Online counselling is another way to get help for depression and anxiety.

There are many self-help internet-based programs available in Australia that are aimed at helping people better manage depression, anxiety and related illnesses.  To help people find these programs and services, beyondblue: the national depression initiative has put together a directory of e-mental Health Services and Therapies.

Deputy CEO of beyondblue: the national depression initiative, Dr Nicole Highet says online e-therapy may be an effective alternative for people with depression and anxiety who can’t or won’t access help from mental health professionals. 

“We know that more than half of all Australians with depression and anxiety don’t get the help they need for a range of reasons. There may be a lack of services in their area, they may not be able to afford the consultation fees or perhaps they’re embarrassed or ashamed to ask for help.  

“Online counselling gives people the opportunity to log onto a computer, in the privacy of their homes and work through various programs which will teach them how to identify and take control of negative and unhelpful thought patterns which underpin conditions like depression and anxiety. The beauty of these programs is that not only are many of them free, but people can choose to remain anonymous,” she said.

Dr Highet said online therapy for example, could help someone who has an anxiety disorder.  “It is common for someone with anxiety to view situations as being more dangerous than they are in reality. For example, a person afraid of flying will be obsessed with the possibility of the plane crashing, even though in reality they know this is highly unlikely. This would cause the person to feel extremely anxious and overwhelmed throughout the trip or the person may avoid plane travel altogether, which could impact negatively on work commitments or family life.”

Dr Highet said, similarly, people with depression view themselves and their situations negatively.

“People could consult a health professional to learn how to manage these thoughts and bring these feelings under control through talking therapies like Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). But if you can’t or don’t want to talk about these problems with a health professional face-to-face, you can go to the e-mental Health Directory on the beyondblue website to link to a range of e-mental health services in Australia.  The directory lists 36 services and includes information on how to access these services and utilise the information and treatments.”

“These online therapies are showing great promise and are proving to be an effective alternative to face-to-face treatments for anxiety disorders and/or depression,” Dr Highet added.

 Get help at www.beyondblue.org.au/ementalhealthdirectory or ring the beyondblue info line on 1300 22 4636.

Editor Dr Ramesh Manocha

Soruce: Youthbeyondblue