Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety (also called angst or worry) is a psychological and physiological state characterized by somatic, emotional, cognitive, and behavioural components. It is the displeasing feeling of fear and concern in either the presence or absence of psychological stress. Anxiety can create feelings of fear, worry, uneasiness, and dread. It is also associated with feelings of restlessness, fatigue, concentration problems, and muscle tension. Anxiety is considered to be a normal reaction to a stressful situation where a person may feel under pressure such as when attending a job interview, meeting a work deadline or sitting for an exam or test.

However, for some people these feelings are ongoing, happen for no apparent reason or continue after the stressful event has passed. While everyone feels anxious from time to time, some people experience these feelings so often and/or so strongly that it can affect their everyday lives. When anxiety becomes overwhelming, it may fall under the classification of an anxiety disorder (National Institute of Mental Health, 2008) .

If you’re experiencing ongoing anxiety symptoms it’s important that you speak to your doctor who may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment. A psychiatrist is able to prescribe medication to help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety. A psychologist or counsellor can assist with learning techniques to help you better manage your anxiety. You don’t need to suffer in silence. Help is only a phone call or click away. For further information about anxiety disorders go to the Beyond Blue website http://www.beyondblue.org.au.

Article written by Marina Dyson, Counsellor

If you’ve been feeling anxious and would like to make an appointment to discuss further please contact Counsel@CrossCulture

 phone: 9639 3875; email: counsel@crossculture.net.au

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Which self are you today?

Many of us put on many different hats (i.e. roles), for example, “the responsible employee”, “the caring friend”, “the creative art lover”, “the strong corporate leader”, “the attractive middle-aged woman”. There is probably an infinite combination of roles people play. In this postmodern age, we can reinvent ourselves as often as we want. And it’s not always a bad thing! Sometimes, it is just fun!! In fact, you might have thought of some of these different labels of yourself. The different circumstances or groups we are surrounded by do, to a certain extent, dictate how we need to or choose to behave. Besides, who wants to be a social outcast? Although that can be another label someone could proudly wear!

Have you thought about the different selves you portray/strive to become? Do you become confused at times about who you really are? Do you identify really strongly with all the selves you put on? Do any of those labels feel inauthentic and you feel like a fake sometimes? Are some of the labels instrumental or just a culture you adopt in order to feel accepted?

Why not take some time to explore and learn to manage your best asset—you? After all, you have to live with yourself all the time, so it might just be worth it to work on areas of your identity and to appreciate or fine-tune the unique person you are!

Article written by Lainey Weiss,  Counsellor

Practitioners at Counsel@CrossCulture

are happy to help you through this journey. Contact us today at 9639 3875 or counsel@crossculture.net.au

Addictions

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“An addiction is something that controls people – something they feel they cannot do without or something they do to alleviate pain or pressure.” Joyce Meyer – Approval Addiction (2005). People can be addicted to either a substance (alcohol, drugs, food) or behaviour (gambling, watching pornography, shopping or work). When people are insecure (which is most people), they look to others to make them feel better about themselves or approve of them. This behaviour can become an addiction – an approval addiction.

Often I meet with clients who find it difficult to feel good about themselves unless they receive positive affirmation from others – their parents, husband/wife, friends or colleagues. The reality is that not everyone will approve of us at all times. They may even reject us. The thought of being rejected is so frightening that some people will do almost anything to avoid it even if it means going against their own morals. They become ‘people pleasers’ caught in a vicious cycle and often cannot stop without appropriate intervention.

Overcoming any addiction is difficult to do on your own. Admitting your problem is the first step to freedom. Speaking to someone you can trust such as a pastor, counsellor, or someone struggling with a similar problem are all positive steps that you can take. Twelve-step support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Gamblers Anonymous are also beneficial as you hear how others have overcome their addictions. 

If you’re struggling with an addiction and would like to speak to someone confidentially, please contact Counsel@CrossCulture

phone: 9639 3875; email: counsel@crossculture.net.au

Fees range from $10-$80 (sliding scale)

Article written by Marina Dyson, General Counsellor

 

Numbering Your Days

As we embark on a new year, you might have given yourself time out to reflect on the year gone past and wonder what might be in store for you in 2013. I wonder if you take the time to “number your days” or map out the possibly remaining years of your life, and what you would like to achieve in your lifetime. 

