Need help with Anxiety or Depression?
Anxiety
Anxiety is a word used to describe an intense state of fear. Anxiety is different from stress, often experienced more intensely with greater physical symptoms. Rapid heart rate, sweating, shortness of breath, dizziness, poor concentration and feeling ‘outside of your body’ are all symptoms that can be experienced when anxiety occurs.
Someone may experience anxious symptoms and falsely conclude that there is something wrong with them. To cope with this some use short-term, ineffective ways of treating themselves, these include; avoidance, drug use or alcohol.
Do you think you experience anxiety? What do you do when you feel that way? There may be more effective ways of assisting you soothe and find better way to feel in control. Explore your story with a professional trained to assess one of the most common reasons individuals seek therapy.
I’m always terrified that something’s going to happen. And I’m not going to be able to do this anymore and it’s all going to end in one day. Part of the fear comes from loving this so much and not wanting to lose it.” – Taylor Swift.
It is important that as a society we understand that anxiety can cause suffering and it needs to be understood further, with compassion and education. Let us learn about your symptoms, the way you have been interpreting your symptoms and look for ways to better manage how you respond to them. You are not alone and there is a way out of the maze of anxiety.
There are different ways to describe anxiety, such as:
- Generalised Anxiety
- Panic
- Social Anxiety
- Phobia
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Post traumatic Stress Disorder
Don’t let stigma stand in your way. On average, around 1 in 6 women and 1 in 8 men will experience some level of depression in their lifetime (ABS, 2008).
Depression
What would like to understand when it comes to depression?
Depression is more than just feeling sad. It is a mix of symptoms such as fatigue, sleep difficulties, changes in appetite, hopelessness etc. People find it interferes with their day to day functioning and no longer feel like themselves. Psychologists use evidence-based research to educate individuals suffering from depressed mood and those diagnosed with depression. We use the latest findings in understanding how multiple factors influence a person’s mood, and how this can effect behaviour. It is when we take the time to learn about a person’s story, do we start to make sense of why we feel the way we do.
Did you know there are different types of depression? And not everyone experiences the same symptoms. This can mean that is important to have a personalised enquiry into your mood, your triggers and what works for you in recovery.
The guilt of feeling that way and not being able to tell anyone because I shouldn’t feel that way and I shouldn’t feel bad.” – Cara Delevingne
How often do you discuss your vulnerabilities? Psychologists work with you to understand more about your lifestyle, appetite, sleep, relationships, mood and outlook. We can develop a clearer understanding of your mood and work with you create a treatment plan. Depression does not discriminate and it is important every person who suffers has access to a professional network of people who are trained to listen to their concerns.
I learned that my sadness never destroyed what was great about me. You just have to go back to that greatness, find that one little light that’s left. I’m lucky I found a glimmer stored away.” – Lady Gaga.
Below are a few our most frequently asked questions. Take a look and if you have any other questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
A psychologist is trained with undergraduate and postgraduate studies of psychological science and assessment. Psychologists treat those that range from those who suffer serious mental illness to those needing support in understanding their relationships, thoughts, feelings and behaviours. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with additional specialised training in mental health. They are able to prescribe medication and work well with GP’s and psychologists.
Have you ever been to a GP and thought you might be suited to another doctor? It is the same with a psychologist. It is important that in the first session you ask questions and learn about the therapist’s style in order to feel comfortable. You or someone you know may have had a disappointing experience with a psychologist in the past – do not let this be a barrier to reaching your goals, it just wasn’t the right fit. We care about placing you with the right person, with the right intervention and at the right time.
Absolutely not. Psychological therapy is available to every person on planet earth. We are all human and share similar hopes, fears and struggles. No one is immune to the complexity of life and seeking education about your mental health is something to be proud of. Each year we get better at communicating our mental wellbeing, and our communities are benefitting from the results.
As caring and empathetic your concerns may be for a loved one, it is up to them to make change happen. But your insight and access to our resources can be of great benefit. The Contemporary Psychology clinic has a wide variety of information to offer so you can direct them to this website, this way they can see what we’re on about, and they can send an email or give us a call. You are also encouraged to attend and discuss your own fears regarding a loved one if this has been getting you down.
Common themes in therapy – a psychologist’s reflection
Understanding and Managing Microstress: A Path to Greater Well-being
