wounds and pressure injury prevention to comfort those living with a wound.
-
Clinical entrepreneur addresses needle-phobia
Australian entrepreneur, Lauren Barber, turned her nursing background into the role of an inventor and launched a medical device into the Australian healthcare industry.
No journey is linear for an entrepreneur, but Lauren has travelled considerable distance from a nursing student to a successful entrepreneur illustration her determination and passion to help those with needle phobias. Lauren’s work with NeedleCalm is making a positive impact in the healthcare industry and improving the experiences of patients and clinicians alike.