Everyone goes through anxiety and depression at some point in their lives. Anxiety is an emotion that you feel when you are being overwhelmed with a situation. Depression is an emotion that takes place when you are sad and feeling down. These two emotions can be felt by themselves or at the same time.
Causes
Anxiety and depression can be caused from a number of things. Having a stressful job that involves long hours and critical decisions is an example of how anxiety can develop. Loss of loved ones, going through a divorce or having financial troubles are all things that can lead to anxiety and depression. When anxiety and depression get to the point where they take place consistently, daily functions can become hard to perform.
Symptoms
Anxiety and depression disorders are marked by various symptoms. Excessive amounts of worrying, compulsive behaviors like repeating phrases, sweating, trembling and heart palpitations are all symptoms of anxiety. Depression symptoms include feelings of hopelessness, fatigue, lack of interest in personal hobbies and thoughts of suicide.
Function
Anxiety disorders and depression are actually two separate disorders that can take place at the same time. Nervousness, irritability and having a hard time focusing or sleeping are all crossover symptoms that can be seen with each condition. The treatment plan involves the management of the symptoms that are causing each disorder to take place which in turn can allow you to live a normal, happy life.
Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy. This treatment is characterized by replacing thoughts that are negative and unproductive with positive thoughts that are reassuring and affirming. Overcoming personal fears is often one of the main points touched upon with this therapy.
Prevention/Solution
Medications are a treatment option that can be prescribed by a doctor. These medications affect your mood by altering certain brain chemicals. Examples of these are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs).
Identification
Exercise can be used as a coping strategy to release mood-enhancing endorphins and it can also distract your mind from things that are causing your depression and anxiety. Relaxation techniques can also be deployed with the same goal in mind. Examples of these include meditative breathing, yoga, tai-chi, muscle relaxation and guided imagery.
