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Learn how to feel more like yourself in social situations.
For many of us, navigating social settings may bring up stress, worry or discomfort.
In this special podcast episode, psychologist Maria Ruberto joins Medibank’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Chris Robinson to explore social anxiety including what it is, how it shows up and small ways we can start to feel more confident, connected and in control.
You’ll hear them discuss:
- What safety behaviours are (and why we rely on them)
- Why self-compassion is key to mental fitness and emotional recovery
- How to gently shift your mindset using small steps that build confidence over time.
Whether you’re supporting someone else or working on your own mental fitness, this episode offers practical, real-world insights to help build your social confidence.
Listen here.
Meet our podcast hosts.
Maria Ruberto
Maria Ruberto is a psychologist and certified neuropsychotherapist who specialises in mental fitness and resilience. With over 30 years’ experience across clinical settings, education and research, Maria helps individuals and teams develop emotional stability, adaptability and optimism, especially in the face of challenge.
Dr Chris Robinson
As Medibank’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Chris Robinson brings a compassionate, big-picture perspective to health conversations. With a background in public health, population health and health service design, Chris helps Australians make sense of their health and wellbeing.
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How to make friends as an adult
Learn how to make new friends and maintain strong relationships through key life changes.
Why connection matters
Find out why connecting with loved ones matters, and the signs you need to reach out.
Medibank acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of this nation. We proudly recognise Elders past, present and emerging as the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we work and live.
We’re committed to supporting Indigenous self-determination and envision a future where all Australians embrace Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and rights as a central part of our national identity. Find out more.
Things you should know
While we hope you find this information helpful, please note that it is general in nature. It is not health advice, and is not tailored to meet your individual health needs. You should always consult a trusted health professional before making decisions about your health care. While we have prepared the information carefully, we can’t guarantee that it is accurate, complete or up-to-date. And while we may mention goods or services provided by others, we aren’t specifically endorsing them and can’t accept responsibility for them. For these reasons we are unable to accept responsibility for any loss that may be sustained from acting on this information (subject to applicable consumer guarantees).
This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you’re experiencing ongoing distress or mental health concerns, please speak to a health professional.
* Must be 16 years or over to register for Medibank Live Better rewards. Some program partners and earning activities require a person to be at least 18 years of age to be eligible to earn and/or redeem a reward. Must be a Medibank member with hospital cover, extras cover, or hospital and extras cover, be up-to-date with premium payments and have signed up to Medibank Live Better rewards in the My Medibank app to earn Live Better points for eligible purchases and redeem rewards. Excludes Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), Ambulance only cover, ahm covers and other selected covers. Live Better Management Pty Ltd, ACN 003 457 289 has entered into commercial arrangements with Medibank Live Better program partners and may receive commissions. Please choose carefully as rewards will not be amended, cancelled, exchanged or refunded due to change of mind. Additional terms and conditions may apply to points earning activities and rewards. Points earning activities and rewards are subject to change and may be subject to availability. Wherever possible, we will give you notice of these changes.. See full Medibank Live Better rewards terms at medibank.com.au/livebetter/rewards/terms.
Live Better rewards members could earn up to 40,000 Live Better points each calendar year for successfully completing select Live Better rewards points-earning activities. These activities include, but are not limited to, health and wellbeing challenges, the Weekly Goal, onboarding actions, partner activity earn and the daily auto-tracking bonus. This does not include points earned by shopping with Live Better rewards partners or visiting Members' Choice Advantage providers. 40,000 Live Better points could be redeemed for up to $400 worth of rewards from the Live Better rewards store.
Medibank Live Better Challenges & Goals Earning Policy: The participant of a Medibank Live Better Challenge or Goal may not receive Live Better points or may have their already credited Live Better points reversed in accordance with the Medibank Live Better terms and conditions. To earn Live Better points, the participant needs to properly complete 100% of the eligible Challenge according to the instructions. The number of Live Better points available for Medibank Live Better Challenges and Goals is subject to change without prior notice. The maximum number of Live Better points that each Medibank Live Better member can earn from successfully completing health and wellbeing Challenges, Goals or any Onboarding action in a calendar year is 40,000 Live Better points. To the extent of any inconsistency between this Policy and the Medibank Live Better terms and conditions, the terms and conditions will take precedence.