Anxiety and Depression Symptoms
Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time, such as when you're taking an important exam or performing in the presence of a crowd. If these feelings persist over several months, or are affecting your everyday life, you may have an anxiety disorder.
Fortunately, anxiety and depression are both common conditions that can be treated with medication, psychotherapy or both.
Depression
Depression can cause feelings of despair, sadness and feelings of emptiness. These feelings are typically similar to the constant worry that is related to anxiety. This makes it difficult to tell which condition is causing the problems. Depression usually triggers extreme feelings of sadness or helplessness, irritability changes in energy levels and sleep patterns, as well as unresolved discomforts and pains. It can also lead to a loss of enjoyment or enthusiasm for previously enjoyable activities. In some instances, the symptoms can cause thoughts of self-harm or suicide attempt. If anyone is contemplating self-harming call 911 or the local emergency number in your region, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor immediately.
If you're experiencing depression consult your physician about your symptoms and how they affect your daily routine. They may refer you to a therapist who can help. If your symptoms are serious, your doctor may request urine, blood and other tests to rule out medical conditions that could cause depression-like symptoms like thyroid disorders or vitamin deficiencies.
Depression isn't something you can prevent However, there are ways to reduce the chance of developing depression. You can lower your depression risk by eating well and sleeping enough, staying physically active and doing something creative, or just relaxing often. It is also important to stay clear of alcohol, drugs, smoking and other substances.
The symptoms of depression can be triggered by a variety of factors like emotional or tragic losses like the death of loved ones, divorce, or job loss. It can also be caused by medical conditions like cancer or heart disease, or by supplements or medications.
Psychological counseling (therapy), antidepressants or a combination of both can help someone recover. If a person is depressed they can also learn strategies to manage their symptoms. For example, they might attempt to be more social, practice relaxation techniques, or take on small tasks (such as unloading the dishwasher) to increase their sense of achievement. They can also remind them that these feelings are not permanent and are not the result of their own fault. They are trying to improve mood.
Anxiety
Anxiety can be as debilitating as depression, and a lot of people experience both. Anxiety disorders affect around 40 million adults in the U.S., and are the most prevalent mental illness. Anxiety disorders can cause people to worry more than usual about life things and activities. Anxiety disorders can cause people to be worried about things that aren't in the right proportion. This can last for a long time.
There are a variety of anxiety disorders. These include specific phobias that involve fear of a particular thing, such as animals or insects; panic disorder, characterized by repeated episodes of feelings of intense anxiety and fear that can last for a few minutes (panic attacks) or obsessive-compulsive disorders, that is characterized by unintentional thoughts or impulses that prompt the sufferer to repeat certain actions repeatedly to cope with them; post-traumatic stress disorder, which describes the variety of emotional reactions after a traumatic event that includes upsetting memories, flashbacks, sleeplessness and nightmares.
The exact causes of anxiety disorders are not completely understood, but there is evidence that life experiences can trigger them in those who are predisposed to them. Environment, genetics and lifestyle also play a part. Everyone experiences depression or sadness from time to time. However, if the feelings persist and cause problems in your the daily routine, you should seek professional help.
Anxiety symptoms include a fast pulse, feelings of fear or unreal, difficulty concentration, fatigue, or headaches. Anxiety can cause people to have trouble sleeping, and can cause them to become angry or frustrated. Children can become isolated or unable to connect with others.
Physical activity, healthy eating habits, regular sleep, relaxation techniques and medication can improve the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Psychotherapy, like psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, is a key component in treating both anxiety and depression. Therapies that target specific anxiety issues can be beneficial for people suffering from anxiety, for instance Systematic Desensitization Therapy and Exposure therapy, which entails exposure to situations slowly you're scared of in a supportive setting.
Treatment
There are many ways to treat anxiety and depression, including psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication. Talk therapies can help you learn to manage your emotions and address the root cause of your feelings. They include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy. Other types of psychotherapy, such as interpersonal therapy and exposure therapy, can also be helpful. Medicines can provide immediate relief and aid in dealing with anxiety-inducing situations more efficiently. Antidepressants can be prescribed to treat anxiety and depression. depression and symptoms can also be effective. Your doctor will consider your medical history, your symptoms and any other treatments you're undergoing when deciding which treatment is right for you. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you're taking such as vitamins and herbal supplements, since they may affect your treatment.
For those who suffer from depression and anxiety it is important to determine what areas of their life are under stress and then work to reduce the effect that stress can affect your mood. Changes in eating and sleeping patterns, regular exercise, spending time with your family and friends, avoiding alcohol and drugs, taking enough rest, and changing your response to stressful situations can all aid in reducing depression and anxiety.
Depression can cause you to feel depressed and hopeless and make it difficult to focus on activities that make you happy or believe that there's a point to your life. This is especially true for young people. They may be tired, angry, or angry and do not realize they are depressed. Depression can also manifest as feeling of fatigue and inability to think clearly or concentrate, and suicidal thoughts.
Anxiety disorders are defined by fears and worries that go beyond normal worries about everyday things like health, work or relationships. Anxiety disorders can trigger physical and emotional symptoms, as along with other issues such as headaches, muscle tensions, indigestions and sweating, nausea and breathing difficulties.
Your doctor will perform an examination of your body and ask you to describe your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. They may also request tests to identify any underlying health issues that may be contributing your symptoms, like low blood sugar hypothyroidism, anemia, or hypothyroidism.
Support
It can be difficult to distinguish between anxiety and depression since their symptoms are often overlapping. Insomnia, difficulty concentrating or recalling things, unanswered aches and pains, and changes in energy levels and sleep patterns can be seen in both conditions. The negative, all-or-nothing thinking patterns that characterize depression also can cause anxiety or make it worse. A person who is depressed may also feel anxious about their future and believe that if something happens is bad. This is a typical combination called comorbidity, which means that more than one illness or condition is present at the same time within the same person.
Both depression and anxiety Both can be treated. Both can be treated using therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Psychological therapies that concentrate on transforming unhelpful patterns of thinking and coping strategies such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or psychodynamic talk therapy, can be combined with antidepressant medication. To treat depression and anxiety, lifestyle changes include getting enough rest, improving eating habits, and decreasing alcohol and drug use.
Try to be and be supportive of someone who appears to be suffering from depression or anxiety. Encourage them to seek help and remind them of the people who take care of them. Giving them direct help, such as helping with chores, taking them to appointments at the doctor's office or going to social activities could be beneficial. Encourage them to try things that may make them feel better. Also, try to help them find their purpose by interacting with other people or by volunteering.
Being aware of depression and anxiety can help you recognize symptoms. Being aware that these illnesses are rooted in biological vulnerability and are treatable, it can boost self-confidence and help you avoid feelings of shame and guilt. For additional resources, visit the Anxiety and Depression Association of America or ask your physician for a referral to a mental health professional who is specialized in anxiety and/or depression. You can also find online or local support groups. Be aware that anxiety and depression aren't indicators of weakness it's a sign that you require help!