WHAT YOU EAT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE

We've heard it all before: you are what you eat -- and according to medical experts, there are foods that can help you keep cool and leave anxiety and depression at bay:

• Almonds contain magnesium, which helps to relax muscles, and tryptophan, which increases the brain’s level of serotonin.

• Bananas contain serotonin, magnesium and melatonin.

• Milk. You’ve heard that you should have a glass of warm milk to help you fall asleep. Milk is rich in tryptophan and the calcium helps your body assimilate that tryptophan.

• Whole grains like whole wheat bread, quinoa and brown rice are better for you than foods made from processed grains. The term whole grain means that the entire grain is being eaten, including the fiber and essential oils that allow the body to digest the food slower, releasing glucose into the blood stream a little bit at a time. Whole grains give your body measured, even energy and keep you from receiving a rush and suffering a letdown that can be terrible for your nerves.

• Peaches have a natural sedative that can help reduce stress and anxiety.

• Leafy Greens and other Vitamin B rich foods like beef, chicken, beans and legumes, oranges, rice, nuts and eggs are full of B-Vitamins. Some studies show that people who maintain a diet rich in B Vitamins are better supported to ward off anxiety and depression.

• Salmon: Omega-3 fats found in fatty fish such as salmon and tuna can help you maintain a happier, more relaxed mood.

• Proteins like Greek yogurt, meat, cheese, eggs, nuts, tofu and legumes, help stimulate the production of brain chemicals that are known to improve mood and energy.   

 *

• Caffeine has been shown to lower levels of serotonin in the brain which can cause you to feel irritable and anxious. It can also cause mild dehydration which can cause depression.

• Alcohol may seem like a substance that calms you, but as your body processes it, it can make you feel anxious and depressed. Each alcoholic drink you consume is recognized by your body as a simple sugar, which is terrible for maintaining a steady, calm mood. Alcohol also dehydrates you and can disrupt sleep, and you need a good night of sleep to feel happy and stable.

• Processed foods are full of simple carbohydrates, sodium and preservatives and chemicals which can cause an anxious reaction in the body. Eating fresh, whole foods provides your body with the nutrients and energy it needs to function properly. Pay attention to the way you feel after eating certain processed foods. Many people have nervous reactions to certain food additives and preservatives.

• Pesticides in commercially grown produce can cause symptoms of anxiety in some people. Many cases of headaches, dizziness, weakness and difficulty breathing have been reported as a result of consuming pesticides, which could all contribute to a state of anxiety and depression. Some of the foods with the worst pesticide contamination in the U.S. include apples, celery, peaches, imported grapes, leafy greens, strawberries, blueberries and potatoes. Choose local and organic versions of these foods when you can.

 source: http://www.voxxi.com/anxiety-attack-eat-difference/

SALLY-ANNE MCCORMACK - LIVING WITH ANTS

Famed ADAVIC committee member, Sally-Anne McCormack is a lot of things. She not only is a clinical psychologist with private practices in Blackburn and Burwood East in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, but also is a registered psychologist, counsellor, media consultant, former teacher, wife and mother of four. On top of all that she is a writer, too. 

Also a regular on the now ended programme The Circle, McCormack has written a series of books for children which also apply to parents, teachers and social workers. Her current book Living With ANTs, provides strategies to identify and how to deal with them.

ADAVIC is proud to be celebrating with Sally-Anne for the launch of her new book on Wednesday September 5th. Please visit the ADAVIC site for more information and bookings, or call 03 9853 8089.

YOUR COMPASS

The Black Dog Institute and the Federal Government have launched a new website designed to help people who may not otherwise seek help about their anxiety issues. 

"myCompass is an interactive self-help service that aims to promote resilience and wellbeing for all Australians. myCompass is a guide to good mental health – it points you in the right direction. You can track your moods, write about them and view information and tips. You can also choose to do one of the modules designed to help you manage mild to moderate stress, anxiety and depression."

