Managing Depression And Anxiety

If you or someone you love is exhibiting symptoms of depression and anxiety, here’s what you need to know.

What is the relationship between anxiety and depression?

Anxiety and depression are two mental health disorders often considered comorbid conditions, which means they occur together. If you are diagnosed with either depression or anxiety, it's more likely that you may experience the other at some point.

Though the causes of anxiety and depression aren't fully understood, they are both often thought to be caused by a shortage of certain chemicals in your brain. Sometimes, your brain simply doesn't produce enough of these chemicals to regulate depression and anxiety.

However, depression and anxiety can also be caused by environmental factors instead of internal factors. A stressful job, problems in relationships, or ongoing worry can lead to depression and anxiety. Some people are predisposed to these issues, especially if they have a family history.

Sometimes, anxiety can lead to depression or vice versa. One condition can easily trigger the other. Ongoing nervousness, worry, and fear from anxiety may lead to hopelessness about the future. Hopelessness, guilt, and despair from depression may make you feel anxious or worried about these troubling symptoms.

What is it like to experience both anxiety and depression?

Anxiety and depression can both lead to feelings of helplessness, despair, and hopelessness. When the symptoms of anxiety and depression combine, they can have a seriously detrimental impact on your life.

The primary symptoms of anxiety include near-constant worry that something bad will happen. You may feel nervous, restless, panicked, or may have trouble concentrating. During the height of an anxiety attack, you may feel lightheaded or dizzy and may experience sweating, shaking or trembling, increased heart rate, and trouble breathing.

Depression, on the other hand, creates long-lasting feelings of sadness, apathy, and a loss of interest in things you once loved. You may experience mood swings, agitation, low energy levels, and periods of crying. Some people may even feel a desire to hurt themselves or kill themselves.

Experiencing both depression and anxiety in conjunction creates a mix of symptoms that can be troubling for anyone to deal with. It is often overwhelming and can get in the way of your daily functioning.

It can be tough to concentrate on schoolwork, projects at your job, personal relationships, or daily tasks like taking care of your home, paying bills, eating regular meals, and caring for yourself.

Having depression or anxiety alone is difficult to deal with, and having both undoubtedly complicates things further. It's important to remember that treatment is available for these conditions, and recovery is possible.

Can anxiety and depression be treated simultaneously?

Depression and anxiety can be treated simultaneously, though they may require different approaches. Several antidepressants are also prescribed for anxiety, and various types of therapy can be beneficial for treating both. If one condition is more severe, it's wise to treat that first.

Mental health conditions can sometimes be difficult to diagnose, and some people get misdiagnosed based on their symptoms. In order to receive proper treatment for depression and anxiety, it's important to be open about your symptoms and how you're feeling, and pay close attention to these symptoms during treatment.

Treatment for depression and anxiety can sometimes take some time to work, but you shouldn't get discouraged. It's important to discover the root cause of your mental health conditions, whether they are due to chemical imbalances in your brain or external factors. This can help you find a treatment plan that works for you.

Evidence-based techniques

While medication and therapy are seen as the gold standard for treating mental health conditions, there are a few other evidence-based techniques that you can use to help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.

These techniques include getting regular exercise and practicing mindfulness like meditation and deep breathing. These things can help calm and focus your mind and be used as part of your daily self-care routine.

Self-care can be extremely difficult when you are caught up in depression and anxiety, but it is one of the essential things you can do to help yourself head down a path towards healing. Caring for your body and mind in healthy ways can relieve mild symptoms.

If it feels difficult, it's OK to start small! Ten minutes of exercise or meditation can make a real difference, and you can work your way up from there. Don't forget to cut yourself a break if you have a day here or there where you struggle. Caring for yourself can be hard when you're feeling down about yourself or worried about your future.

If your symptoms are severe, though, it's best to see a doctor instead of trying to handle it on your own. It's great to have a support system to rely on for advice and help when you're feeling bad.

How to use therapy and medication to treat anxiety and depression

Anxiety and depression can be treated with both therapy and medication. They can be used separately or in conjunction, based on the recommendations of your doctor. For some people, medication doesn't help, but therapy does, or vice versa.

Many of the most persistent and troubling symptoms of depression and anxiety can be treated with medication, while therapy can help you get to the root of why you're feeling the way you do. Therapy can help you identify triggers that may make your feelings worse.

Therapy can also teach you coping mechanisms, so you can better deal with emotional problems as they arise, and stop them from getting in the way of your daily life. A therapist can show you techniques to use at the moment, so you feel less overwhelmed and can better handle day-to-day problems.

It's important to remember that several types of medication and therapy are available to treat anxiety and depression. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) make up the most common class of antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, while talk therapy is the most common type of therapy available.

However, some people don't respond to these more common treatments. This doesn't mean that your depression and anxiety can't be treated, though. Cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and tricyclic antidepressants are among the other treatments available.

These treatments may take a few weeks or months to work, and it might need a little experimentation to find the perfect combination for you. If one method doesn't work, don't give up because many other options are available.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), for example, is a new treatment option. This treatment involves using magnets to stimulate certain nerves in your brain to help alleviate symptoms.

New remedies for depression and anxiety are being explored every day, and psychiatrists are finding more effective ways to treat these conditions. 

When to see a doctor

Depression and anxiety can be isolating, but many people who experience these feelings believe they can "power through" them. There's still a lot of stigma surrounding mental health conditions, and many people are afraid or embarrassed to seek help from their doctor.

If you're experiencing these feelings, understand that depression and anxiety are treatable medical conditions, and you should never have to face them alone. But when is the right time to see a doctor?

If you find that these feelings are overwhelming or get in the way of your daily activities, then it's time to seek medical treatment. Depression and anxiety can affect your schoolwork, your performance at work, and your relationships with people you love. This negative impact can have long-lasting effects, which is why it's so important to treat them promptly.

Your general practitioner or family doctor is a good place to start. Even if they don't specialize in mental health, they can prescribe some medications and direct you toward a mental health professional who can provide the treatment you need.

If you experience symptoms for more than two weeks, you'll likely be diagnosed with depression, anxiety, or both. If possible, keep a journal or record of your feelings, as it may help your doctor diagnose your condition properly.

The lowdown

The most important thing to do is talk to a doctor if you feel overwhelmed. Seeking treatment isn’t shameful, and in most cases, a full recovery is possible.

Taking the first step can be a challenge, but millions of people like you have found relief from their symptoms and have once again been able to live a life full of enjoyment.