DEPRESSION
Depression is a mood state that is characterised by significantly low mood, loss of interest in pleasure/activities that are normally enjoyable, low energy, problems with memory & concentration, reduced self-confidence/self-esteem, pessimism regarding the future, thoughts or acts of self-harm or suicide, disturbed sleep & appetite, decreased libido and feelings of guilt & worthlessness. When this mood is present most of the time for at least two consecutive weeks it is usually described as a ‘major depressive episode’. A major depressive episode may range in its severity (e.g. mild, moderate, severe).
ANXIETY
Some anxiety is a normal part of life. However, anxiety becomes problematic when it begins to interfere with daily living. Anxiety disorders are characterised by persistent and excessive worrying and fear. It encompasses a range of conditions including Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Social Phobia, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Specific Phobias, and Post-traumatic Stress disorder.
Post traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD) refers to the development of various distressing symptoms following exposure to one or more traumatic events. A traumatic event involves direct exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, abuse, accidents, natural disasters, war etc.
Joyce’s Story
Joyce kept pushing her grief down.
Joyce has experience many losses, 4 through ectopic pregnancies, 3 miscarriages and 6 babies though IVF, she just kept pushing her grief down she didn’t know she was allowed to grieve or how to grieve.
Cat’s Story
“I didn’t know I had the right to grieve.”
Cat shares how she didn’t know she had the right to grieve after the loss of her 2 children through abortion. She shares how it impacted her life and relationship with her other children.
Useful links
Beyondblue: www.beyondblue.org.au
Black Dog Institute: www.blackdoginstitute.org.au
Anxiety Disorders: www.anxietyonline.org.au
Emergency Numbers
Lifeline – 131 114
SARC – 9340 1828 or 1800 199 008
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 555 788
Mental Health Emergency Response Line – 9224 8888 or 1300 555 788
Health Direct 1800 022 222
Kids Help Line 1800 551 800
Mensline Australia 1300 789 978