"To get the most out of myCompass we recommend you:
track at least 2 moods, feelings or events each day
complete at least 2 of the modules & home tasks
use the program regularly for 6 to 8 weeks"

Check it out! 

'GREEN TIME' GOOD FOR KIDS

EXPLORING the great outdoors is not only good for the body - it can improve the mind.

Regular 'green time' can help boost children's grades and confidence, while reducing stress, obesity, depression, and even the severity of ADHD, a new report says.

Heading outside can recharge children's circuitry, helping them pay better attention in class, the report commissioned by Planet Ark found.

But most parents are unaware that just half an hour a day immersed in nature can pay academic dividends for their children.

The research, commissioned ahead of National Tree Day, surveyed Australian parents and carers, and reviewed international findings on nature's health benefits.

It found one in four Aussie kids had never bushwalked or climbed a tree, and 11 per cent had never been to a zoo.

While most parents agreed that contact with nature was beneficial, 86 per cent did not believe children spent enough time outdoors.

Seventy-six per cent of parents said children could not identify common Australian trees like the wattle and bottlebrush, and nearly half felt children preferred indoor activities.

But Deakin University School of Health and Social Development Associate Professor Mardie Townsend said trees and shrubs could improve capacity to learn in the classroom, called 'attention restoration theory'.

"Even 30 minutes of green time can level the playing field for children who aren't naturally good at book learning by having a positive impact on their higher order cognitive skills,'' Dr Townsend said. 

"Doing nature-related activities can boost self-esteem for kids who struggle to learn the traditional way and natural settings reduce stress by providing a soothing atmosphere.''

The report says Australians are at risk of "generational environmental amnesia'' - where younger generations view the degradation of the environment as "normal'' and "acceptable''.

"Over time, our society's baseline by which we view the health of the environment declines,'' it says.

Planet Ark spokeswoman Rebecca Gilling rued the loss of basic adventures in nature.

"These things were absolutely standard in my childhood and ring alarm bells for me,'' she said.

National Tree Day is on Sunday 29 July.

(source)

Want to assist in Research?

Want to assist in research by completing a survey?  If yes, read the below information:-

Our survey is centered on positive psychological factors which may act as resilient factors to depression. Particularly we are looking at optimism, goal setting, and self-efficacy to assess if they act as protective factors to depressive symptoms. We are doing it in an online form and participation is of course completely voluntary and anonymous. Further information about the study is provided in a plain language statement which can be found on the first page of the survey.

Below are the links to our study. I have included two surveys which are identical apart from the order of scales as a way of counterbalancing. This is just to ensure that the order of the scales doesn’t affect the data we obtain. People who volunteer to participate simply click on one of the two links and follow the prompts. It only takes on average 15 minutes to complete.

http://medusa.ballarat.edu.au/limesurvey/index.php?sid=93884&lang=en

http://medusa.ballarat.edu.au/limesurvey/index.php?sid=37811&lang=en

Depression

By Dr Simon Kinsella, Clinical Psychologist


Living with depression is like walking waist deep through treacle, everything seems hard from the moment I wake up. Even waking up is hard. I might sleep 10 hours a night, but my eyelids feel as if they are made of lead. When I do drag myself out of bed, everything I do is hard. It's like too much effort to get to the bathroom, to get breakfast, or to get dressed.

Whether or not I make it to work is always a question. Sometimes I just have to call in sick because I can’t face other people. And it’s not like I’m staying home to have fun, nothing is fun. I used to like getting out on my bike. Now it seems like too much effort. I used to love listening to music, now it all irritates me. Not even eating, nothing has any flavour any more. And as for sex – forget it.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What does it look like? (Symptoms)

Depression can present itself in many different ways. It may come about suddenly, or have built up over time. It can last months to years. There are some things that all depression sufferers have in common though. Sadness would be the number one common theme. A lack of drive or motivation would also be very common. Third would be a sense of helplessness, “there is nothing I can do to feel better”, or “there is nothing I can do to fix my problems”.

