Mood disorders and anxiety

Feeling sad, down, worried or stressed from time to time is a normal part of life. However, some people experience overwhelming feelings of sadness for no reason, or intense periods of worry that can make it difficult to cope with daily life.

People with mood disorders may experience poor sleep, a lack of motivation or interest, and a feeling of emptiness or numbness. People with anxiety disorders may experience poor sleep, intense worry, and regular episodes of panic or fear. These feelings interfere with their daily lives, making it difficult to do things they would otherwise enjoy.

Different people will experience mood disorders and anxiety in different ways, and as such treatment will vary from person to person.

How do we treat mood disorders and anxiety at Ramsay Clinic Thirroul?

Treatment can be very effective at reducing or eliminating the symptoms of mood disorders and anxiety. Medication may be an important element of treatment. However, research suggests that a combination of medication, psychological therapies and support programs can lead to the best outcomes.

Ramsay Clinic Thirroul offers both inpatient care and day programs for the management of mood disorders and anxiety.

Inpatient

Mood Disorders Program

Mood Disorders are serious medical conditions, which can occur when seemingly impossible circumstances are experienced or when there is a physical disruption within the brain’s chemistry. People who experience depression (by itself or as part of the extreme mood swings of bipolar mood disorder), or an elevation in mood, should seek professional help in order to achieve resolution of this illness.

Ramsay Clinic Thirroul provides a specialised and comprehensive assessment and treatment program for the broad spectrum of Mood Disorders incorporating acute, chronic, primary and secondary disorders. On admission, doctors associated with the program will carry out a comprehensive psychiatric and medical assessment of the patient. This ensures accurate diagnosis of psychiatric and physical problems and allows the appropriate treatment plan to be instituted. Diagnosis and treatment plans are discussed with the team, the referring doctor and the patient and where appropriate, the family.

Medical treatments may also be implemented to correct any underlying medical problems. If indicated, prompt referral to medical or surgical specialists is carried out.

Day Programs

Day Programs are structured, therapeutic group sessions – think of it as ‘group therapy’. We offer day programs for the management of mood disorders and anxiety, each tailored to address the specific needs of the people we care for.

Run once a week, over a period of 10–12 weeks, you’ll work with our expert therapists on building life skills, managing symptoms and preventing relapse.

The Mood Disorders Day Program can assist you to:

Gain an understanding of depression and other mood disorders and their symptoms
Identify personal stressors, triggers and early warning signs
Communicate individual needs and problem solve more effectively
Learn self-soothing and grounding techniques
Increase positive connections with family and friends through activity scheduling
Learn more helpful ways to interpret thoughts
Create new meaning about past situations and experience(s)
Cultivate resilience and foster hope.

The Anxiety Disorders Day Program can assist you to: