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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Can stress bring back the depression and anxiety?

    Related Topics
    Anxiety Depression Mental Health
    I was diagnosed in 2011 with severe depression , anxiety and major stress. I am a primary school teacher and ended taking most of the year off on sick leave. I tried a gradual return to work which was not a great success. In 2012 I went back part time using my long service leave to have each Wednesday off. It wasn't great but I coped.

    Now this year I had no choice but to go back to full time teaching and 5 weeks in I'm worried and I am still dealing with the unexpected death of my only Uncle.. All the warning signs I had at the start are starting to show themselves again - forgetfulness, not wanting to go to the workplace, white knuckle driving and lots of tears. I am still seeing my psychologist and psychiatrist on alternating weeks.
    Is the depression coming back? I'm worried, really worried.
    • 2 answers
    • Karen Amos
    • amiemcg
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  • Karen Amos

    Counsellor, Personal Trainer

    Walk and Talk is just what you need to begin living a life that you love. I'm Karen Amos and at Walk and Talk Australia … View Profile

    Hi and thank you for putting your worries ‘out there’ so that we can all learn together.  To begin with you sound very self aware and that is really good for you.  You can see what the signs your body is sending and you know you do not want to travel that road again.  

    I often hear my clients knowing what the underlying problem is, yet trying to treat/fix everything else except the origins of the depression/anxiety/major stress.  Are you adressing your grief over your Uncle's sudden passing with your psychologist?

    Often grief is difficult to deal with because it simply makes no sense.  One minute a loved one is here, then they are gone.  The ‘how’ and ‘why’ never make sense and that is why thoughts keep on turning over and over in our minds.  Naturally, we are trying to find a way to make it right and to make it fit somewhere, and ultimately we need to find a place where we can give it some good attention. 

    My heart goes out to you during this struggle.  It isn't easy trying to maintain a brave face, while battling sadness and worry inside.  Grief can sometimes be resolved by doing the thing that you think you would like to do, but don't feel as if you have the courage too.  I'm not sure if that fits for you, but I have used this with clients experiencing deep grief and it is like healing to the wound.

    Other places you might wish to look at are your coping toolbox.  With your helpers, put together a collection of coping methods that work for you, so that you can begin to help yourself as well.  

    I wish you lighter days, 

    Kindly, Karen

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  • amiemcg

    HealthShare Member

    Yes. Yes it can. And chances are you are still grieving and it never actually ‘went away’ in the first place. Cut yourself some slack, the healing process is long and hard (and sometimes tedious). Try to reduced your schedule if you can, make sure you stick to a regular bed time, eat well and drink plenty of water. Ensure you turn up to your appointments and be as honest with them as you can be, thyey are the to help you from relapsing and to aid you in creating stability in your life. These things will help you stay in the best possible position to help yourself.  Good luck. x

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