Anxiety & Depression Counselling

Anxiety and depression are distinct but commonly co-occurring mental health conditions. While they share some overlapping symptoms like nervousness and difficulty sleeping, they have different causes and emotional & behavioral manifestations.

People with anxiety disorders may experience intense fear, worry, and panic, while those with depression may feel persistent sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities.

Anxiety

Anxiety involves a frequent unpleasant feeling typically associated with uneasiness, apprehension and worry.

Being nervous or anxious from time to time is a normal part of living. However, for some, this nervous feeling can become more frequent or powerful and can start to take over their lives.

Feelings of anxiety can cause physical symptoms such as:

• Pounding heart (heart palpitations)
• Abdominal pain
• Cold/clammy hands
• Diarrhea and frequent urination
• Shaky voice
• Dry mouth/throat
• Excessive sweating
• Muscle tension
• Nausea
• Shaking
• Trembling

Visiting a therapist can help to identify the causes of anxiety as well as its triggers, and can provide you with the support and help to eliminate anxiety's hold.

Social Anxiety

Social Anxiety is becoming a more common mental health issue in recent years, but can be dealt with in many different ways. Social Anxiety is characterised by anywhere from a moderate to severe fear or discomfort in social situations, which can lead to avoiding any and all social interactions in your daily life.

Behavioural symptoms of Social Anxiety include:

• An intense fear of being judged, humiliated or embarrassed in front of others
• Constant self criticism; fear of being the center of attention around others

Social Anxiety comes in many different forms, and all forms are valid.

Depression

Depression is one of the most common mental health illnesses, and also comes in many different mental, physical and emotional forms. Depression can be triggered by many different factors in a person's life. Anyone can be affected by it. Recognising early symptoms of depression and reaching out to others can benefit your mental health in the long run.

Common signs of depression:

• Prolonged feelings of hopelessness and sadness
• Loss of motivation, feelings of pointlessness, emptiness, etc
• Sleep disturbance or needing more sleep
• Loss of energy

Men and women often show depression in different way. Many people may not understand what you are feeling or going through, and that is okay. It is important to not blame yourself for how you feel. Overlooking symptoms can have a negative effect on your mental and physical health, so it is important that you seek help when needed.

Support

Everyone can and will experience mental health problems in a different way, therefore, treatment can vary from person to person. Visiting a counsellor can help immensely in understanding and coping with these feelings. Talking to a close friend or family member can also help greatly, and know that there is help out there for everyone.