Anxiety refers to feelings of worry, nervousness, or a sense of apprehension, typically about an upcoming event where the outcome is uncertain. Anxiety is commonly experienced in high pressure situations or following a stressful event.
Anxiety is generally considered a natural reaction to a stressful situation. However for some people can symptoms may become severe and upsetting, interfering with their daily lives.
Common symptoms of anxiety may include: difficulty concentrating, racing thoughts, restlessness or feeling on edge, rapid heartbeat, pounding heart, tight chest or chest pain, trembling or shaking, fast/shallow breathing, shortness of breath, feeling lightheaded or faint, numbness or tingling sensations, upset stomach, nausea or sweating.
What are the Different Types of Anxiety Disorders?
- Specific Phobia – anxiety provokes by a feared objects or situations;
- Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – marked by persistent and excessive worry and anxiety;
- Social Phobia – anxiety in social or performance situations and fear of being judged negatively by people
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – Persistent and unwanted thoughts, images and impulses, and repetitive behaviours or mental acts aimed at reducing distress;
- Panic Disorder & Agoraphobia – anxiety about or avoidance of situations where escape may be difficult (or embarrassing) or where a panic attack may occur, or where help may not be available in the event of a panic attack;
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – the re-experiencing of an extremely traumatic event.
Interpersonal relationships are central parts of our lives and can have a profound impact on a person’s overall wellbeing. Differences of opinion are normal and can be enriching for a relationship. Some conflict in relationships is inevitable, but there are ways to handle conflict so that it can be constructive.
Relationships usually become stronger if partners talk about these differences. But people often get emotional and angry when they see their partner has different values, beliefs or expectations from them. All couples experience problems, it is part of sharing your life with another person. The difference between relationships that flourish and those that don’t is how well couples deal with the challenges and problems they face in their life together.
Conflict can indicate that some change is needed to keep their relationship healthy and alive. It can be an opportunity to grow and develop. Avoiding conflicts mean avoiding important issues which would be better faced and sorted out. Getting an external person provides couples with a more objective and complex understanding of the underlines causes of the conflicts is the first and most important step in this process. Learning how to communicate more openly and effectively will not only be helpful, releasing but it will also open up new avenues and possibilities for both members of the couple.
Depression is a condition in which a person feels discouraged, sad, hopeless, unmotivated, or disinterested in life in general. Most people feel sad or depressed at times. It’s a normal reaction to loss or life's struggles. But when these feelings last for more than two weeks and interfere with daily activities such as taking care of family, spending time with friends, or going to work or school, it’s likely a major depressive episode. Depression can cause deep emotional pain and can impact how we think, feel and behave. Some people experience only one episode of major depression in their life, while others may go through numerous episodes of the illness.
Major depression is a treatable illness that affects the way a person thinks, feels, behaves, and functions. At any point in time, people may suffer from major depression.
The symptoms and severity of feelings of depression may be different for each person. A person may display:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety and hopelessness
- Eating or sleeping too much or too little, including frequent waking during the night
- Loss of interest in daily activities, a lack of energy and/or loss of sex drive
- Excessive crying and/or thoughts of suicide
- Restlessness, agitation and irritability
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
Types of Depression
Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood – depression is triggered by stressful situations requiring change e.g. loss of a job, relationship break-up or “positive” changes e.g. travel, marriage, new job.
Major depression involves at least five of these symptoms for a two-week period. Such an episode is disabling and will interfere with the ability to work, study, eat, and sleep.
Dysthymia is a long-term, and chronic form of depression. It involves the same symptoms as major depression, mainly low energy, poor appetite or overeating, and insomnia or oversleeping. It can manifest as stress, irritability, and mild anhedonia, which is the inability to derive pleasure from most activities.