Excel Psychology Articles

Feeling lonely? You are not alone. 1 in 2 Australians are feeling more lonely since COVID-19. Loneliness is the common negative feeling we get when there is a discrepancy between the relationships we would like, and the ones we feel like we have. It is a subjective feeling, it’s not about the number of people we interact with, or the time spent with other people versus the time we spend alone. The quality of our relationships is more important than the quantity.

It is normal for people to experience sadness, low mood and reduced energy from time to time, particularly in response to life events, though it can also appear to be out of the blue. For those with Depression (Major Depressive Disorder), these feelings can persist with increased intensity and for longer periods of time, where it may begin to impact other areas of functioning.

Sleep and mental health have a unique relationship and often influence each other. Sleep is seen as our chance to allow our brain reset, restore and recover from the processing tasks of daily living. Without good sleep, our brain is not able to function fully. It is known that sleep disturbance can contribute to changes in mood, memory and concentration, learning, and onset or worsening of mental health symptoms.

Anxiety is a term used to describe intense feelings of worry, fear or threat and can sometimes be difficult to control. Anxiety is a very normal part of human experience and typically occurs in response to a perceived or anticipated danger or threatening situation.

You’ve made the decision to see a psychologist for some support. But who’s the right therapist for you, and can they help you with what you need?