The importance of counselling in today’s society

We often attend mental health seminars provided for the general public. The immense turnouts are testament to the fact that more and more people are suffering with their mental health and more and more people are seeking support for this.

Life is hard and with its hectic pace and tightening economy, it continues to get harder. By supporting each other and talking it through, we can help to alleviate the pressure within and make life better.

Mental health is a statement of wellness. When we are suffering and things become too much, we need help to restore our wellbeing, just as we do for a broken arm. It is okay to ask for help. It is normal. It is what we NEED to do.

There are many ‘labels’ representing conditions affecting mental health. Depression, Anxiety, Grief, Loss, Stress, Relationships, Self-Esteem; the list is huge. At Call Back Counselling we DO NOT DIAGNOSE. We support you regardless of whether or not you have a diagnosis. You may feel that you fit into one of these categories – you may not. What is important is that you seek help if you need it.

For your personal information, a general outline of some common conditions can be found below.

Depression:

Depression is a serious mood disorder – and it’s common. Depression can affect how you think, feel, eat, sleep, work etc. Depression is NOT the cause of a bad day or two – but may be the diagnosis when symptoms are ongoing and last for more than two weeks.

Depression can be debilitating and seeking assistance is essential for faster recovery.

The following are some signs and symptoms of depression;

• Irritability
• Feelings of guilt
• Loss of interest in normal interest areas
• Lethargy and/or fatigue
• Listlessness or restlessness
• Lack of concentration
• Difficulty making decisions or in remembering
• Persistent feelings of doom, sadness, anxiety
• Persistent feeling of ‘emptiness’ or ‘nothingness’
• Difficulty/change in sleep patterns – early waking or over-sleeping
• Persistent thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts
• Loss or gain of appetite and/or weight changes
• Feeling hopeless, worthless, helpless, pessimistic
• Digestive issues, headaches, aches and pains that have no reasonable ‘physical’ cause.

Experiencing some of these with persistence, for most of the time, for most of the day, for the most part of two weeks or more, may indicate depression, but a diagnosis should be made by your medical health care professional.

Anxiety:

When we’re under pressure, feeling anxious is completely normal. People living with an anxiety disorder however, frequently experience worry and fear at intense and excessive levels.  An anxiety disorder can reach its peak within minutes and can be completely debilitating for sufferers. Rapid peak episodes are commonly referred to as ‘panic attacks’.

Overwhelming feelings of anxiety are difficult to control, ongoing and out of proportion to any actual danger. These feelings can last a long time and can lead to avoidance of people, places or situations.

On average, one in three women and one in five men will experience anxiety at some stage in their life, making it the most common mental health condition is Australia. Statistics also show that the sooner help is sought; the sooner and more likely a sufferer is to recover.

Whilst diagnosis can be unique, a basic list of common symptoms can include:

• Hot and cold flushes
• Tightening of the chest and /or rapid breathing
• Feelings of being on edge, tense and uneasy
• Restlessness
• Racing heart
• Excessive fear, worry or obsessive thinking
• Catastrophising
• Situational avoidance – affecting work, social life and/or study.

Again, diagnosis should be made by you medical health care professional.

Grief and Loss:

Grief and loss is a personal experience and can be overwhelming and seemingly everlasting. Grief is a natural reaction to loss and there is no right or wrong way to grieve or process grief and loss. The more significant the loss, the more intensified the grief may be. Grief can be all consuming and can affect every aspect of your life. Thoughts, behaviours and emotions can each be affected, as well as your sense of self, your beliefs and your sense of identity.

Feelings of grief can intensify emotions of sadness, shock, anger, isolation, regret, irritability and/or numbness. The effects of grief can be lessened by support and friendship, and talking through your thoughts, feelings and emotions with someone with whom you feel comfortable.

Stress:

Stress is a normal physiological response allowing you to protect yourself from perceived danger and perform under pressure. However, when stress levels reach a point where they become overwhelming, personal moods and relationships can be damaged, and health problems, both mental and physical can result. When stress reaches chronic levels, nearly every system in the body can be disrupted.

These may include:

• Compromising the immune system, leaving suffers more vulnerable to physical and mental health problems
• Raising blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke
• Upsetting the digestive and reproductive systems
• Weight problems and skin complaints
• Depression and/or anxiety
• Increase in general pain and sleep problems
• Negative effects on cognition and memory

 

Relationships:

Relationships can be difficult. Whether it is a relationship of choice, chance or circumstance, different personal ideals and opinions can create volatile situations. At times, these can be very difficult to navigate and manage. Creating harmony in the relationships in our lives is essential for good health and wellbeing.

Self Esteem:

Self-esteem usually refers to the thoughts and value we place upon ourselves as a person. The human capacity to ‘judge’ can often be the cause of problems with self-esteem. Whilst we all chastise or negatively refer to ourselves on occasion; ongoing and long-lasting feelings of being weak, stupid, inferior, useless, unattractive, unworthy, a failure, unlovable, or totally flawed can indicate problems with self-esteem. An overall, deep rooted negative opinion of one’s own personal value can adversely affect our mental health

 

Call Back Counselling is all about total health and wellness. We are experienced and have worked with clients from all walks of life, experiencing a vast array of personal concerns. We care; and we want you to feel happy, healthy and whole again.  We are here to support you in your space, in your time. It’s your call.