Most of us would admit to feeling shy from time to time, or anxious about public speaking: the larger the crowd the greater the terror. It’s also not unusual to feel awkward while making small talk with unfamiliar (or uninteresting) people. But a significant number of people find these situations utterly mortifying.
Recovering from a traumatic experience can be challenging for some individuals. It can result in various mental and physical health issues, such as depression, substance abuse, anxiety, and physical health problems. However, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is linked explicitly to traumatic experiences.
In Australia, one in five individuals experiences symptoms of mental illness each year. While medications are commonly used and can be effective, they often come with side effects like weight gain and fatigue. Talking therapies offer a strong alternative for conditions such as anxiety and depression, and can also enhance the effectiveness of medication. Furthermore, these therapies address the underlying causes of mental health issues. For a deeper understanding of these treatment options, Timothy Carey, a Professor at Flinders University, shares his insights in The Conversation.
It’s important to know that, in general, psychotherapy is highly effective. Across a wide range of psychological problems and many different types of people, therapy simply works.
Earlier this year, Prince Harry revealed he has used a therapy called EMDR to cope with anxiety and trauma, including trauma resulting from his mother Princess Diana’s death when he was 12.
