Have you ever noticed that your brain remembers incomplete tasks far more vividly than the ones you’ve already finished?
This concept, known as the Zeigarnik Effect, originated in the 1920s. Psychologist Bluma Zeigarnik observed that restaurant waiters could remember complex, unpaid orders perfectly, yet completely forgot the details as soon as the bill was settled.
Why does our brain keep unfinished tasks running in the background?
Our survival instinct often views “incompleteness” as a potential risk. Whether it is a past hurt, an interrupted conversation, or a fractured relationship, the brain continues to process these “Open Loops” to resolve psychological tension and find balance.
However, keeping these loops open places a heavy burden on our working memory, leading to Mental Drain and increased stress. This lingering tension only dissipates once a task or emotion reaches a sense of closure. Over time, these unresolved feelings can impact not only our well-being but our relationships as well.
Self-Care Mini Crossword
Self-care doesn’t always have to be a big project, sometimes it’s just the small things we do daily. Try our mini-crossword below, it features six simple ways to look after your mental well-being this week. Can you find them all?
Celebrating Professional Growth: AIPC Graduates
We are proud to announce that our counsellors, Ko Tin Ko Latt and Ma May Phyo Thu, have recently completed their Diploma of Counselling from the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (AIPC).
At Counselling Corner, we believe that continuous professional development is essential to providing the highest quality of care. By staying aligned with international standards and the latest therapeutic practices, our team remains dedicated to supporting our community with expertise and compassion.
Please join us in celebrating their hard work and this significant professional milestone!
Drawing Stories, Drawing Feelings: Exploring Mental Health Through Comics
Expressing how we feel doesn’t always require the perfect words; sometimes, a simple drawing can say much more. In this upcoming webinar hosted by Counselling Corner, we explore how visual narratives can help us discover and express our inner emotions in a creative, approachable way.
We are delighted to be joined by two esteemed international experts:
- Veronica Moretti: Associate Professor at the University of Bologna, Italy, and Vice President of Graphic Medicine Italia. She specialises in the powerful connection between healthcare and visual storytelling.
- Baptiste Brossard: A sociologist from the University of York specialising in mental health. His award-winning work explores complex phenomena such as trauma and self-harm through a sociological lens, most recently in his 2026 book, Trauma in Social Life.
Join us as we bridge the worlds of sociology, healthcare, and art to find new ways of understanding our mental well-being.
Webinar Details:
Date: 21 May 2026
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Zoom (Online)
Fee: Free (Please note: To ensure attendance, we require a 5,000 MMK commitment fee for registration.)
Loving someone with addiction: Support for Families
When we focus all our energy on trying to “save” someone struggling with addiction, it is easy to forget our own exhaustion and pain. Addiction never affects just one person, its impact ripples through the entire family and touches everyone who cares. While your loved one struggles, please remember that you need support too. You don’t have to navigate this uncertainty alone.
In this webinar, we will explore:
- Understanding Addiction: Gaining clarity on what your loved one is going through.
- Validating Your Emotions: Learning to acknowledge your own feelings and needs.
- Self-Protection & Boundaries: Practical ways to protect your well-being while offering support.
Join us for a supportive session dedicated to the families who stand by those in recovery.
Date: 28 May
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Cost: Free (Registration Required)
Facilatator: Ma Eaint Wai Wai Tun
Mental health and psychosocial support
Seit Mate Swe hosts a weekly workshop every Saturday designed to provide a safe, supportive space for anyone looking to manage intense emotions and mental fatigue.
This workshop is ideal for those who struggle with daily stress and emotional exhaustion and wish to find healthy ways to manage intense feelings.
We are now opening registrations for our next 8-week online group, providing a safe and non-judgmental space to work through the challenges of addiction. This program is designed to help you understand the root causes of addictive behaviours and build practical, sustainable ways to move forward.
As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month this May, we want to remind you of the impact your voice can have. Every story shared within a community turns silence into connection, and connection into healing.
By sharing your journey with those around you, you help strengthen your community and create opportunities for empathy, understanding, and meaningful change. May this month bring you peace, resilience, and the courage to speak your truth.
Wishing you a month of healing and hope!