Posts by Mark Henderson
Becky’s Story
Married mother-of-two, Becky, 46, hails from regional NSW and enjoys camping, bushwalking, and travelling throughout Australia with her family. Recently, Becky battled with her second major episode of clinical depression, 18 years after recovering from her first experience with the illness. Becky’s first experience with depression occurred when she was 28 years old. She was…
Read MoreTechnology offering new methods for treating and identifying mental illness
News publications don’t often shy away from the topic of technology being detrimental to mental health. However, there are an increasing number of benefits stemming from technology that could help those in the midst of mental illness. One such benefit is early identification of depression or anxiety. An article published in Australian Doctor Magazine on…
Read MoreTeddy’s story
Working in the IT department of the public service, Edward “Teddy”, 27, Canberra, spends his time at the gym, with friends, reading comic books, or with his partner. However, for the past 13 years, Teddy has lived with clinical depression. The signs first became apparent when he was in high school. Teddy’s parents became concerned…
Read MoreUniversity pressures could trigger depression for students
Research conducted by the University of Queensland identified that University can be a breeding ground for depression. A period of change and personal development combined with stress and pressure to academically exceed can trigger episodes of mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety, in students. Although there are a lack of statistics supporting the incidence…
Read MoreDiagnosing depression – genetics and environment
In an in-depth research story, the HuffPost Australia outlined some insights as to how clinical depression is diagnosed. Considering the Australian Genetics of Depression Research study, and the links to genetics, the article, written by HuffPost Australia, Associate Editor, Emma Brancatisano, titled, How does a person come to be diagnosed with depression?, defines clinical depression…
Read MoreKaty’s Story
Single mother, childcare teacher and student, Katy, 29 from Lakelands, Perth, was tormented by mental health issues during adolescence. In 2011, she attempted to take her own life – a terrible incident that threw Katy into the arms of professional help. Subsequently diagnosed with depression and borderline personality disorder, Katy spent the ensuing three…
Read MoreEmma’s Story
In 2007, after starting her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and while in a difficult relationship, Emma, then 21, Sydney, often felt down or sad. Over the ensuing 18 months, her negative emotions continued to escalate. After leaving her partner in March 2008, Emma moved back into her parent’s home. A few months later…
Read MoreAngelika’s Story
After immigrating from Scandinavia to Australia with her family at 12 years of age, Angelika, now 37, Canberra, experienced difficulty settling in. Over a period of three years, her feelings of homesickness compounded, and at 15 years of age, she began to regularly feel “down.” Unable to comprehend their daughter’s unstable emotional state, Angelika’s parents…
Read MoreJennifer’s Story
In 2007, Jennifer, then aged 22, Canberra, was studying at university when she experienced her first episode of depression. Jennifer began to withdraw from her studies and friends. She had trouble sleeping, and was often unable to get out of bed. She missed day after day of university, as she locked herself in her room…
Read MoreElissa’s Story
For as long as she can remember, Brisbane-based photographer, Elissa, 25, has been plagued by anxiety. As a child, Elissa distinctly recalls feeling “different and anxious” about things, with little to no reason. During adolescence, her anxieties began to compound, and she often felt “down” or “upset”, mistakenly dismissing her moodiness as hormonal fluctuations.…
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