Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health issues people face today. They can be debilitating and greatly impact a person’s life. These invisible illnesses can take a physical and emotional toll on individuals, making everyday life a struggle.
People suffering from these conditions often feel overwhelmed, isolated, and exhausted, unable to explain why they feel so low. It can be difficult to ask for help, but taking the necessary steps to get the support and treatment needed to manage these conditions is essential. With the right support, education, and tools, anyone can learn how to manage their anxiety and depression and live a happy and productive life.
Causes
Genetics
Genetics may play a role in the development of anxiety and depression. Mental health disorders run in families, and if someone has close relatives with these mental conditions, they may be at greater risk for developing one of these conditions themselves. People with a family history of mental illness need to check for signs and symptoms to get early treatment if required.
Abuse
Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse can increase the risk of developing anxiety and depression. Abuse can leave a person feeling helpless, isolated, and scared. It can be difficult to cope with these feelings without seeking help. It is important to seek help if you have experienced abuse.
Stress
Stress can lead to feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and despair. Stressful life events such as a major illness, the death of a loved one, or financial troubles can increase the risk of developing these conditions. It is important to find healthy ways to cope with stress.
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse leads to changes in the brain that can make it difficult to cope with everyday stressors. Substance abuse is linked to an increased risk of developing anxiety. Substance abuse can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and isolation. It can also increase the risk of developing other mental health issues.
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors such as poverty, poor living conditions, discrimination, lack of access to medical care, having a traumatic childhood, or growing up in an unstable home can increase the risk. Exposure to violence can also increase the risk.
These environmental factors can lead to feelings of insecurity and fear. It is important to find healthy ways to cope with these difficult situations. Individuals with anxiety and depression need to have access to appropriate treatment.
Major Events
Major life events such as the death of a loved one, a divorce or break up, a new job or school, or a move to a new place can cause anxiety. These events can disrupt your lives and make you feel overwhelmed. It is important to find healthy ways to cope with these difficult situations to manage your emotions better.
Brain Chemical
Chemical imbalances in the brain can contribute to anxiety and depression. Various factors, including genetics, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices, can cause these imbalances. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine play a role in regulating mood and behavior.
If a person’s level of these neurotransmitters is off balance, it can cause anxiety and depression. Antidepressants and other medications can help restore balance in the brain, aiding in treatment.
Medical Condition
Certain medical conditions can contribute to anxiety and depression, such as thyroid disorder, chronic pain or fatigue, or traumatic brain injury. It is important to talk to your doctor if you think a chronic medical condition might be impacting your emotional well-being. A combination of medication and psychotherapy can help people learn how to manage the symptoms of mental illness.
Treatment
While conditions can manifest differently across people, many treatment options are still available to address the issue.
Chiropractic Services
Chiropractors offer an array of services to help people who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression including:
- Massage Therapy
- Acupuncture
- Whole Body Health
- More
Medication
Medications such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can help to reduce symptoms. It is important to speak with a doctor or psychiatrist to determine the best course of action for the medication prescribed.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that changes unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors by teaching the patient how to recognize and respond to triggers. This help can then aid in reducing symptoms of mental illness.
Support Groups
Support groups allow individuals facing similar issues to come together in a comfortable setting and discuss their struggles and successes with one another. This helps in fostering support and understanding throughout the process. It also helps to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can help with mental well-being.
Exercise
Regular physical exercise, such as yoga or walking, can help reduce stress and improve mood. Exercise also releases endorphins that improve mood, reduce stress hormones, and encourage better self-esteem.
Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet can promote overall mental and physical health. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean protein can help support a healthy lifestyle.
Types of Anxiety
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
It is a disorder caused by long-term, excessive worrying about everyday life. Common symptoms of GAD include difficulty sleeping, loss of focus and concentration, and feeling tense, irritable, and anxious.
Panic Disorder
A panic disorder is caused by sudden, intense, and irrational fear. Symptoms may include palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, trembling, and sweating.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a disorder triggered by a disturbing or traumatic event, such as a physical, emotional, or sexual assault. Traumatic events often trigger recurring thoughts, nightmares, irritability, flashbacks, and physical reactions.
Social Phobia
Social phobia is a fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations. People with this disorder often experience intense fear and anxiety in social situations, even those frequently encountered by others. Symptoms can include blushing, sweaty palms, nausea, and difficulty speaking or making eye contact.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Persistent and intrusive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors characterize OCD. People with OCD will experience recurring, unwanted thoughts, urges, or images that make them feel compelled to do something. This can include repeating tasks over and over (e.g., cleaning), excessive checking, arranging objects in a certain way, or avoiding certain situations out of fear of contamination.
Types of Depression
Major depressive disorder (MDD)
MDD is a mood disorder characterized by low or depressed mood, inability to experience pleasure or take an interest in activities, and disturbances in sleep, appetite, physical activity, and concentration. Individuals with MDD can also have feelings of worthlessness and guilt.
Bipolar Disorder
This mental health disorder involves cycles of elevated mood (manic episodes) and extreme lows (depressive episodes). Manic symptoms include increased energy, talkativeness, overactivity, and euphoria, while depressive symptoms involve feelings of fatigue, worthlessness, and difficulty concentrating.
Dysthymia
Dysthymia is a chronic, mild depressive disorder caused by a persistent sad or low mood that lasts for a long time (at least two years). Dysthymia can lead to difficulties functioning day-to-day and an increased risk of developing a major depressive disorder.
Psychotic depression
Psychotic depression is an extremely severe form of depression. Symptoms include:
- Delusions (fixed beliefs that are not based on reality).
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real).
- Feelings of hopelessness and guilt.
- Agitation.
- An inability to concentrate.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that causes severe physical and emotional symptoms in the days before a woman’s period. PMDD can include intense mood swings, irritability, fatigue, headache, breast tenderness, and more.
FAQ
Is depression and anxiety the same thing?
No. They are two different mental health conditions.
Are these conditions treatable?
Yes. Many treatments, including medications and psychotherapy, can help manage the symptoms.
What are the risk factors for depression?
Risk factors for depression may include genetics, a family history of depression, a traumatic event, relationship problems, stress, and an underlying medical condition.
Can stress cause anxiety and depression?
Yes. Prolonged and unmanaged stress can increase the risk of developing these mental conditions.
Is there a test for depression and anxiety?
Yes. A mental health professional can use a variety of tests and assessments to diagnose.
