• Login   

• For Solicitors
• For the Community
• About the Law Society
• Ressource center

What does depression, anxiety or a mental health problem look like?

beyondblue identifies behaviours commonly associated with depression and anxiety

Common behaviour associated with depression

• Moodiness that is out of character
• Increased irritability and frustration
• Finding it hard to take minor personal criticisms
• Spending less time with friends and family
• Loss of interest in food, sex, exercise or other pleasurable activities
• Being awake throughout the night
• Increased alcohol and drug use
• Staying home from work or school
• Increased physical health complaints like fatigue or pain
• Being reckless or taking unnecessary risks (e.g. driving fast or dangerously)
• Slowing down of thoughts and actions.

Common behaviour associated with anxiety

People who have generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) feel anxious on most days for at least six months. Generally, they worry about real issues such as finances, illness or family problems - to the point where it can affect their everyday lives. At times their worry is so great they:

• Feel edgy / restless
• Feel tired
• Have difficulty concentrating
• Develop muscle tension (sore back, neck or jaw, headache)
• Find it hard to fall/stay asleep.

Generalised Anxiety Disorder affects approximately five per cent of people in Australia at some time in their lives.