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Anxiety and depression

Anxiety and depression are unfortunately common in young people and teenagers. The sooner people face these issues get help, the better chance they have of recovery.

Helpful links

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a feeling of fear or panic. Feeling generally anxious sometimes is normal. Most people worry about something – money or exams – but once the difficult situation is over, you feel better and calm down. If the problem has gone but the feeling of fear or panic stays or even gets stronger, that’s when anxiety becomes a problem.

Symptoms of anxiety disorder include:

  • prolonged and severe feelings of fear or feeling worried all the time
  • avoiding situations that make you anxious and social withdrawal
  • persistent specific phobias
  • heart palpitations, chest pain, trembling, nausea, and panic attacks
  • changes in appetite, activity levels and sleep.

There are lots of techniques which can make this condition manageable.  But without treatment, it can have negative impacts on your social, work and study life, as well as physical and mental health.

Help is available via our youth centres and Wesley Hospital and if you want to speak to someone about your mental health please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. If you or someone you know is in danger call emergency services on 000.


What is depression?

We all feel low or down at times but if your negative emotions last a long time or feel very severe, you may have depression. Depression is a mood disorder where you feel very down all the time. It can happen as a reaction to something like abuse, bullying or family breakdown, but it can also run in families

If you think you might have depression, you’re not alone.

One in seven Australians experience an episode of depression at some stage in their life, but symptoms can vary between individuals.

Symptoms of depression include:

  • an overall lack of interest in everyday life
  • an inability to cope with everyday stress
  • problems with mood, including anger, irritability, guilt, shame and anxiety
  • reduced enjoyment and interest in activities
  • loss of sense of humour
  • changes in energy levels, appetite and sleep
  • weight loss or gain
  • self-harm and suicidal thoughts and behaviours.

Help is available via our youth centres and Wesley Hospital and if you want to speak to someone about your mental health please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. If you or someone you know is in danger call emergency services on 000.


What support is there for young people in Newcastle?

Wesley Young Healthy Minds is a program we offer in Newcastle, supporting children and young people at risk of developing mental illness. We help children, young people, families and carers access a range of flexible and responsive mental health support services.

Find out more about Wesley Young Healthy Minds.

Contact us


Where can I find additional resources for anxiety and depression?

The following websites provide useful information for young people facing anxiety and depression:

  • Wesley Hospital – with locations in Ashfield and Kogarah, we have treatment programs available for a range of mental health conditions
  • Smiling Mind – mindfulness meditation resources, with programs specifically for 13 to 15-year-olds and 16 to 18-year-olds
  • Headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation and provides mental health services for young people aged 12 to 25.

Our youth centres offer short term programs which can help you get access to counselling and longer term solutions. We can also meet in a place outside the centre, like a cafe, your home or school, if that is your preference.

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