Anxiety & Depression
Mental health issues are complex and many people experience more than one mental health disorder, which are often in different degrees. When someone displays more than one mental health problem, it is referred to as “comorbidity”, and anxiety and depression are the two most common comorbid diagnoses. Although depression and anxiety are two different conditions, they frequently occur together. It is not uncommon for people who have depression to experience anxiety and for someone who is anxious to experience depression. An overlap in some treatments is also common, so it is beneficial to understand both conditions.
It is important to understand that feeling down or occasionally having the blues is completely normal and everyone experiences anxiety from time to time, these are normal responses to stressful situations. However, ongoing and/or severe feelings of depression and/or anxiety may be a sign of an underlying mental health disorder. Symptoms of both anxiety and depression typically improve with counseling, medications or a combination of both.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal reaction to stressful situations and it serves as a prompt way to deal with situations that are uncomfortable or difficult. But, when the anxiety is ongoing or you experience excessive bouts of anxiety, it may fall under an anxiety disorder classification. An anxiety disorder is characterized by behavioral, emotional and physical symptoms that cause uncomfortable feelings, such as fear or worry. Feelings of worry is typically accompanied by physical symptoms as well, including headaches, twitching, fatigue, hot flashes and muscle aches. The emotional symptoms of anxiety may include racing thoughts, fear and/or feelings of impending doom. If you are suffering from anxiety it may be common to withdraw from society and to avoid certain places and/or people. Although generalized anxiety is the most common form of anxiety, there are a variety of anxiety disorders, including:
- Panic disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Phobias
Depression
Depression is also a common disorder that affects millions of people around the world. Depression is a disabling condition that can have a significant affect on your work life, school life and/or family life, as well as your eating and sleeping habits. Depression is often characterized by low self-esteem, fatigue, low energy, poor mood and a loss of interest in the things you typically enjoy. Some of the most common feelings of depression is feelings of persistent sadness, loss of self-worth, guilt and/or hopelessness.
Anxiety and Depression Treatment
One of the most important things to remember is that depression and anxiety are treatable conditions. However, both disorders often cause a feeling of hopelessness, so it is critical that you understand the symptoms of both disorders and learn to recognize when you may be experiencing one or both disorders. It is essential that you seek out depression therapy and anxiety counseling in order to learn how to begin the road to recovery. Both conditions require lifestyle changes, smart treatment decisions and a commitment to therapy. Anxiety often leads to depression and depression often leads to anxiety, so do not try to simply manage one or the other and by all means do not try to “just live with it”. Both disorders are completely treatable and with the appropriate therapy and counseling, you can live a full, productive and happy lifestyle.
There are a variety of treatment options available, so it is important to find the type of counseling and treatment options that you are comfortable with. However, the most important thing is to seek help immediately if you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety and/or depression and if you know someone who may experience symptoms, encourage them to seek professional help for the disorder. The sooner you seek counseling, the quicker you will be on the road to a happier, healthier life.
Category
Mental Health & Personal Growth
Related Topics
anxiety · depression · mental health
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