Anxiety

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Bipolar disorder formally referred as manic-depressive illness or manic depression is a mental health disorder that comprises of:

• unusual shifts in mood
• energy
• activity levels
• concentration, and 
• the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks[1]. 

While the exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, it is thought a combination of genetic and environmental factors are associated with its development[2]. Typically, people with bipolar disorder experience episodes of extreme lows (‘depression’) or extreme highs (‘mania’). 

Signs and symptoms of a manic state include:

• Increased energy
• Irritability
• Increased sex drive
• Increased spending 
• Decreased sleep
• Racing thoughts

Whereas signs and symptoms of a depressed state include:

• Low mood
• Low self-esteem
• Loss or change of appetite 
• Irritability 
• Suicidal thoughts
• Sleep disturbances 

Commonly, bipolar disorder is treated with medications that stabilise mood or anti-depressants[3]. Other strategies to help manage living with bipolar disorder may include:

• Keeping a record of mood through mood charts 
• Involving those around you to monitor your mood
• Engaging in support groups or online networks 
• Understanding and learning about your disorder 
• Psychological counselling such as cognitive behavioural therapy 
• Avoiding alcohol and illicit drugs. 

References

[1] National Institute of Mental Health. Bipolar Disorder nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml

[2] Beyond Blue. Bipolar disorder beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/bipolar-disorder

[3] Healthy WA. Bipolar disorder healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Bipolar-disorder

While feeling sad and low are normal healthy emotions occasionally, depression is defined as the persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness[1]. In Australia, depression is the third highest burden of all diseases[2]. 

Depression is commonly characterised as a mental health condition with signs and symptoms including:

• changes in behaviour like withdrawing from friends and family
• disengagement in usual enjoyable activities and 
• not going out

Changes in feelings can include feelings of being overwhelmed, disappointment, frustration and lacking in confidence. Although a mental health condition, depression can also affect your physical health with symptoms such as chronic pain and digestive issues[3]. 

There are different types of depressive disorders each with their own symptoms and conditions. Post partum blues or postnatal depression is a common condition that affects up to 80% of women immediately in the year after birth[3]. 

As there are different types of depression, it is important to ensure the correct treatment is being provided. Currently, there are three broad categories of western medical treatment: psychological, physical and self-help/alternative therapies[2]. Complementary to these treatments, studies have demonstrated an effective role of acupuncture treatment in management of depression[4][5]. 

References

[1] Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)

[2] Blackdog Institute. Depression. blackdoginstitute.org.au/clinical-resources/depression

[3] Beyond Blue. What is depression? beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/depression

[4] Li et al (2019) Effectiveness of Acupuncture Used for the Management of Postpartum Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. BioMed Research International. doi: 10.1155/2019/6597503

[5] Lee et al (2019) Effects of Acupuncture on Chronic Stress-Induced Depression-Like Behaviour and Its Central Neural Mechanism. Frontiers in Psychology. doi: 10.1136/acupmed-2017-011530

Everyone may get slightly moody once in a while. This is ‘normal’. However when a low mood purveys all aspects of our lives, then this requires medical attention. Typically triggered by an event or experience, moods are part of our emotional rhythm and are less intense than emotions[1]. 

Understanding and managing our moods is important as moods can shape how we choose to behave and think. As moods are less intense than emotions, they typically disappear within a couple days. 

It is thought that moods are created through three factors: 

1. Biology (hormones)

2. Psychology (personality and learned responses), and 

3. Environment (stress)

It is important to take notice of a negative mood or low mood as low moods which do not pass within a couple days or are significantly disrupting your life, may increase the risk of depression. Common strategies aimed to combat frequent low mood episodes are cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) or mindfulness[1]. Mindfulness is a popular approach to manage low mood where it practices accepting what comes without judgement. 

Commonly, a low mood can include feelings of[2]:

• Anger
• Anxiousness 
• Frustration
• Low self-esteem
• Sadness
• Tiredness
• Worry.