Sounds depressing? Or is it a way to plan and live wisely? That depends on whether you believe there is a certain “best age to be” and anything beyond is a downhill ride… or every period of life can be the best time in some way.

One way of estimating how much time you have left, is by using the “Death Clock”, see: http://www.deathclock.com/. I am not endorsing its accuracy, but it is a somewhat morbid/amusing way to remind us that our time in this life is limited.

Knowing that life is limited, how should we then live?

Purposefully: To live without purpose is to simply exist. Life is short and living a purposeless life makes you a waste of space and resources. You are selling yourself short, if you just go through the motions and not pause to think about what you truly want to achieve and to go for it.

Passionately: Similarly, living without passion makes our life a means to an end. Enjoy the journey and live deliberately. Love with all your heart and live up to your values.

Wisely: Living wisely is about being strategic in what you do and how you do it. It is an art of life to ensure you live to the fullest and make the most of opportunities that come your way.

So, no matter what major life events you encounter or how old you are, take time to ponder on what is ahead and how you can live purposefully, passionately, and wisely. Why not explore that with one of our counsellors today? Book an appointment at (03) 9639 3875

Article written by Lainey Weiss, General Counsellor

Image by patpitchaya from freedigitalimages.net

New Beginnings

The end of a year can bring with it a mixture of feelings. For some, it may be great relief. After a year of pain and hardship they look forward with anticipation to a more positive year with some ‘lucky breaks’. For some, perhaps the thought of going through another year of ‘more of the same’ creates a sense of despair and hopelessness. For others, a new year is as an opportunity to make a fresh start and improve their health and relationships.

New Year’s Resolutions often motivate people to attain their goals. But so often, well meaning people who really want to make positive changes give up when the going gets tough and soon fall back into their old ways. The New Year can bring with it the hope of new beginnings. You may need a fresh start in your life. Perhaps you’re unhappy in your job but can’t see a way out. Is your marriage at breaking point and all you can think of is leaving? You’ve promised yourself many times that you will lose weight and keep it off but to no avail.

Make 2013 a year of new beginnings. Let go of what lies behind and press forward to what lies ahead.

If you need to support in making some positive changes in your life, please contact 9639 3875; or online at http://appointment.counselcc.net.au. No referral necessary and cost between $10 - $70 depending on your employment situation. There’s no better time to take ACTION toward a better you! 

article written by Marina Dyson, Counsellor 

Climbing Your Tree

Most of us have experienced our happiest and most meaningful times with our family. However, many have also experienced their angriest, saddest, and sometime most hurtful times with them too. We have all thought about our own family of origin and wondered how they have affected us.

Perhaps you have a parent or grandparent whom you admire greatly and seek to emulate. Perhaps some of your family traits are so embarrassing that you choose to eliminate them from your own life!

When you are dating or in a serious relationship with someone, it doesn’t usually take very long before you become aware of their family-of-origin “baggage”. Things are just a lot easier when family members are respectful and accepting, but that is not always the case. Some relationships are in crisis due to a person’s family history/issues or just very difficult relatives. When one marries, they are not only marrying the person, but also the person’s family!

If you ever wondered if behavioural, cognitive or emotional patterns in your family are contributing factors to your distress, come in and have a chat with one of our counsellors. You might discover more about yourself and your family of origin, and discover a little more about who you have become today. You might even find strength when you identify positive family patterns and discover a legacy you are a part of.

Article by Lainey Weiss, General Counsellor

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Counsel@CrossCulture is open to everyone, 9.00 am - 1.00 pm weekdays ( phone: 9639 3875; email: counsel@crossculture.net.au). Appointments may also be made online at: http://appointment.counselcc.net.au.

General Counselling: $10—$70 max an hour (sliding scale) — No Referral Required.

Find out more about Prayer Ministry at Counsel@CrossCulture