We usually hear about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in relation to soldiers coming back after serving in active duty, but it can be caused by any kind of traumatic event. It pertains to a severe anxiety disorder that causes such strong, overpowering recollections of episodes making up the entire unfortunate experience. Horrible nightmares, emotional numbness,…
Depression is now one of the most common mental health issues experienced by people throughout the Western world. Current rates indicate that in most countries throughout the world, 8-12% of people experience depression at some point throughout their lifetime. If you’ve ever experienced depression yourself, you probably know how it can significantly impact your ability to…
Any angst-filled teenager will tell you that nobody truly understands what they are going through, and in many ways, they are right. The teen years are fraught with questions of self identity, achievement, confidence, sexuality and more, all being negotiated against a background of wild hormone changes. Even those of us who had turbulent teen…
Everyone remembers the grumpy Eeyore character from the Winnie the Pooh stories – permanently pessimistic and negative no matter what adventure happened to be going on. If cartoon characters could be diagnosed, Eeyore would probably have some form of depression, maybe even the “milder” form of depression, Dysthymia. What is dysthymia? Dysthymia is a very…
by Australia Counselling founder, Clinton Power The tragic death of Charlotte Dawson this week has highlighted how fragile life can be for someone that battles depression. Charlotte Dawson was a well regarded Australian television personality and former model. She was also outspoken on social media and had been on the receiving end of attacks from internet…
Discrimination against people with mental health issues in the workplace still occurs. And Megan Barrow knows, because she has dealt with depression and anxiety throughout her life and was on the receiving end of workplace discrimination as she was dealing with these mental health issues. Megan is now passionate about raising the profile for mental health issues in Australia…
Depression in Australian children is becoming an increasingly pressing problem. In the past 20 years, depressive disorders in children have increased with the rate of 20% per year. In the age group of 4-17, 14% of Australian children and adolescents suffer from depression according to a survey by the Australia and New Zealand Journal of…
This article is written by Australia Counselling member and Penrith Grief Counsellor Cait Wotherspoon. Your friend’s child has just died. What do you do? You’re scared that you’ll hurt them. You might be thinking – “What if I mention their child’s name accidentally?” “How do I act?” “What if they don’t want to talk to me?”…
The Gillard Government and beyondblue have teamed up in an unconventional new mental health campaign called “Man Therapy” designed to battle depression and anxiety in Aussie men. Minister for Mental Health Mark Butler launched the humorous campaign alongside beyondblue Chairman Jeff Kennett, both of whom were overshadowed by the cult figure of Dr Brian Ironwood…
Depression is a common complaint in rural communities, however, it is a treatable condition. Just about everyone suffers some sort of depression in his or her lifetime. The loss of a pet, the loss of a job or financial problems can lead to minor to moderate depression. Then there is the other type of depression…