Depression has many different names. The “blues”, “down in the dumps”, “the black dog”, or “the sads” are all common terms. But what is it really? To be diagnosed with depression, a person must experience a minimum number of symptoms, such as:


•Feeling sad most of the time (more than 50%), most days, for more than 2 weeks
•Crying easily, or often
•Feeling lethargic, tired, or unmotivated
•Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
•Feeling flat, or not feeling any emotion (feeling empty)
•Feeling restless, and unable to sit still
•Feeling guilty or embarrassed beyond what is reasonable
•Worrying excessively
•Suicidal ideas, thoughts or actions
•Rapid weight gain or loss
•Loss of sex drive
•Poor quality sleep, or excessive sleep
•Trouble with concentration and or memory

The gradual appearance of symptoms may be an early warning that depression is developing. Sometimes people experience just a few symptoms that are more of an irritation than anything else. When these symptoms persist over years they are sometimes called “dysthymia”. When it comes on suddenly with a lot of symptoms it is called a “major depressive episode”. Sometimes it comes and goes for no apparent reason. Other forms of depression include bipolar disorder (or manic depression), post natal depression and cyclothymia. Diagnosing depression properly can be a difficult task!



How can it cause a problem in my life?

Depression can be a problem in many ways, because it shuts people down. They struggle to perform at work or school, they have more problems with their friends, their family and their partners. And they stop having fun!

At the least, depression might just interrupt life. It might make a short period of life difficult, like a blip on the radar. Commonly though, it hangs around for long enough for others to notice, and to make it hard to progress in life. Whether that’s at school, work, as a parent, a partner or a friend. At it’s worst, depression can make it impossible to work, or to function socially. It has been the reason for some people dropping out of work, breaking up marriages, and taking drugs. In the most tragic circumstances it has also lead to people taking their own lives.


Who else experiences it?

Major depression is described as the “common cold of mental health”.

•Estimates vary from 10% to 25% for women, and 5% to 12% for men.
•Many people have symptoms that are not diagnosed. At any one time almost 1 in 10 people will be suffering from a major depressive episode, plus people suffering the other forms of depression, like dysthymia, bipolar disorder (manic depression), or post-natal depression.
•Increasingly, media personalities such as Premiers, AFL footballers, TV presenters have told of their depression.
•Depression can occur at any age, from early childhood upwards. Most commonly it will occur for the first time by the early 20’s. It varies greatly in how long it lasts.


What can I do about it? How can I manage it?

•Self-Help: In cases where depression is mild, self help books can be a great way of dealing with the problem. There can be a great sense of satisfaction in conquering the problem using your own resources.
•Professional Support: For many people, self-help is simply not enough. Medical practitioners are often a good place to start for advice. They can tell you about the range of medications available, and the pros and cons. A GP is also best placed to tell you whether a psychiatrist, psychologist or other professional is likely to be the best placed to help you if he or she cannot offer all you need. Current research shows that the level of treatment required depends on the severity of the condition. For a mild depression, “talking therapies” are often all that’s required. Therapists can help you find more effective ways of approaching problems.
•Medication: Moderate depression might require a combination of medication and talking therapies. Sometimes however, finding the best medication can be a difficult process, as not all medications suit all people. In severe cases a person may require medication in order to benefit from talking therapies.

What Outlook can I expect?

The best approach with depression is to get in early. The sooner you deal with symptoms the faster you will recover, the less support you’ll need, and the smaller the chances you will relapse. The more depressed you become, the harder it becomes to recover. It is important to not lose hope. Persist with treatment, and if you’re not satisfied with your progress talk to your doctor or therapist. Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion; remember there is a huge amount of information and support available!


What resources are available for help?
Support Groups
ADAVIC Support Group
Grow www.grow.net.au Ph: 1800 558 268

Websites
depressionServices www.depressionservices.org.au

beyondBlue www.beyondblue.org.au

Books
Wigney, Parker, Eyers (2007). Journeys with the Black Dog.

Andrews (2006). Back from the Brink: Australians tell their stories of overcoming Depression.

