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Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners
I think I have depression and anxiety what is the best treatment?
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Since my childhood, I've experienced a few episode of depression and social anxiety. I moved to faraway from my home town, became depressed and thought as if someone was talking behind my back for 3 years although a part of me knew no-one was. Then I moved out of my parents house and moved to my sisters house hoping the depression would go away but it didn't.
A combination of school, family, and financial stresses from moving away drove me to the point of having suicidal thoughts. At that point I felt as if life was too hard and I just wanted to end. Luckily I made it through to the end of school and haven't had these thoughts over the summer holidays.
Now that University has started I feel as if what has happened before will repeat. What should I do and should I get anti- depressants ? -
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Dr Simon Easterbrook-Smith
Health Professional
My research interests include immunology and the mechanisms of amyloid formation. The latter has implications for people who are dealing with Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease … View Profile
I suggest that you talk with your GP.
S/he will be able to draw up a “Mental Health Care Plan” with you. That will entitle you to a number of Medicare-subsidised sessions with mental health professionals (a psychiatrist and/or a clinical psychologist).
Depending on the outcomes of those sessions, the options of anti-depressants (which only a psychiatrist or other medical doctor can prescribe) and/or non-pharmaceutical approaches (which a clinical psychologist can help with) should be suggested to you.
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Grace Gonzalez
Counsellor, Psychotherapist
I am a counsellor with over two decades of experience working with non-for-profit organisations, private organizations, secondary education, community health services, and private practice in … View Profile
Thank you for sharing this with us here at Healthshare. It seems that you need to speak to a professional just to, at least, have a better understanding of what you are going through. You can do this privately (psychologist, counsellor, and psychotherapist) or through the public health system eg: you’re GP who would most likely refer you to a clinical psychologist or a psychiatrist to talk about your situation.
From your description it is my impression that you have had some control over your situation such as during college breaks. You also say you can tell the difference between voices that are there and voices that you hear but are not real. Being able to differentiate is a positive sign.
Moving around and not finding what you might call a safe place that you can call ‘home’ can be quite distressing so I would suggest to take some time and see a professional in order to start searching for some stability in your everyday life.
Hope you get some clarity soon!Report this post
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Dr Natalie Parletta
Dietitian
I am a dietitian/nutritionist with extensive research experience into diet/nutrition and children’s behaviour; Mediterranean-style whole food diet; and parental influences on young children’s diets. In … View Profile
In addition to the advice given, there is a growing body of evidence for the role of diet in mental health, including depression and anxiety. Specifically, healthy diets high in vegetables, fruit, whole foods, olive oil and fish are protective and diets high in processed foods, confectionary, red meat are risk factors. B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation can be helpful if your levels are low. It would be worth trying high doses of these (the body can get rid of any excess), and also take zinc to help their metabolism. If magnesium levels are low this can create anxiety, in which case magnesium supplementation can be very calming. Physical activity can also be a wonderful antidote, as well as time in stillness and silence in nature. Hope this helps :)
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Dr Jennifer Barnes
Psychologist
I am a psychologist in private practice.I also lecture and supervise psychologists/psychology students at University.I work with clients who suffer from depression and anxiety. I … View Profile
Depression is difficult to cope with because it takes away our enjoyment of life and saps our energy. From your brief description it seems that depression hits when you are under stress. I suggest you begin with stress management techniques, like regular exercise, regular sleep and a healthy diet. Counselling by a psychologist is also important as it will help you work through the issues that underlie your depression. Eg. Possibly family and/or relationship issues .
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WhatWorks4U.org aims to improve treatment for young people with mental health problems by gathering information about what works in the real world.Whatworks4u.org is run by … View Profile
To help with the depression, you might also be interested in having a look at what others have rated as helpful for their depression symptoms at whatworks4u.org. A variety of treatments and their helpfulness have been rated, from therapies and medications all the way through to self-help treatments. Definitely worth checking out.
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Steven Orloff
Acupuncturist
My name is Steven Orloff, I am a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Acupuncture. I am a graduate of both Monash and Victoria University, having degrees … View Profile
acupuncture may help with symptoms of stress and anxiety.
Practices like yoga are good to help people cope and relax.
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Dr Louise Shepherd
Clinical Psychologist, Psychologist
I am a clinical psychologist with 15 years experience working with all sorts of goals and issues. I love working with people, helping them to … View Profile
I just typed an answer and lost it!
I like what Simon says above about looking into a mental health care plan with your GP.
I'm a huge fan of an approach called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). You can learn more about ACT here http://www.sydneyactcentre.com.au/www.sydneyactcentre.com.au/What_is_ACT.html
Seeking help for these challenges when you are young is fantastic - some people wait decades before learning that they can live a better life.
All the best in finding the help you need
LouiseReport this post
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Dr Simon Easterbrook-Smith
Health Professional
My research interests include immunology and the mechanisms of amyloid formation. The latter has implications for people who are dealing with Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease … View Profile
"I'm a huge fan of an approach called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)"
I definitely agree with what Louise wrote. ACT and (related but different) Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helped me a lot in my recovery from depression.
To the OP: I suggest that you check out clinical psychologists where you live who have experience of working with their clients using ACT and/or CBT.
All the best.Report this post
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Dr Natalie Parletta
Dietitian
I am a dietitian/nutritionist with extensive research experience into diet/nutrition and children’s behaviour; Mediterranean-style whole food diet; and parental influences on young children’s diets. In … View Profile
Hello again,
I would like to add to my previous response (above) two links to recent scientific articles reviewing the evidence for the role of diet and exercise in depression and making recommendations for these to be included in treatments for depression.
I am very happy to provide the full-text articles to anyone who is interested :)
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/acps.12124/abstract
https://www.mja.com.au/open/2012/1/4/depression-diet-and-exercise?0=ip_login_no_cache%3D6bc6ec9d0d14409083ddbcaae870e8f3
Best wishes, NatalieReport this post
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