Depression and mood problems

Depression

Depression can happen to anyone. One in 20 Australians are affected by depression each year, and it’s thought that over the course of a lifetime, up to 50% of Australians are affected by depression and/or anxiety (two conditions that often go hand in hand).

Feeling sad, down or lonely some of the time, and in response to difficult situations and life experiences, is natural. However, for many people these feelings of sadness, flatness, low mood, irritability, feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, and lack of joy or interest in things, can persist – day in and day out – and really impact on relationships and life functioning.

Sometimes the triggers for feeling this way are obvious, but sometimes depression can come out of the blue, with no apparent explanation. Whatever the reasons that underlie how you feel, we can work with you to help you to better understand yourself and your symptoms. Depression is a treatable condition, and we are keen to support you in your recovery, utilising evidence-based approaches and strategies. Please contact us for warm, professional, and individualised care.

Understanding the signs and symptoms of depression, how they appear in different people, and where to go to get help are important. For further information, please contact us, or check out the Beyond Blue Website and/or The Blackdog Institute website.

Mood Disorders

It is common and a natural part of life and emotional functioning for mood changes to occur. However, some people’s moods fluctuate up (for example, extremely high mood and activity or agitation, racing thoughts, little need for sleep and rapid speech) and down (for example, low mood, feelings of hopelessness, extreme sadness and lack of interest and pleasure in things) and to such an extent that it changes their usual behaviour and impacts on their life functioning. Untreated, mood disorders can make it hard to consistently manage at work, home, school, and in relationships. Management of mood disorders, including bipolar disorder, often requires a long-term combination medication-psychological therapy approach.

Understanding the signs and symptoms of mood disorders, how they appear in different people, and where to go to get help are important. For further information, please contact us, or check out the Beyond Blue Website and/or The Blackdog Institute website.