Anxiety and Depression Support in Point Cook
Anxiety and depression are common and treatable. If worry, sadness or a flat mood has been hanging around for a while, a GP can help make sense of what is going on and what to do next.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000. Lifeline is available 24 hours a day on 13 11 14, and Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
More than a bad week
Everyone feels worried or down at times. What sets anxiety and depression apart is that the feelings are stronger, last longer and start getting in the way of everyday life. They can affect anyone at any age, and the two often occur together.
There is rarely one single cause. Stressful events, ongoing health problems, family history, personality, and alcohol or drug use can all play a part. None of it is a sign of weakness.
Forms they can take
- Generalised anxiety: persistent worry about many everyday things
- Panic attacks: sudden surges of fear with a racing heart, breathlessness or dizziness
- Social anxiety: intense fear of being judged in social situations
- Depression: low mood or loss of interest that persists most days for a fortnight or longer
- Perinatal anxiety and depression: during pregnancy or in the year after birth
Signs in daily life
- Sadness, emptiness or irritability most of the time
- Losing interest in things you usually enjoy
- Restlessness or feeling constantly on edge
- Changes in sleep, appetite or energy
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Physical symptoms such as a tight chest, stomach upsets or muscle tension
Deciding to get help
Book in when these signs have lasted a couple of weeks, or when they affect work, study, relationships or looking after yourself. Being unsure is a good enough reason too, as is a friend or relative noticing a change. Coming in is not the only option: reception can book a doctor’s appointment by phone instead.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the type and severity of symptoms and on what you prefer. Options include a Mental Health Care Plan, talking therapy, lifestyle changes and, for some people, medicine.
Physical causes are worth ruling out, as thyroid problems, anaemia and some medicines can produce similar symptoms. Any blood tests ordered can be done without leaving the building, as Dorevitch Pathology runs a collection centre in the clinic. Your doctor may also review your current medicines for anything that could affect mood.
Recovery has ups and downs
Improvement is not always a straight line. Good days and harder days are common, and it can take several weeks to notice a real change. Follow-up visits are the time to check whether treatment is helping and change course if it is not. Should things get worse, book in sooner rather than holding out until the next planned visit.
After feeling better, it helps to know your early warning signs and have a plan for what to do if symptoms start to return.
If someone close to you is struggling
Tell them you have noticed a change and that you are there to listen, without trying to fix everything. Encourage them to see a GP, and offer to help make the booking or go along. Supporting someone can be tiring, so look after your own health too.
Fees and bulk billing
Out-of-pocket fees apply to most consultations, and each practitioner sets their own fees. Bulk billing is available with all our doctors for Veterans’ Affairs patients, pensioners over 65, childhood and adult immunisations and GP care plans. See our fees page or call reception before you book.