Ask Me Anything: 10 Answers To Your Questions About Depression Symptoms And Anxiety

Anxiety and Depression Symptoms Every person is prone to anxiety from time the. For instance, when taking an important test or performing in front a large crowd. However, if these feelings last for a long time or interfere with your daily routine it could indicate that you have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety and depression are both common conditions that can be treated with medication, psychotherapy or both. Depression The feelings of despair, sadness and hopelessness that are part of depression may appear like the constant anxiety that is often associated with anxiety. It can be difficult to pinpoint the cause of the symptoms. Depression is characterized by intense feelings of sadness or helplessness or irritability as well as changes in energy levels, sleep patterns and sleep patterns. It can also cause a loss of enjoyment or enthusiasm for previously enjoyable activities. In some cases, these symptoms can result in thoughts of self-harm or a suicide attempt. If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, please call 911 or your local emergency number or text TALK (741741) to connect with a crisis counselor. Speak to your doctor if depressed over your symptoms and the way they affect your life. They may refer you to a therapist that can help. If your symptoms are severe, your physician might also recommend urine, blood, and other tests to determine if there is a medical condition that cause depression-like symptoms, like a thyroid disorder or vitamin deficiencies. Depression is not something you can prevent There are ways to lower the risk. You can reduce the risk of depression by eating well, sleeping enough, being physically active, and doing something creative, or relaxing often. Avoiding drinking, taking drugs, and smoking is important, too. The symptoms of depression can be caused by a myriad of causes like stress-inducing events or losses, like the loss of a loved-one, divorce, or losing your job. It may also be caused by medical conditions, such as cancer or heart disease, or by medications or supplements. A person can improve by undergoing psychological counseling (therapy), medication, like antidepressants, or an amalgamation of both. If someone is depressed they may also develop coping techniques to manage their symptoms. For example, they might attempt to be more social, try relaxation techniques, or even take on small tasks (such as emptying the dishwasher) to boost their sense of achievement. They can remind themselves that these feelings are not permanent and are not their fault, and they are working to improve their mood. Anxiety Anxiety can be as crippling as depression, and a lot of people experience both. Anxiety disorders are the most frequent type of mental illness in the United States, affecting 40 million adults. People with anxiety may worry about more things than usual such as everyday routine events and activities. Anxiety disorder can cause people to be worried about things that are out of proportion. This can last for a long time. There are a variety of anxiety disorders, including specific phobias, which involve fear of a particular thing, such as animals or insects; panic disorder, characterized by frequent episodes of fear and anxiety that can last for a few minutes (panic attacks) or obsessive-compulsive disorders, which involves unwanted thoughts or impulses that prompt the sufferer to repeat the same actions repeatedly as a way of coping with them; post-traumatic stress disorder, which explains the variety of emotional reactions following a traumatic event that includes distressing memories, flashbacks nightmares and difficulty sleeping. The exact causes of anxiety disorders aren't yet fully understood, however there is evidence that life experiences can trigger them in people who are predisposed to them. The environment, genetics, and lifestyles can also be a factor. Sometimes feeling sad or down is part of everyone's life however, when it becomes chronic and causes problems with daily living, seek help from a health professional. Anxiety symptoms can include a rapid heartbeat, feeling of a lack of reality or fear, trouble concentration and focusing, muscle tension and headaches. The people who suffer from anxiety usually have trouble sleeping and become angry and irritable easily. In children, they may be introverted and unable to communicate with other people. The symptoms of depression and anxiety can be relieved with physical activity and healthy eating habits. regular rest and relaxation techniques, and medication. Psychotherapy, which includes psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, is a key component in treating both depression and anxiety. Patients suffering from anxiety usually benefit from treatments that address their particular anxiety, such as Systematic Desensitization and Exposure Therapy. This involves gradually exposing yourself to situations that you are hesitant to face in a safe and supportive environment. Treatment There are several treatment options for anxiety and depression which include psychotherapy and medication (talk therapies). Talk therapy can help you control your emotions, and discover the root causes behind your emotions. They include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy. Other forms of psychotherapy, such as interpersonal therapy and exposure therapy, may also be helpful. You can experience immediate relief from anxiety by taking medication. They can also help you learn how to cope better. Antidepressants are prescribed to treat depression and anxiety. Other medications are also effective. Your doctor will take into consideration your symptoms, your medical history as well as any other treatments you are currently undergoing to determine which one is the best for you. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you're taking, such as vitamins and herbal supplements, since they may influence your treatment. For those suffering from anxiety and depression it is important to determine what areas of their life are stressed and work to minimize the effect these stressors affect your mood. Changes in sleeping and eating patterns, regular exercise spending time with friends and family Avoiding alcohol and drugs, getting enough sleep and altering your reaction to stressful situations can all help to reduce depression and anxiety. Depression can cause you to feel depressed and hopeless and make it difficult to concentrate on the things that make you happy, or believe that there is a purpose to your life. This is especially true for young people. They may feel tired, irritable or angry often and have trouble recognizing that they are depressed. Depression can also manifest as lack of energy and inability to think clearly, or focus, as well as suicidal thoughts. Anxiety disorders are characterized by anxiety and fears that go beyond normal worries about everyday things like relationships, health, or work. Anxiety disorders can cause physical and emotional symptoms as and other issues like headaches and muscle tensions, indigestions, nausea, sweating, and difficulty breathing. Your doctor will perform an examination and ask about your thoughts and emotions. They may also recommend lab tests in order to check for underlying health problems that could be contributing your symptoms, such as low blood sugar, hypothyroidism, or anemia. Support The symptoms of depression and anxiety often overlap and make it difficult to tell them apart. Trouble concentrating, irritability, recalling things, unanswered aches and pains and changes in energy levels and sleep patterns are all common to both conditions. Depression is manifested by a negative all or nothing thinking pattern. This can trigger or worsen anxiety. Someone who is depressed may also feel anxious about their future and believe that whatever happens it will be a disaster. This is a typical combination of conditions known as comorbidity. It means that more than one illness or condition coexists simultaneously in the same person. Both depression and anxiety Both can be treated. The symptoms of both disorders can be improved through psychological counseling (psychotherapy) as well as medication and lifestyle adjustments. Psychological therapies, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic talk therapy that change the unhelpful patterns of thinking or coping techniques can be utilized in conjunction with antidepressant medications. Lifestyle changes that help to combat depression and anxiety include getting enough sleep and eating better as well as reducing alcohol or substance consumption, and working out. Try to be helpful if you know someone who appears to be suffering from anxiety or depression. Encourage symptoms of depression symptoms of depression www.iampsychiatry.com to get help and remind them that there are people who care about them. Direct support can be provided by helping with chores, taking the person to a doctor's appointment or taking them to social events. Encourage them to try new things that might make them feel better, and try to help them discover an identity by connecting with others, or by volunteering. Being aware of anxiety and depression can help you recognize the symptoms. Knowing that these conditions are caused by biological vulnerability and that they're treated can help you feel more comfortable and reduce feelings of guilt and shame. For additional resources, visit the Anxiety and Depression Association of America or ask your physician for the referral to an expert in mental health who specializes in anxiety or depression. You can also find support groups in person or on the internet. Be aware that depression and anxiety are not an indication of weakness, they're indications that you need help!