Anxiety and Depression
Most of us experience periods of worry or sadness in our lives, but when these feelings become persistent and overwhelming, they may indicate the presence of anxiety or depression. Recognizing these conditions within ourselves is crucial for seeking appropriate support and treatment. Our approach goes beyond managing symptoms to address the root cause, creating a path to lasting relief and joy.
Understanding Anxiety & Depression
Anxiety and Depression can manifest during times of extreme stress or change, but their roots are normally found in our past, in particular in our experiences and the beliefs we took on about ourselves during our formative years.
Anxiety is a serious condition that involves excessive worry, fear, or apprehension about future events, making it hard for a person to cope with daily life. Beyond Blue reports anxiety as the most common mental health condition in Australia, with 3 million Australians living with it daily. 1 in 3 Australians will experience it in their lifetime.
Depression encompasses persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or disinterest in activities once enjoyed. After anxiety, depression is the next leading cause of illness worldwide and can significantly impact daily functioning and overall quality of life. In Australia, one in six people will experience depression in their lifetime.
While it’s okay to experience these feelings, it’s not normal to have them impact your life in a way that leaves you feeling out of control.
Recognising the signs of Anxiety
Anxiety can significantly impact daily functioning and overall quality of life. Symptoms may include:
- Persistent feelings of worry, fear, or apprehension
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Restlessness or irritability
- Physical symptoms such as muscle tension, headaches, or stomach discomfort
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Sleep disturbances, including difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Hypervigilance or constant alertness
Recognising the signs of Depression
Extreme sadness or depression not only impacts you but those around you. Symptoms may include:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Sleep disturbances, including difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide
If you experience these symptoms and they significantly impact your daily life or well-being, seeking professional assistance is advisable.
Our Approach
While talking about anxiety and depression may provide temporary relief, it’s essential to address the underlying causes and learn effective coping strategies.
We will understand the source of your anxiety or depression. It can be due to heredity, biochemical, stress, or personality traits. Sometimes the cause is obvious, sometimes more deeply seated or hidden and requires time to become fully understood. Once identified, we can then work towards addressing those underlying causes.