Does Anxiety Lead to Depression? | Counselling in Melbourne

How to find a psychologist that's right for you

Does Anxiety Lead to Depression?

Many anxiety disorders are linked to depression. If you have suffered from an anxiety disorder such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), post-traumatic stress (PST) or social anxiety disorder, which if not diagnosed correctly and treated professional, anxiety can lead to depression.

As experienced Melbourne CBD psychologists, Counselling in Melbourne’s psychologists will be able to confidently diagnose your current level of anxiety or any other mental health conditions you might be experiencing and together using various approaches, treatments and strategies should be able to restore a sense of normality and wellbeing,

It should be noted that while some people show signs of anxiety, the symptoms may be connected to another issue and or more than likely your condition could be a combination of various mental health concerns such as stress, low self-esteem, grief and trauma or even depression.

Only a mental health professional can determine what anxiety counselling treatments and approaches are the most effective to be used to rediscover the real you. (This is very important as if your condition is diagnosed incorrectly, the treatment plan used may decrease your recovery timeframe)

Anxiety

Anxiety can work in cycles. For example, if you feel anxious and worry about all kinds of things that would not concern others. This leads to a feeling of agitation, and a feeling of helplessness and if not treated can then lead to depression and potentially to chronic depression.

 Anxiety and Depression

Many people with anxiety also have depression. Having one condition can trigger the other. Please be aware of… 50% of people with anxiety also display symptoms of depression.

Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression

  • If you are suffering from both anxiety and depression you may:
  • Have irrational fears
  • Constantly worry
  • Have problems sleeping
  • Suffer from panic attacks
  • Have major changes in eating patterns
  • Have a consistent feeling of sadness
  • Feel worthless
  • Have a loss of interest in socialising and hobbies
  • Be constantly tired
  • Become irritable

Depression and Anxiety Counselling Services Melbourne

If you are suffering or experiencing conditions of anxiety or depression, your Melbourne CBD psychologist can assess which condition is the principal issue and begin a treatment plan.

Counselling is important. Cognitive behavioural therapy, commonly referred to as CBT is therapy treatment counsellor’s and psychologists use for both anxiety and depression. CBT is essentially a collaborative and individualised program that helps individuals to identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, then through counselling sessions, you learn to reprogram your thinking and responses to gain healthier skills and habits.

Another treatment approach is called Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP), which only a small number of certified general and clinical psychologists can use for diagnosis and treatment clients.

The principle of ISTDP… as an interactive therapeutic approach, the psychologist and client work together to deeply explore an individual’s emotional and interpersonal experiences.

The objective of ISTDP is to identify and resolve psychological, emotional and interpersonal “blocks” (barriers) which interfere with a person’s capacity to form close, healthy and intimate relationships with others and to live in a way which is authentic and fulfilling.

Both treatments (plus many others such as solution-focus therapy or schema focus therapy) are also universally recognised within the psychology community to treat many types of mental health conditions.

Medication may also be prescribed by your doctor, but it’s NOT recommended to start a course of medication unless you have seen a highly trained health professional such as a general or clinical psychologist.

By having a professionally trained psychologist liaison with your GP, which will establish a professional relationship that is focused on your wellbeing, can achieve the best outcome for you.

It’s your connection with a mental health counselling service practitioner and how committed you are to the healing process is going to determine how long your emotional state (or mindset) will continue to be overwhelmed with the emotions you’re currently experiencing.

Relaxation treatments such as meditation and music can also be highly therapeutic for depression and all forms of anxiety, as is starting a journal and spending quality time with friends and family.

Exercise, (which is underrated) – even mild exercise – is another treatment strategy to consider. Committing to an exercise regime will assist to relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression.

With either anxiety counselling or depression counselling, by learning to control your worries and fears, you can live a more contented happy life, which everybody deserves.

For more information on anxiety and depression counselling services in Melbourne or if you’re ready to take that first step to seek help, our Melbourne CBD psychologists are here to partner with you to get you back on track.

**remember – anxiety and depression is highly treatable by seeking treatment early**

Contact us at Counselling in Melbourne on 1300 967 734 or book an online appointment here

Please note that the information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not substitute professional medical or mental health advice. If you or someone you know is in immediate distress or needs assistance, please reach out to a mental health professional or helpline in your country or state.

About the editor, Amelia Cambrell

My name is Amelia and I'm a Senior Psychologist at Counselling in Melbourne. I have over 18-years of experience in the mental health space. I am very driven to get the best outcomes for my clients which can be long lasting by using a range of modalities such as CBT. There is nothing more satisfying than helping adolescents, adults and couples who are feeling confused, frustrated, stuck or overwhelmed, to find more clarity, confidence and happiness in their lives.

Find out more about Amelia Cambrell

How to find a psychologist that's right for you

Take the first step - speak with a psychologist today

call 1300967734
Scroll to Top

Download your free eBook

How to find a Psychologist that's right for you.

How to find a psychologist that's right for you

Please select your location

Melbourne CBD

903 – 530 Little Collins St Melbourne CBD, VIC 3000

Glen Waverley

861B Waverley Road, Glen Waverley, VIC 3150 (second level)

Docklands

Shop 4, 860 Collins St Docklands, VIC 3081

Online appointment

Online Counselling sessions are available.