Psychiatry & Counselling

Anxiety disorders involve persistent excessive fear or worry that interferes with daily life. Physical symptoms such as palpitations or muscle tension may accompany emotional distress.

Depression causes sustained low mood or loss of interest, often with changes in sleep, appetite and concentration. Thoughts of self-harm or suicide require immediate support.

Stress-related disorders can follow overwhelming experiences and affect sleep, emotions and functioning. Symptoms may include intrusive memories, avoidance or heightened alertness.

Sleep disorders involve difficulty sleeping, excessive sleepiness or disrupted sleep patterns. Mood, medical illness, substances and habits can contribute and need distinction.

OCD involves distressing intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviours or mental rituals. These are difficult to control and go beyond a preference for neatness or routine.

Panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear with symptoms such as racing heart and breathlessness. New chest pain or collapse needs medical assessment before being attributed to panic.

Bipolar disorder involves episodes of depression and episodes of unusually elevated or irritable mood with increased energy. Reduced need for sleep and risky behaviour may accompany an elevated episode.

Substance use concerns arise when alcohol or drug use causes harm, loss of control or dependence. Some withdrawal states are dangerous and require medical supervision.

Adjustment disorders are significant emotional or behavioural difficulties after a stressor. Symptoms affect functioning and are assessed in relation to other mental health conditions.

Marital and family counselling addresses communication, conflict and relationship distress. Safety, consent and the needs of each person are important, particularly where abuse is present.

Adolescent mental health concerns can affect mood, behaviour, relationships or education. Assessment considers development, family context and safety, without treating all teenage changes as illness.

Grief is a natural response to loss and varies between people. Support may be helpful when distress is overwhelming or daily functioning remains severely affected.