Davidson (2007). What Does Blue Feel Like?

A Diet For Happiness

The saying "you are what you eat" takes on a whole new meaning with research showing that food effects our mental health and helps to reduce depression and anxiety.

Dr Felice Jacka from Deakin University found that diets high in processed foods and junk food were more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression than those who had diets high in fruit, vegetables, fish and other lean protein.

So changing what you eat can really make you healthier and happier!

New e-tool to catch youth depression before it takes hold.

Australian researchers have received funding to develop a customised Internet program to equip young people, especially those at risk, with the skills and resilience to avoid depression. The web-based program will aim to prevent depression by building resilience. The service will be focused towards young people (aged 18-24)who fall into high risk groups such as strong family history of mood disorders, and other factors relating to environment, lifestyle, personality and stress management.

The need for this type of preventative approach is vital. Studies indicate that about 50 percent of all life-long psychiatric disorders start by the age of 14, and about 75 percent of disorders are present by the age of 24. If people within this age group have been better equip with better coping strategies and resilience, the hope is that the severity of disorders will be reduced and that prevalence rates might reduce.

The current system of treating disorders after symptoms emerge has been likened to only treating heart disease patients when they have a heart attack. It is important that everyone has access to mental health services and strategies and that everyone practices mentally healthy habits.

For more information, read the full article.

Reconnexion National Community Conference

Anxiety: Create a Path to Recovery

1 in 7 people experience an anxiety disorder in Australia and yet there is a lack of information and understanding in this area. People are often unaware that there is treatment available and it’s hard to find information on how to access help and what has been proven to be effective.

Reconnexion is holding a National Community Conference – Anxiety: Create a Path to Recovery for people who have anxiety, their family and friends on Saturday 8 October at Darebin Arts & Entertainment Centre to address this problem. A one day event for the community – that is, ‘consumers’ and ‘carers’ – almost all of us given the widespread nature of these common mental health problems.

Each person has their own journey; the conference aims to help people make choices based on individual needs so they can develop their own path to recovery

The Conference will inform people of the treatment and support options available; provide information on evidence based treatment; help people to navigate the maze of conflicting information; and support people, families and friends affected by anxiety disorders.

To achieve this, the Conference will present current counselling treatment, research and programs; e-therapy and web based programs; support programs such as meditation, yoga, art therapy; and the experience of consumers and carers.

Clinicians and people who have experienced anxiety disorders will come together to share their knowledge and skills in workshops and plenary sessions allowing people to choose the session of most benefit to them. Presenters include Simon Palomares, Associate Professor Nickolai Titov, Professor Paula Barrett, Professor Kathy Griffiths, Pauline McKinnon and Dr Wendy Knight.
This conference is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Health & Ageing.

For further information visit this direct link:
http://www.reconnexion.org.au/community-conference-on-anxiety/w1/i1024364/

Probiotics May Help Treat Anxiety & Depression

New research has found that good bacteria, or probiotics like those found in yoghurt could help treat people with anxiety and depression because it helps to reduce stress and has the potential to change the chemistry of the brain, thus relieving symptoms.

Watch a video from The Today Show to find out more: Yoghurt Magic

"Questions and Answers" - Anxiety, Depression and Treatment Options.

Each year one in five Australians experiences a mental illness, yet due to stigma associated with these conditions many do not seek assistance. On Tuesday the 20th September ADAVIC are providing everyone with the oppurtunity to Ask Questions and Get Answers from Clinical Psychologist Dr Sallee McLaren and Psychotherapist Pauline McKinnon. For more information or to book online please click here.

Participate in Research!

Are you experiencing depression?

http://www.adavic.org.au/files/cms/Research/2011/depression_research_marasco_VUT_aug2011.pdf

This study is being conducted by Theresa Marasco and Anne Graham from the School of Social Sciences and Psychology at Victoria University.

