Frequently Asked Questions

Depression is classified as a mood disorder. Those with depression often experience feelings of hopelessness, periods of intense sadness or distress, and a sudden drop in interest in what previously may have been enjoyable in their life (amongst numerous other symptoms). Depression is a complex disorder and affects everyone differently due to the large number of potential causes. As a result, there is no “one-size-fits-all” treatment. It is important to be mindful and understanding of those around you with the disorder, and help comfort them in their time of need.

In the past, it was not uncommon for people to dismiss the disorder as simply “feeling blue”, or just being “under the weather”. However, recent scientific and psychological knowledge points to depression as being harmful not only in our daily lives but also having the ability to worsen our physiological wellbeing (Healthline, 2018). Depressed individuals may experience somatic symptoms, such as headaches, body aches and more. These issues can then go on to affect our lives in school, at work, in relationships, and our overall quality of life.

Ultimately, depression is a complex mood disorder with serious implications. It’s important to be supportive and present for those we know with the disorder, and understand what they may be going through.

There’s no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a toll on our mental health. We’ve all been negatively affected by the pandemic, and as a result it’s normal to be experiencing mental health issues during this time. Being unable to see loved ones who might live abroad, spending most of 2020/2021 indoors, and a myriad of restrictions have proved to be very difficult and not how we might’ve expected. It’s important to realise how such a drastic change in our lives might have caused new (or worsened existing) mental health issues, as well as addressing these issues.

• Your GP (doctor)
• Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)
  Tel. (03) 9486 3077.
• Relationships Australia – provides counselling, mediation, family dispute resolution, relationship and parenting skills education, family violence support, community support, employee assistance programs and professional training. Services and programs are available nationally
  Tel. 1300 364 277.
• 1800 RESPECT is the national sexual assault and family violence counselling service for people living in Australia
  Tel. 1800 737 732.
• beyondblue – an independent, not-for-profit organisation that provides telephone and online support for depression, anxiety, and related disorders, as well as online resources and information
  Tel. 1300 22 4636.
• MensLine Australia provides national telephone and online support, information and referrals for men with family and relationship concerns
  Tel.1300 78 99 78.
• QLife provides telephone and online support to help lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex communities to work towards better health, including mental health
  Tel. 1800 184 527.
• Australian Psychological Society
  Tel. (03) 8662 3300 or 1800 333 497.
• Anxiety Recovery Centre Victoria
  Tel. (03) 9830 0533 or 1300 ANXIETY (1300 269 438).

Anxiety is a feeling of worry or fear that can become overwhelming and interfere with daily activities. It often manifests as excessive worry, restlessness, or physical symptoms like a racing heart.

Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in the human brain and nervous system, encompassing conditions such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. It emphasises that these differences are a part of normal human diversity rather than disorders.

Couples therapy helps partners address and resolve relationship issues by improving communication, understanding, and conflict-resolution skills. It provides a supportive environment for couples to work through challenges and strengthen their emotional connection.
Dr Amita Sarkar applies The Gottman Method, a science-based approach that helps couples build their Sound Relationship House together.

Acculturation is the process of adapting to a new culture while retaining aspects of one’s original cultural identity. It involves navigating cultural differences and integrating into the new society, which can affect emotional well-being and social adjustment.

Therapy helps individuals recover from childhood trauma by providing a safe space to process and understand their experiences. It offers strategies to cope with trauma-related symptoms and supports the development of healthier emotional responses.

A Clinical Psychologist is a trained mental health professional who diagnoses and treats emotional, psychological, and behavioural issues through therapy and assessment. They utilise evidence-based methods to support mental well-being and personal growth.

A personality disorder is a type of mental health condition characterised by enduring and pervasive patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving that deviate from cultural norms. These patterns can significantly impact relationships and daily functioning.

A clinical assessment is a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a mental health professional to understand an individual's psychological, emotional, and behavioural issues. It involves gathering detailed information through interviews, questionnaires, and sometimes standardised tests to inform diagnosis and treatment planning.