MHFA SUPPORT GROUPS ARE FREE
Attendees are welcome to share their experiences with other members of the group. Discussing your experiences with others can help you learn more about the management of the disorder and how to better deal with it. Our aim is to help improve the quality of life and general well-being of the participants. The caring and sharing of the group offers relief from isolation and loneliness. Carers are invited to contact the administrator to discuss possible attendance Each MHFA Support Group is free.
Schedule
Every first Thursday of the month
6:30pm - 7:30pm (Melbourne Time)
Online session
How to attend a online session?
Online sessions are conducted on Zoom.
Meeting Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82580792778?pwd=NFhpcnJYT0hNbERWejVUVDJZb2NPZz09
Meeting ID: 825 8079 2778
Passcode: 571176
Trouble accessing Zoom? Click here
Troubleshooting tips for Online Meetings:
Unfortunately the MHFA can do very little to assist with connection issues as Zoom is a 3rd party application and out of our control.
Mood disorders can be defined as a condition in which a person’s mood is disturbed to the point where it becomes difficult to function, participate in daily activities, and meet responsibilities.
There is a wide range of symptoms, and these can vary depending on the type of mood disorder and age of the person. Common symptoms include:
• Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiousness and/or emptiness.
• Feeling hopeless or helpless
• Decreased energy.
• Irritability, hostility, or aggression
• Relationship problems
• Changes in appetite and/or weight
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
• Low self-esteem, feeling inadequate or worthless
• Excessive guilt
• Suicidal ideation
These feelings are more extreme and prolonged than what a person may normally feel on occasion. Symptoms can be so severe that it interferes with one’s interest in family, friends, community and/or work.
There is no single cause for mood disorders and there may be several factors that contribute to this condition. Current research suggests some main contributors include:
• Imbalance of brain chemicals which can be genetic, related to physical illness or a result of taking certain medications.
• Stressful life events: such as death, divorce, or trauma
• Brain structure and function in cases of bipolar disorder
Support group
Sufferers as well as carers are welcome to share their experiences with other members of the group. Discussing your experiences with others can help you learn more about the management of the disorder and how to better deal with it. Our aim is to help improve the quality of life and general well-being of the participants. The caring and sharing of the group offers relief from isolation and loneliness.
Psychotherapy
Mood disorders should be properly examined by a mental health professional.
Treatments for mood disorders includes psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy as well as medications to help regulate the chemical imbalances in your brain.
A combination of psychotherapy and medication is often the best course of action to make you feel better.
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