If you are:

•Aged Between 25 and 40, and
•Currently receiving help for Depression…

You are invited to participate in a research study looking at how depression may be related to our:


•Experiences of relationships
•Experiences of intimacy
•Feelings of dependence and independence

Help us contribute to the body of knowledge about Depression by completing some confidential questionnaires…

What will I be asked to do? If you give your consent to participate in this study, you will be involved in completing five questionnaires;


•Background Questionnaire
•Adult Attachment Questionnaire
•The Miller Social Intimacy Scale
•The Personal Style Inventory
•Beck Depression Inventory

It will take approximately 35 to 45 minutes to complete all the questionnaires. You are not required to provide your name or any other personal information; your identity will remain anonymous. As a token of appreciation for your time, you will go into the draw to win a $50 Coles / Myer Voucher.

For more information feel free to contact:

Theresa Marasco, Doctor of Psychology candidate.
Phone: 0402 317 533

Case Studies Wanted: Opportunity to Share Your Personal Story for the Purposes of an Educational Video

Video Education Australasia is looking to interview young people within the Melbourne area for two upcoming educational videos they are making.

One of the videos is on depression while the other is on anxiety and the final product will be two 20 minute DVDs that will be distributed to secondary schools around Australia. It will also be available via the VEA digital distribution platform Click View. Programs are also usually advertised in their catalogues and on their websites www.vea.com.au and www.trainingpoint.net, promoted through telemarketing and at conferences. A typical program remains in distribution for 3 to 5 years.

The director, Kurt Breitenmoser, is currently looking to interview young people aged between 18 and 28 living in Melbourne "who have faced these conditions, who can share their personal journey in the program".

At this stage participants will need to be available for filming on the 25th of July 2011 with the interviews expected to take approximately 40 minutes each. Credit and copies of the final product will be provided to all those involved.

Anyone who is interested in participating or would like further information should contact Kurt on 0412 633 617 or reply via kurt@erwinfilms.com

Daniela’s Story……

Firstly, I would like to point out that my story is not an answer to depression, it’s simply a story that I hope can give peace to someone else that may be going through anxiety and depression. To read about someone else’s story gives you some insight, guidance and comfort that you are really not the only one feeling like this.

I was a happy, smart, and motivated teenager. I finished VCE and went onto Uni. My anxiety began 2 months into uni, I was 19. I remember exactly what I was doing when I felt my first panic attack. It was just a normal Saturday night at home with my family and we had just ordered fish and chips. We began eating and after about five minutes I started to feel panicky and dizzy. I wasn’t sure what was wrong with me but I knew that this feeling was not something I had experienced before, and as time went on I became more and more scared. I went into the lounge room and curled up into a ball on the couch. My mum came and sat beside me and said are you feeling ok? I just burst into tears for no apparent reason. My head started spinning, I was sweating profusely at the palm of my hands, my legs went to jelly and my stomach felt horrible. Most importantly I couldn’t think straight and my heart started beating uncontrollably. Not knowing what my diagnosis was at this point, my only thought was that I was dying. The thoughts going through my head were – “I’m too young to die”, “I don’t deserve this”, “I haven’t done all the things I wanted to do in life”, “what will my family do without me”. It turns out, this was the first of my panic attack episodes. I spent the next couple of weeks home, constantly crying and sleeping on the couch all day long. I needed to have my mother by my side otherwise it would get worse. I still didn’t know what was wrong with me at this point. I remember one particular week I visited the doctor every day – five days in a row. I first saw my doctor and told him that i didn’t understand what was wrong with me, i felt i needed to see a doctor but couldn’t really describe what the issue was. After I explained the symptoms of the last couple of weeks, I was diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder.

Living with depression is, very very hard. Living with depression affects your every day routines and most importantly relationships with loved ones. Being with a partner and getting them to understand depression was a battle for me. A long battle which would play on my mind each minute, losing faith and doubting myself. Will I be a good enough wife, mother, daughter, friend, lover, friend? Will I suffer depression when I’m older? Will I fall into that spout of depression where I cry uncontrollably and cannot understand why I’m unhappy? Will I have thoughts of suicide, will I have panic attacks? Who will help me? My mum and sister won’t be around for me forever. Who will understand and be able to help me through panic attacks, times of being so low that my body becomes irritable and my mind races a million miles per hour. But I will say that reading other people’s stories, finding a tiny bit of inner peace and reading up on symptoms, side effects and just to know that there are millions of other people in the same situation has given me something that makes me get up each morning and have that bit in me to keep going. Bottom line is I have achieved good things and I know that one day my strength will overcome this inner feeling I hold each day.

