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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Does depression and anxiety ever go away?

    Related Topics
    Anxiety Depression Mental Health
    I haven't been diagnosed with depression nor with anxiety but I know I am going through it. Its been like this for years. after a certain incident.

    I've tried coping as best as I can by myself but recently its proved to be rather overwhelming. I am constantly thinking about death, and if that wasn't bad enough I have panic attacks and when that happens I just don't want to be here anymore.
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    Jeremy Barbouttis

    Counsellor, Hypnotherapist, Psychotherapist, Sex Therapist

    Jeremy is an expert in Hypnotherapy, Psychotherapy, Sex Therapy, Relationships & Addictions. Jeremy is a Clinical Supervisor with the Australian Hypnotherapists Association.Specialisations: Stop Smoking Hypnosis, … View Profile

    Anxiety and depression may change with changes in life circumstances, assuming they are contributing to these conditions. However, your best step forward in helping you move past your anxiety and depression is to to seek help, probably with a therapist. If it is too overwhelming, or you are feeling like you don't want to be here any more, then I would suggest you speak to a GP about medication.

    However, I think you will find that therapy that treats these conditions will likely help you overcome them to the point where things are back to normal.

    You really don't have to suffer alone. There is some really great help available that might literally change your life.

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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 lived with clinical depression for many years but am now in remission - if that is possible for me then it surely is for you :-).

    I am sorry to read that you are having suicidal thoughts (I have been there, though not recently). However, and this is *very* important, if your thoughts ever include working out the details of a suicide method/plan, then *all* that matters is that you are in a safe place. That means go to A&E of your nearest hospital - there will be people there who can help.

    I think that Jeremy has made some good suggestions. Adding to them:

    I suggest that you talk with your GP. S/he will be able to draw up what is called a Mental Health Care Plan with you. A MHCP will give you a number of Medicare-subsidised sessions with mental health professionals.

    A psychiatrist will be able to assess you and, depending, suggest possible medication - my preference is to use a specialist here rather than a generalist (a GP).

    A clinical psychologist will be able to work with you using non-pharmaceutical therapeutic approaches.

    All the best.

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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

    Your symptoms sound serious enough that it seems time that you get some counselling/psychological support. You may be surprised to hear that there are many people in Australia suffering Anxiety and Depression because of stressful events in their past. Psychology and counselling is very helpful for most clients. If you discuss your thoughts and feelings with your GP, S/he will be able to help you in a number of ways. Are you aware that Medicare will pay a substantial amount towards counselling with Medicare registered psychologists? All you need is a referal from your GP. Your GP can also assess whether there is a physiological reason for your current increase in symptoms, as well as offer other medical treatments. So my answer is yes, Anxiety and Depression are both treatable conditions and you can expect to feel better with treament. I hope this information is helpful to you.

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    Anonymous

    Thank you to everyone who contributed to this. I feel good knowing there's help when I ask. And yes I am aware of the Medicare thing. And it so happens that I am seeing a psychologist for the first time. I have mixed emotions on it. I'm scared yet excited because I know I'm finally getting somewhere. I'm only 17 and in my final year of school so I need to get this all sorted and I know it'll take time. I believe I'm getting worse. I write and I mean I write a lot. It helps and someone close to me said it's a good catharsis and I agree. I recently lost a friend and just on Sunday I lost a relative. Those incidents happened so suddenly I didn't have a chance to quite fully understand. Something major has also started in my life that will may or may not give me that satisfaction that everything I'm doing will pay off. I'm scared, scared as anyone would be in my position. My doctors tells me I understand my condition pretty well. I agree with her but I can't seem to control my emotions. Recently I've been having nightmares mainly about death. They are so vivid I get scared. Okay maybe I shouldn't have said all this but it was a good release.  But once again thank you :)

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