Trauma and PTSD

Trauma and PTSD can result from tragic events like car accidents, childhood neglect, sexual abuse and violence that are either witnessed or experienced directly. Events this profound can result in depression, anxiety and behavioural patterns that can be felt for an indefinite period of time. Triggers can also cause these feelings to unexpectedly resurface. If left untreated, trauma and PTSD can damage careers, families and relationships.

Anxiety

While occasional feelings of anxiety in response to stressful circumstances are normal, an anxiety disorder can cause so much distress that it gets in the way of daily life. Anxiety sufferers feel constantly worried and fearful to an overwhelming degree – normal activities like going to work or attending social gatherings can seem life-threatening, resulting in fear responses like panic attacks. It’s crucial to manage anxiety before it becomes too severe.

Depression

Depression involves more than just passing feelings of sadness. Major depression is a condition marked by persistent feelings of worthlessness, disinterest and hopelessness; sufferers feel unable to find any pleasure in life. One of the most common mental health disorders worldwide, depression can be dangerous if left untreated. Fortunately, depression responds very well to therapeutic interventions like talk therapy and supporting wellness practices.

Professional Burnout

Burnout is now recognized by the WHO as a type of prolonged job stress that leads to extreme mental, physical and emotional exhaustion. It’s often marked by pronounced feelings of insecurity about professional value and competence. Burnout can be the result of numerous factors, such as wrong job choice or work/life imbalance. Often, sufferers don’t realise burnout is taking hold until it’s too late. At this point, intervention is needed to create distance from the source of stress, address underlying issues with counselling and put healthy self-care practices in place.

Mood Disorders

Mood disorders include a variety of mood-related issues, such as bipolar and personality disorders. Frequent, extreme shifts in mood can be caused by genetic, biological and psychological factors. These may be unpredictable and erratic, though shifts in moods may also occur slowly over the course of weeks, months or even years. It’s important to get professional help for mood disorders – if left untreated, their consequences can include self-harm, suicidal ideation, inability to find joy in things you normally enjoy, and episodes of mania and depression.

Insomnia

In most cases, chronic insomnia is caused by conditions or situations. It can be a symptom that relates: to ongoing health conditions such as chronic pain; emotional stress such as the loss of a loved one or unhealthy ‘party’ lifestyles that interfere with daily routines. Lifestyle and behavioral changes have been found to improve the quality of sleep, without having to use medication and with results that last. Behavioral and cognitive treatments for insomnia include CBT and relaxation training, such as mindfulness and meditation.