Depression and Anxiety

This article is designed to present general information only. The information provided is NOT a substitute for proper diagnosis, treatment or the provision of advice by an appropriate health professional. 

Depression and anxiety are different conditions, but they commonly occur together. They also have similar treatments.

Feeling down or having the blues now and then is normal. And everyone feels anxious from time to time — it's a normal response to stressful situations. But severe or ongoing feelings of depression and anxiety can be a sign of an underlying mental health disorder.

New Access

A free and confidential coaching program for anyone feeling stressed or overwhelmed about everyday life issues, such as work, study, relationships, health or loneliness (NOTE only in some areas in Australia – check online) New Access Coaching Program

Beyond Blue Guides

Beyond Blue has created several guides on depression and anxiety, a guide on Anxiety and a guide on Depression are provided below, as well as a Self Help guide created by BBC.

Beyond Blue – Guide to What Works for Anxiety (attached below)

Beyond Blue – Guide to What Works for Depression (attached below)

BBC CBT self-help guide (attached below) 

Have the conversation

Have the conversation “It'll be just one case where you do check in, that somebody will then find the confidence to finally open up.”

Depression Video:

Depression “I had a Black Dog”

Anxiety videos:

Snowballing Worries, an interview with someone dealing with Anxiety and how they worked to overcoming it.

I am anxiety: a creative video giving Anxiety a personification.

Latrobe University

Latrobe University has produced a resource on self help for mild anxiety. This resource is intended for general anxiety, social anxiety and for anxiety of a non-specific nature. Self Help Strategies for Mild Anxiety

Panic Attacks

A panic attack is a brief episode of intense anxiety, which causes the physical sensations of fear. These can include a racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, trembling and muscle tension. Panic attacks occur frequently and unexpectedly and are often not related to any external threat. A panic attack can last from a few minutes to half an hour. However, the physical and emotional effects of the attack may last for a few hours. 

Panic attacks – see attached panic_attacks_-_mhfa_-_guidelines_-_2021_ (BELOW) or go to Panic Attacks - MHFA Guidelines 

K10 self assessment

The K10 self assessment is widely recommended as a simple measure of psychological distress and as a measure of outcomes following treatment for common mental health disorders. The K10 self assessment can be used as a self report measure to identify need for treatment. 

K10 Checklist