Anxiety
Everyone feels anxious from time to time. When these feelings get in the way of day to day life, don’t go away, or spring up without any obvious reason it could be a sign that you are experiencing anxiety.
Anxiety disorders are the most common form of mental health condition in Australia, affecting 1 in 6 people. This includes phobias, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder (panic attacks), general anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, and separation anxiety disorder.
Symptoms of anxiety include:
- Feeling worried or anxious most of the time
- Being unable to manage your anxious thoughts or worries
- Finding it difficult to calm down
- Feeling restless / fidgety
- Feeling tense
- Having difficulty sleeping
Anxiety can have a big impact on our lives, it can lead to avoiding people, places, or situations that bring on anxious feelings. This can affect relationships, work, hobbies, and generally get in the way of living the life you want. The positive news is that treatment is available.
Learn more about anxiety
Depression
Feeling sad, moody, or low is a normal part of everyday life, however if these feelings persist for more than 2 weeks it could be a sign that you are experiencing depression.
Depression affects people differently, some people report feeling numb or empty, not really feeling happy, sad, or angry. Other people find they become increasingly irritable (sometimes over seemingly very small things), or loose enjoyment in things they usually find happiness in.
Some other common signs and symptoms include:
- Feeling numb or overwhelmed
- Feeling guilty, or like you’re a failure, or worthless
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Having trouble concentrating
- Feeling tired for no good reason
- Changes in motivation
- Thinking that nothing ever good happens
- Feeling hopeless
Sometimes people who experience depression may also experience suicidal thoughts. If you or someone you know is in danger call Triple Zero (000).
For free, confidential 24/7 counselling call or chat online to Lifeline https://www.lifeline.org.au/ or Suicide Call Back Service.
https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/
Support is available to treat depression, the sooner you get help the better it is for you and your recovery.
Find out more about depression
https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/resources-support/depression/
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition which is triggered by someone experiencing or witnessing a life threatening event. Not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will develop PTSD.
While symptoms can look different for everyone, they often include:
- Re-experiencing events (such as nightmares, flashbacks, feeling panicked when reminded of the event/s)
- Avoidance (avoiding people, places, or memories that cause distress)
- Hyperarousal (feeling “on edge”, constantly alert. constantly scanning for danger, feeling irritable, or having trouble concentrating)
- Negative thoughts / mood (negative beliefs about yourself / others, feeling hopeless, feeling angry, afraid, cut off from friends & family)
PTSD symptoms may develop within a month of the event, but for a lot of people they don't appear for several years after the event. People with PTSD may also experience other mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety.
PTSD can have a significant impact of all areas of our lives, but help and treatment is available.
Veterans
Dayna has extensive experience working with veterans and their families. She works with current and ex-serving members of the Australian Defence Force, providing evidence based focused psychological strategies to address their mental health needs, in both 1:1 and in group therapy settings. .
DVA Health Cards (Gold and White) are accepted as payment upon a GP referral.