If one more person tells you to look on the bright side, you may be forgiven for wanting to scream. When you are depressed, being told to think positively does not feel like encouragement. It feels like being handed the…
There is a particular cruelty to the way loneliness and depression interact. Depression tells you that people would rather not hear from you, that you are a burden, that you have nothing worth offering. So you withdraw. And withdrawal deepens…
If you’ve experienced depression before and recovered, the fear of it returning can be significant. In my years of practice as a psychologist, I’ve worked with many people who tell me this worry sits at the back of their minds,…
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by anxiety or weighed down by depression, but weren’t sure where to start getting help? In my years working as a psychologist at Integrated Health Specialists, I’ve met countless clients who’ve felt exactly this way.…
Over the past twenty years, I have seen a significant rise in clients asking whether their social media use is contributing to anxiety, low mood or a general sense of not feeling good enough. Many people come into my practice…
When you’re dealing with intense emotions, relationship conflicts, or harmful coping patterns, standard talk therapy sometimes isn’t enough. You might find yourself feeling overwhelmed by emotions that swing dramatically, struggling with urges to engage in unhelpful behaviours, or facing difficulties…
Have you ever left a doctor’s office or therapy session feeling worse than when you arrived? Maybe someone made you feel judged, rushed, or like your experiences didn’t matter? Or perhaps you felt like you were being treated as a…
Have you ever noticed how a bad night’s sleep can make everything feel harder the next day? That’s because sleep and mental health are deeply connected. At Integrated Health Specialists, we see firsthand how sleep quality impacts our clients’ mental…
It’s well known that exercise keeps our bodies healthy, but each year, its impact on our mental wellbeing is gaining more recognition among health professionals and the public alike. Engaging in physical activity triggers chemical changes in the brain, like…
Depression is a mental health condition that can significantly affect your feelings, thoughts, and day-to-day ability to function. It’s an issue that’s becoming increasingly prevalent in Australia, and among Australian men. In fact, it is estimated that 1 in 8…