References

[1] Better Health Channel (2017, December) Monitoring your mood betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/HealthyLiving/monitoring-your-mood

[2] NHS (2020, February) Low mood and depression nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/mental-wellbeing/low-mood-and-depression/low-mood-and-depression

Focused thoughts or repeated behaviours are common in day to day life but when these behaviours cause difficultly in daily functioning, you may be affected by a chronic mental health condition known as obsessive compulsive disorder or OCD.

Affecting all ages with most individuals diagnosed by age 19, it is thought OCD is caused by a combination of factors including genetics, environment and brain structure and function[1]. 

OCD is a type of anxiety disorder defined as having recurring, unwanted thoughts, ideas or sensations (obsessions) causing individuals to be driven to do something repetitive (compulsions) in order to alleviate or neutralise the distress[2]. For example, obsessively thinking ‘I haven’t locked the front door’ can lead to repeated checking which impacts and adversely affects one’s day to day life. 

Typically, individuals with OCD understand the irrationality of their thoughts and behaviours but are often unable to stop them and generally last for more than an hour each day[3]. 

Common obsessions and compulsions individuals with OCD can show include[4]:

• Washing hands often
• Constant intrusive, unwanted thoughts or mental images
• Putting things in a particular order
• Feeling you have to do things over and over again 
• Constantly asking people for reassurance
• Cleaning clothes, house or belongings excessively.

In some cases, individuals with OCD feel intense shame and these feelings can exacerbate the problem causing a delay in diagnosis and treatment[5]. However, it is important if you or someone is experiencing symptoms of OCD to visit your medical practitioner or contact professional services online such as Beyond Blue or Head to Health. Treatment of OCD is typically treated with a combination of medications and psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)[6]. 

References

[1] National Institute of Mental Health. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder – Risk Factors. nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/index.shtml

[2] American Psychiatric Association (2017, July) What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder? psychiatry.org/patients-families/ocd/what-is-obsessive-compulsive-disorder#:~:text=Obsessive%2Dcompulsive%20disorder%20(OCD)%20is%20an%20anxiety%20disorder%20in,do%20something%20repetitively%20(compulsions).

[3] Robinson (2020, April) Everything You Want to Know About Obsessive Compulsive Disorder healthline.com/health/ocd/social-signs

[4] The Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (2016, June) Obsessive compulsive disorder yourhealthinmind.org/mental-illnesses-disorders/ocd

[5] Beyond Blue. OCD beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety/types-of-anxiety/ocd

[6] National Institute of Mental Health. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/index.shtml

Throughout our lives, we experience many challenges, situations or circumstances which can result in the response of stress. This generally is caused by an imbalance between the demands being made on us and our resources to meet those demands[1]. However, the level or extent to which we experience stress depends on a wide range of factors such as lifestyle, attitude, past experiences, social circumstances and cultural background[2]. 

It may manifest itself as abnormal intense yelling, feeling as if we want to pull our hair out, bang our head against the wall, or even more dangerous actions like self harming or harming others. 

As stress activates the ‘flight or fight’ response, hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline in the body are released causing breathing, heart rate and metabolism to speed up[3]. When experiencing stress, it is important to handle stress in a positive way[4]. Positive strategies to help manage stress include: meditating, taking deep breaths, ensuring enough sleep, writing a journal, exercise, seeking help from a health care professional, talking to friends and family and sketching. If you have any concerns about you or anyone else, please consult your medical practitioner immediately.

References

[1] Better Health Victoria (2014, September) Stress betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/stress

[2] Lifeline Australia. Overcoming Stress lifeline.org.au/get-help/topics/stress 

[3] Health Direct (2019, September) Stress healthdirect.gov.au/stress

[4] Womens Health – US Department of Health and Human Services (2019, March) Stress and your health womenshealth.gov/mental-health/good-mental-health/stress-and-your-health