Lesson 3: Common Mental Health Challenges
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Mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and trauma are common but often misunderstood.Ā
- Anxiety involves excessive worry, fear, or nervousness that can interfere with daily life.
- Depression is characterized by prolonged sadness, loss of interest, or low energy.
- Trauma results from deeply distressing events and can have lasting effects on mental and physical health.
Early signs to watch for include changes in sleep patterns, appetite, mood swings, and social withdrawal. Awareness and early intervention can improve outcomes.
Mental health challenges are treatable, and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
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Resources & References:
- Beyond Blue. Anxiety and Depression
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxietyĀ - Black Dog Institute. Depression
https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/resources-support/depression/ - Lost Connections by Johann Hari
https://www.amazon.com.au/Lost-Connections-Uncovering-Depression-Unexpected/dp/163286830X - Kessler, R. C., et al. (2005).Ā Lifetime prevalence and age-of-onset distributions of DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62(6), 593-602.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/208671