In conclusion, nobody should live in fear and anxiety. We have choices in life and we have choice in most things we come across. It’s how we take situations is what defines our path. We can choose to crumble or we can choose to stand strong and fight our problems. Some days are easier than others, but just remember you are not alone.

By Daniela – December 2008

Reconnexion Group Programs

Reconnexion is another organisation offering support to sufferers of anixiety and depression.

From their website:

Reconnexion has been providing counselling and other services for over 23 years. Our motto is "Reconnect With Life!"
The aim of Reconnexion is to provide effective information & counselling to support you to overcome the effects of anxiety, depression or dependency which may be preventing you from full participation and enjoyment of life.

In the coming months they have some group programs which you may be interested in:




SOCIAL PHOBIA COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY GROUP:
starts on June 27, 2011
This group provides an opportunity to learn effective, evidence based strategies to overcome social phobia, with a supportive group of like minded people. Reconnexion psychologist Sonja Skocic has been successfully providing this popular group for many years.

Details:
LEADER: Sonja Skokic

DATE: Monday, June 27 to September 19 2011 (no group 8/8)

TIME: 6.30pm – 8.00pm

LOCATION: 222 Burke Road Glen Iris

COST: $480.00 (Medicare rebate available if referred by your GP)



EMOTIONAL WELLBEING GROUP:
starts on August 10, 2011
Supportive group meditation classes for people with little or no experience of meditation. In this 7 week programme you will learn how to practice both structured and incidental mindfulness. Meditation teacher Steve Brown has over 15 years of meditation experience.

Details:
LEADER: Steve Brown

DATE: Wednesday, Aug 10 to Sept 21 2011 (7 weeks)

TIME: 7.00pm to 9.00pm

LOCATION: Hartington Centre, 24 Hartington Street, Northcote

COST: $245.00 (Medicare rebate of $128.10 available if referred by your GP. Attendance is required to claim full rebate)


BETTER SLEEP PROGRAM :
July 21 & 28 2011
This group led by Fiona Lewi, an experienced Psychologist specialising in health and sleep problems. Fiona will provide participants with effective strategies to be used for sleep problems.

Details:
LEADER: Fiona Lewi

DATE: Thursday 21st & 28th July 2011 (2 sessions)

TIME: 7:00pm – 8:30pm

LOCATION: Reconnexion, 222 Burke Road, Glen Iris

COST: $88.00 (Medicare rebate of $41.70 available with Mental Health Care Plan issued by your GP)


For Further information visit their website:
http://www.reconnexion.org.au/group-programs/w1/i1001197/

National Volunteer Week

This week is National Volunteer Week where the essential role that volunteers play within society is officially recognised.

According to Volunteering Australia, there are more than 5 million volunteers contributing to communities around Australia.

Here at ADAVIC we have over 45 volunteers who perform a wide range of activities within the organisation. Being a non-profit organisation we rely on volunteers to help us continue to provide a wide range of services for people with anxiety disorders within the community.

So to all our volunteers out there, past and present, thank you for all you do!

For anyone interested in volunteering with ADAVIC please send an email to us: adavic@adavic.org.au

Mental Health and the Federal Budget

On Tuesday night the Federal Budget was released and one of the big announcements was the Government's investment in the Mental Health Sector.

The Government has said it will provide $2.2 billion over five years as part of a mental health reform package that will try and focus on prevention of mental illness. The package will also aim to provide streamlined services for people with chronic mental illness.

The Department of Health and Ageing released a joint statement from its ministers saying that under the reform "Australians with a mental illness will get the care they need, when they need it".

