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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Suffering from depression for 2 years, single mother, please help?

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    Depression Mental Health
    I have been suffering depression for the last 2 years. its getting worse now. i am a single mother of a 2 year old. I find it hard to keep positive and now get down and negative. what are some soloutions to help me with this?
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    Joseph Fenech

    Counsellor, Psychotherapist

    Counselling: My hope is that through creating the right counselling environment positive change will occur allowing personal transformation and enrichment. My belief is that all … View Profile

    Your depression may be linked to the birth of your child, commonly known as post natal depression. There is an organisation that specialises in this type of depression and the link is www.panda.org.au.

    It is worthwhile giving PANDA a call and it is free, the phone is 1300 726 306. It would be a great starting point. My other suggestion is to have a cuppa with a friend and talk to them about it. It is amazing the relief you will feel by just talking about it.

    Also if you haven't already done so, join a play group in your area. You will meet other mums and your toddler a chance to interact with other kids. 

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  • Dr Louisa Hoey

    Clinical Psychologist, Psychologist

    I am a Clinical and Health Psychologist with over 10 years experience. I have expertise in working with people with disordered eating. I work with … View Profile

    There are lots of different answers to this questions - and the ideas above are all really great ideas that are certainly worth exploring. I think especially finding a good psychologist like Grant suggested.

    I have two other suggestions - they are stand alone suggestions and would be best in conjunction with seeing a psychologist I think.

    Firstly, if you have any energy to read - there are some really good self-help books out there - I often recommend the Happiness Trap. It is a book written by Dr Russ Harris and it teaches about Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. It is full of really helpful ideas that you  might find useful. Very (very) simply it is about practicing acceptance of discomfort while working out what sort of life you want to lead and working towards that life.

    The other thing - is that it might be worth talking to your doctor about whether antidepressants might help you. Sometimes they can give you the lift you need, to be able to then go and do the psychological things that you need to do for your depression.

    Oh and another thing I just thought of…how are you sleeping? Is your 2 year old sleeping through the night? You know, especially as you are single, I am guessing you are exhausted!?!?? If so, that will be really important to try and manage.

    I wish you well - feel free to ask any questions about anything I have written.

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    Bhakti Das David Gotlieb

    Counsellor

    Leisa brings understandng, compassion and surgical precision that gets results for his clients.He developed ‘Healing Inner Conflict’ a simple, fast and effective tool for dealing … View Profile

    The other suggestions seem very useful and I guess you'll choose what seems best for you. You're in a very challenging situation being a single mum with a young child. I used to work for Family Support Services and there will be one of these in your area…they often offer free individual help with all of the issues involved with your sort of situation. if you want to find out more informally fee free to contact me as a first step, or just call them direct. Also, Triscilian is a great back up when you're struggling with the challenges of early childhood motherhood. You're probably dealing with a whole raft of challenges that all mount up to a feeling of overwhelm…which makes it hard to feel good about much. Reaching out like you have is a huge first step , well  done…keep at it…one step at a time. 

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  • SALEM45678

    HealthShare Member

    HAVE YOU TRIED ELECTRO CONVULSIVE THERAPY OR ECT IT WORKED FOR ME GRACE 

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