Anxiety and Depression Symptoms

Everyone experiences anxiety from time to moment. For example, when taking an important test or performing in front a large crowd. If these feelings last for several months, or interfere with your daily routine, then you may have an anxiety disorder.

Depression and anxiety are both common disorders that can be treated through psychotherapy, medication, or both.

Depression

The feelings of sadness, emptiness and hopelessness that are part of depression may look very similar to the endless worry that's often associated with anxiety. It can be difficult to pinpoint what is causing the symptoms of a person. Depression is characterized by intense feelings of helplessness or sadness or irritability as well as changes in energy levels, sleep patterns and sleeping patterns. It can also cause a loss of enjoyment or interest in previously enjoyable activities. In some cases these signs may result in thoughts of self-harm or a suicide attempt. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide you should call 911 or your local emergency number or text TALK (741741) to connect with an emergency counselor.

If you're feeling depressed Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and how they affect your daily routine. They may refer you to a therapist who can assist. If your symptoms are severe your doctor could request urine, blood and other tests to rule out medical conditions that may cause depression-like symptoms, such as thyroid issues or vitamin deficiencies.

Depression is not something you can always prevent, but there are ways to reduce the chance of developing depression. You can reduce the risk of depression by eating well, sleeping enough, being physically active and doing something that is creative or relaxing frequently. It is also important to stay clear of smoking, drinking, alcohol and other substances.

Depression symptoms can be triggered by a variety of factors, including loss or stress-inducing events like the loss of loved ones or divorce, as well as loss of employment. It can be a reaction to medical conditions like cancer or heart disease, or to supplements or medications.

Psychological counseling (therapy) and antidepressants, or a combination of both can aid in the recovery of a person. If someone is depressed, they can also learn ways to cope with their symptoms. To increase their sense of achievement, they can try to be more social, engage in relaxation techniques, or complete small tasks (such emptying the dishwasher). They can remind themselves that these emotions are temporary and not the result of their own fault, and that they are working to improve their mood.

Anxiety

Anxiety can be as debilitating as depression, and many people have both. Anxiety disorders are the most common form of mental illness in the United States, and affect 40 million adults. Anxiety disorders can cause people to worry more than usual about life things and activities. Anxiety disorders can cause people to worry about things that are out of proportion. It can last for months.

There are a variety of anxiety disorders, such as particular phobias, that are characterized by fear of something like animals or insects or panic disorder, which is defined by repeated episodes of feelings of fear and anxiety that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks); obsessive-compulsive disorder, which involves unwanted thoughts or feelings that cause people to repeat a certain action over and over again as a way of coping with them; post-traumatic stress disorder, which describes the variety of emotional reactions that occur following an event that is traumatizing, which can include upsetting memories, flashbacks, sleeplessness and nightmares.

While the exact causes of anxiety disorders remain unidentified however, there is evidence that certain experiences in life could trigger them in those who are predisposed. Environment, lifestyle and genetics are also factors. Sometimes feeling sad or down is a normal part of life for everyone, but if it becomes persistent and causes problems with daily living you should seek assistance from a health care professional.

Anxiety symptoms may include a fast heartbeat, a feeling of a lack of reality or fear, trouble concentrating and focusing and muscle tension, fatigue and headaches. Anxiety can cause people to have difficulty sleeping, and they may become irritable or angry. In children, they may be introverted and unable to relate to other people.

Physical exercise, healthy eating, regular rest, relaxation techniques and medication can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Therapy, such as psychotherapy and cognitive symptoms of depression behavior therapy, is a key element in treating anxiety and depression. Treatments that target specific anxieties can be beneficial for those with anxiety, like Systematic Desensitization Therapy or Exposure therapy. This involves exposing yourself slowly to situations that you are afraid of in a relaxed setting.

Treatment

There are a variety of ways to treat anxiety and depression which include psychotherapy and medication (talk therapies). Talk therapy can help you manage your emotions and identify the root of your feelings. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as dialectical behavior therapy, and exposure therapy are all examples of these. Other forms of psychotherapy, like interpersonal therapy and exposure therapy, could also be helpful. Medicines can provide immediate relief and can aid in dealing with stressful situations more effectively. Antidepressants are often prescribed to treat anxiety and depression. Other medications can also be efficient. Your doctor will consider your medical history, symptoms of depression in youth (Highly recommended Website) and any other treatments you are taking to determine which treatment is most suitable for you. Be sure to inform 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 which areas of their lives are under stress and then work to reduce the effect that stress can have on your mood. Changes in sleeping and eating routines, regular exercise, spending time with family and friends avoidance of alcohol and other drugs, getting enough sleep, and changing your response to stressful situations can all help reduce depression and anxiety.

Depression can cause you to feel depressed and down, which makes it difficult to concentrate on the things that bring you joy or to believe that life has a purpose. This is especially true for young people. They might be irritable, tired or angry, but they may do not realize they are depressed. Depression can also manifest by a lack in energy, inability to focus or think clearly, or suicidal thoughts.

Anxiety disorders can be characterized by fears and worries that transcend the normal worries of daily life, such as work or health issues, or relationships. In addition to emotional and physical symptoms, anxiety disorders can also cause other problems such as tension in muscles, headaches sweating, indigestion nausea, and difficulty breathing.

Your doctor will conduct physical examination and ask you to describe your feelings, thoughts and behaviors. They may also request tests on your lab to determine if you have any health problems that could be causing your symptoms like low blood sugar, hypothyroidism, or anemia.

Support

It is difficult to differentiate between anxiety and depression since their symptoms often overlap. Irritability, trouble concentrating or recalling things, numbness and pains, and changes in energy levels and sleep patterns are all common to both conditions. The negative, all-or-nothing thought patterns that are characteristic of depression can trigger or worsen anxiety. People who are depressed might also be anxious about the future and think that anything that happens is bad. This is a common combination called comorbidity, which means that more than one disease or condition coexists simultaneously in the same person.

Depression and anxiety are both treated. Both anxiety and depression can be treated through psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes. Psychological treatments, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic talk therapy that change the unhelpful patterns of thinking or coping strategies can be used in conjunction with antidepressant medications. Lifestyle changes that help manage depression and anxiety include getting enough rest and eating more nutritiously, reducing alcohol or drug use, and exercising.

If you know someone who appears to be suffering from depression or anxiety Try to be supportive. Encourage them to seek assistance and remind them of the people who take care of them. Providing direct support for example, helping with chores, accompanying them to appointments at the doctor's office or taking them to social activities could be beneficial. Encourage them to explore new activities that could help them feel better, and try to help them develop an interest in connecting with others, or by volunteering.

You can identify the internal signs of depression of depression and anxiety by learning about the early warning signs of depression of depression and anxiety. Understanding that these disorders stem from biological vulnerability and are treated can help you feel more comfortable and reduce feelings of guilt and shame. For more resources, visit the Anxiety and depression symptoms checklist Association of America or ask your doctor for a referral to a mental health professional who specializes in anxiety and/or depression. You can also meet support groups in person or online. Remember that depression and anxiety aren't indicators of weakness; they're a sign that you need to get assistance!