Under the reform a mental health commission will also be established, a move welcomed by the Mental Health Council of Australia.

“A Mental Health Commission is one of the measures we have long been advocating for and is very significant investment in better accountability and governance in mental health," they said.

Not everyone is pleased with the Government's announcement though. Australian Medical Association President Dr Andrew Pesce said under the reform patients would end up having to pay more to see their GP.

"Devaluing the role of family doctors is a backward step that will seriously fragment medical and mental health care for those people who need it in the community", he said.

At this point it appears there are more positives than negatives to the announcement. Any commitment to funding for the mental health sector can only be a good thing. Especially considering how many Australians have a mental illness such as anxiety and depression.

For More indepth coverage of the announcement visit the links bellow:

Croakey Blog: Overview of the budget’s mental health announcements – and some preliminary reaction

Media Release: Department of Health and Ageing

Media Release: Mental Health Council of Australia

The Australian: Mental health reforms aim for prevention

Lateline: Government Pours $2.2b into Mental Health

Daniela’s Story……

Firstly, I would like to point out that my story is not an answer to depression, it’s simply a story that I hope can give peace to someone else that may be going through anxiety and depression. To read about someone else’s story gives you some insight, guidance and comfort that you are really not the only one feeling like this.

I was a happy, smart, and motivated teenager. I finished VCE and went onto Uni. My anxiety began 2 months into uni, I was 19. I remember exactly what I was doing when I felt my first panic attack. It was just a normal Saturday night at home with my family and we had just ordered fish and chips. We began eating and after about five minutes I started to feel panicky and dizzy. I wasn’t sure what was wrong with me but I knew that this feeling was not something I had experienced before, and as time went on I became more and more scared. I went into the lounge room and curled up into a ball on the couch. My mum came and sat beside me and said are you feeling ok? I just burst into tears for no apparent reason. My head started spinning, I was sweating profusely at the palm of my hands, my legs went to jelly and my stomach felt horrible. Most importantly I couldn’t think straight and my heart started beating uncontrollably. Not knowing what my diagnosis was at this point, my only thought was that I was dying. The thoughts going through my head were – “I’m too young to die”, “I don’t deserve this”, “I haven’t done all the things I wanted to do in life”, “what will my family do without me”. It turns out, this was the first of my panic attack episodes. I spent the next couple of weeks home, constantly crying and sleeping on the couch all day long. I needed to have my mother by my side otherwise it would get worse. I still didn’t know what was wrong with me at this point. I remember one particular week I visited the doctor every day – five days in a row. I first saw my doctor and told him that i didn’t understand what was wrong with me, i felt i needed to see a doctor but couldn’t really describe what the issue was. After I explained the symptoms of the last couple of weeks, I was diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder.

Living with depression is, very very hard. Living with depression affects your every day routines and most importantly relationships with loved ones. Being with a partner and getting them to understand depression was a battle for me. A long battle which would play on my mind each minute, losing faith and doubting myself. Will I be a good enough wife, mother, daughter, friend, lover, friend? Will I suffer depression when I’m older? Will I fall into that spout of depression where I cry uncontrollably and cannot understand why I’m unhappy? Will I have thoughts of suicide, will I have panic attacks? Who will help me? My mum and sister won’t be around for me forever. Who will understand and be able to help me through panic attacks, times of being so low that my body becomes irritable and my mind races a million miles per hour. But I will say that reading other people’s stories, finding a tiny bit of inner peace and reading up on symptoms, side effects and just to know that there are millions of other people in the same situation has given me something that makes me get up each morning and have that bit in me to keep going. Bottom line is I have achieved good things and I know that one day my strength will overcome this inner feeling I hold each day.

In conclusion, nobody should live in fear and anxiety. We have choices in life and we have choice in most things we come across. It’s how we take situations is what defines our path. We can choose to crumble or we can choose to stand strong and fight our problems. Some days are easier than others, but just remember you are not alone.

By Daniela – December 2008