Depression and Anxiety

Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety are very common. 

It is estimated that one out of every five Australians will experience some form of mental health issue each year -depression and anxiety are the two most common issues experienced.

People who are going through a difficult time such as relationship conflict or a relationship break-up can be more vulnerable to depression and anxiety.  

Anxiety

Nearly one in 10 Australians will experience some type of anxiety disorder each year – around 1 in 12 women and 1 in 8 men.

One in four people will experience an anxiety disorder at some stage of their lives.

Anxiety is a useful response to situations that are dangerous or difficult. Physically, anxiety helps us to react to danger and can help us to perform better by making us alert. However, some people experience anxiety so strongly or often that it can have an effect on their everyday lives, such as work, relationships and socialising.

Anxiety disorders can make you feel anxious a lot of the time and the feeling can last and happen in many different situations.  

There are various types of anxiety and people will often have more than one symptom. Click here to visit beyondblue for further information on types of anxiety or visit the Anxiety Disorder Alliance website for information on help available.

Depression

Depression is a serious illness, more than just feeling blue. Everyone feels sad, upset and temperamental every now and then, yet for some people these feelings are strong and can last for extended periods of time, often for no reason. 

Around one million Australian adults and 100,000 young people live with depression each year. On average, one in five people will experience depression in their lifetime - 1 in 4 females and 1 in 6 males.

When a person has depression it can interfere with their everyday lives and affect their ability to manage home, work, and relationships.

For someone living with depression, personal and family relationships can feel overwhelming. Depression can make you feel exhausted, sad and generally uninterested, often the last thing on your mind are the needs of others. 

For partners, children and other family members it can be emotionally difficult and frustrating to support someone who has depression. It can be confusing and upsetting when loved ones increasingly withdraw themselves and refuse others’ efforts to help. 

Beyondblue is the national depression initiative providing extensive information, support and contacts for people affected by depression.  SANE Australia also has some useful resources on for families affected by depression, click here for more information.

Help available

The most important step toward recovering is seeking treatment. Beyondblue have a national listing of health practitioners with an interest and/or expertise in the treatment of depression and anxiety. You can access their Directory of Medical and Allied Health Practitioners in Mental Health online.

Family relationship services including family counselling services can also assist families affected by depression and anxiety, particularly through recovery and prevention phases. To find a service in your area visit the FRSA Services Directory.

Useful links

• Beyondblue - the national depression initiative. Visit this site for comprehensive information on depression and anxiety, including symptom checklists and links to treatment and support services.
• YouthBeyondblue - beyondblue’s website for young people.
• Reach Out!  - helping young people get through tough times.
• Mood gym - Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to prevent depression.
• www.climate.tv (interactive e-health) - Self-management system for people with depression and anxiety.
• SANE Australia - national mental health charity.
• Mental Health Foundation of Australia - Promoting awareness of mental health.
• Black Dog Institute - an educational, research and clinical facility offering specialist 
  expertise in mood disorders.
• Blue Pages - information about depression compiled by the Australian National 
  University's Centre for Mental Health Research.

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