Do you need treatment for anxiety or depression?

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions that are quite prevalent in Australia, affecting about 1 in 4 individuals at some point in their lives. Having an anxiety disorder means experiencing ongoing fears that cause distress and hinder your ability to engage in activities you want or need to do. There are various types of anxiety disorders, including generalised anxiety disorder, social phobia or social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, specific phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Symptoms of anxiety disorders can manifest differently in each individual, but common signs include difficulty managing fears and worries, feeling apprehensive or powerless, sensing imminent danger, racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems. People with anxiety disorders may also avoid situations that trigger their anxiety and have persistent worry about the past, present, or future.

Anxiety disorders can also cause physical symptoms, which may include panic attacks (sudden and intense episodes of fear), shortness of breath, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, sweating, sleep problems, stomach discomfort, tingling sensations, feeling lightheaded, trembling, increased thirst, and more. It's important to note that these symptoms can vary from person to person.

The exact causes of anxiety are not fully understood, and it can vary from person to person. However, a combination of genetic, environmental, and personal factors is believed to contribute to the development of anxiety disorders. Some of these factors include having a family history of mental health conditions, experiencing ongoing stressful situations, trauma or abuse, certain personality traits, physical health issues, substance use, and hormonal changes. It's important to remember that everyone's experience with anxiety is unique.

Depression is a common condition. In Australia, approximately one million people experience depression in any given year. Statistics show that one in six women and one in eight men will experience depression at some point in their lives. The encouraging news is that depression is treatable, and effective treatments are available. Seeking support early on can lead to a faster recovery.

Depression can manifest in various ways and impact how people think, feel, and act. A person may be experiencing depression if, for more than two weeks, they consistently feel overwhelmingly sad, lack interest or pleasure in their usual activities, and exhibit several signs and symptoms across at least three of the following categories:

• Feelings: sadness, misery, unhappiness, irritability, being overwhelmed, guilt, frustration, lack of confidence, indecisiveness, inability to concentrate, and disappointment.
• Thoughts: self-deprecating thoughts such as feelings of failure, self-blame, a pessimistic outlook, worthlessness, perceiving nothing good in life, hopelessness, and thoughts of life not being worth living or that others would be better off without them.
• Behavioral symptoms: withdrawing from close relationships, avoiding social activities, giving up on previously enjoyable activities, decreased productivity at work or school, and relying on alcohol or sedatives.
• Physical symptoms: constant fatigue, feeling physically unwell or depleted, frequent headaches, stomach or muscle pains, a constant sense of unease, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite leading to significant weight loss or gain.

If anxiety and depression are affecting your daily life, it's advisable to seek help from a doctor or mental healthcare professional. They can provide support, guidance, and appropriate treatment options to help you manage your mental health effectively. It may be helpful to write down your symptoms and experiences leading up to your appointment to provide a clearer picture to your healthcare provider.