conditions - Depression

We all feel sad or have a low mood from time to time However when these feelings are experienced intensely, for long periods of time (weeks, months or even years) or appear without any reason, it is called Depression. Depression is a serious condition that affects mental as well as physical health.

There are a great many forms of different depression such as Seasonal Depression, Pre and Post Natal Depression, Dysthymia and Major Depression, for example.

Depression can affect anyone, of any age, without warning, and is more common in women than in men, with an average of 1 in 6 women and 1 in 8 men experiencing some level of severe depression in their lifetime. In Australia, it’s estimated that 45 per cent of people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime, and is the leading cause of disability in the world

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been increasingly considered an alternative or complementary therapy for depression and anxiety with clinical benefits and low side effects. Summer Hill Chinese Medicine Clinic uses a variety of treatments methods such as Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Massage, Chinese Nutrition and Exercise Therapy such as Tai Chi & Qi Gong to help manage and treat depression.

Chinese Medicine believes that physical health issues are connected to a person’s emotional state and vice versa, therefore it looks at the individual person as a whole and the Mind Body connection & harmony.

Emotions are viewed as an important factor in the harmonious functioning of a persons health,and are sometimes the root cause of disease.

As with any disorder, from a Chinese Medicine perspective, depression can have multiple causes, and the goal of Chinese Medicine is to find the root of the problem in order to re-balance the body and mind, in order to improve the symptoms & promote the healing process.

If you are one of those people for whom traditional treatments do not work as well as they should or if you prefer alternative treatments, acupuncture is a great way of managing your symptoms. Remember we’re not against medical intervention and acupuncture can be used in conjunction to medication or counselling.

Chinese Medicine can also be used in conjunction with other medical interventions such as medication and counselling, and often the combination of treatments provides the best effect. For other people, for whom traditional western treatments do not work, Chinese Medicine may be a beneficial alternative way of managing symptoms

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Some days are better than others and we all need a helping hand from time to time.

Beyond Blue is an organisation to help all people in Australia achieve their best possible mental health.

Whether you're seeking mental health information or 24/7 qualified support for you or someone else such services are here for you.

If you're going through a hard time right now, the Beyond Blue Support Service is available 24/7 for brief counselling.

Most calls last around 20 minutes. Call a counsellor on 1300 22 4636 or chat to a counsellor online - https://www.beyondblue.org.au