Articles and Psycho-Education Products

Anxiety refers to feelings of worry, nervousness, or a sense of apprehension, typically about an upcoming event where the outcome is uncertain, or where the person feels they might not be up to the task. Anxiety is commonly experienced in high pressure situations, for example, prior to a making a speech or sitting an exam. Feelings of anxiety can also arise following a stressful event, like an accident where the person is left feeling shaken. Anxious feelings are usually accompanied by physical sensations such as a churning stomach, light headedness, and a racing heart.

While anxiety is considered a natural reaction to a stressful situation, for some people anxious thoughts, feelings, or physical symptoms can become severe and upsetting, interfering with their ability to go about their daily lives. Where symptoms of anxiety occur frequently, over a period of time, and interfere with daily life, it is typically considered an anxiety disorder. There are a number of different types of anxiety disorder, including Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Specific phobia, Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Social Anxiety Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

To learn more, take a look at the Perth Psychologists Psycho-education sheet ..... What is Anxiety?

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness. Depression is more than just a bout of the blues, it isn't a weakness and you can't simply "snap out" of it. It affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems.

For many people with depression, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in normal day-to-day activities, such as work, school, social activities or relationships. Some people feel generally miserable or unhappy without really knowing why.

Depression is a serious condition which often gets worse if untreated, resulting in emotional, behavioural and health problems that affect every area of your life.

To learn more take a look at the Perth Psychologists Psycho-education sheet ..... What is Depression?

When most of us think about what causes addictions the things that come to mind tend to be drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, gambling, computer games and pornography, but these are not the causal factors of addiction. Addictions are the things people turn to, to compensate for something else that is affecting their underlying mental health, quality of life and well-being.

The underlying causal factor of addiction is related to a natural desire to avoid pain and seek pleasure. Typically there is something not working in an individual’s life and they turn to a particular behaviour to avoid that pain and or create pleasure where it is missing. If it is done enough times and has a level of intensity associated with it, it can build neural pathways or ‘thought tracks’ in the brain which become increasingly compulsive and hard to break. But they can be interrupted and you can return to previous ways of being.

The primary indicator of an addiction is when there is an impaired or no ability to stop. When a behaviour has reached this level it has a health and safety implication. It can impact relationships, family, employment, and starts to affect an individual’s overall quality of life and well-being.

Addiction can be complex, and quitting takes more than good intentions, but with help, self-compassion and persistence a quality of life and well-being free of addiction can be achieved.

To learn more take a look at the Perth Psychologists Psycho-education sheet ..... What is Addiction?

Developing good communication and connectedness, and learning to manage and address underlying stressors and relationship problems effectively is important to building and maintaining a healthy and fulfilling relationship.

Conflicts and disagreements occur in all close relationships, and are a normal part of dealing with differences in ideas, beliefs, and experiences. However, ongoing conflict in a relationship can lead to a range of problems, be very stressful and lead to diminishing well-being and the complete breakdown of a relationship.

To learn more take a look at the Perth Psychologists Psycho-education sheet ..... What is Relationship Satisfaction?

Anger is a normal human emotion, and while is frequently seen as a negative emotion, it can be healthy and useful to express strong feelings if directed appropriately. But anger becomes a problem when other people around you are frightened, hurt or feel they cannot talk to you or disagree with you in case you become angry.

 “Anyone can become angry - that is easy, but to be angry with the right person at the right time, and for the right purpose and in the right way …that is not easy.” – Aristotle

Why do we get angry?

Anger is often triggered when a person feels wronged, that something is unfair or that important things in our lives are not being respected or are under threat. Whether someone gets angry typically depends on the person’s mood, perspective, and physical well-being, ability to manage stress, coping skills, and available supports.

To learn more take a look at the Perth Psychologists Psycho-education sheet ..... Anger Management