Do you feel anxious at times and a bit afraid of things too? Does your heart start beating at a very rapid pace at such times? Does it feel like you are about to have a panic attack? Simultaneously at times do you feel sadness along with a feeling of a hollowness within yourselves? Does this appear to be the symptoms of depression?
Do not just come to the conclusion that having such symptoms means that you have anxiety and depression. Read along to know what they actually mean. If you experience the above mentioned symptoms, do consult a doctor timely to be diagnosed with the disease at an early stage.
Both depression and anxiety are mental health disorders. Often compared to the two sides of a coin, depression, and anxiety are two separate conditions but often one of these conditions leads to the other in a person. Due to this, a person’s wellness is affected drastically.
Depression: Depression is also referred to as major depressive disorder. It is a mood disorder. In this condition, there is a continuous feeling of sadness and hopelessness. The person loses interest in everyday activities. It negatively affects how you think and feel. You also tend to have a change in your behavior. There is a feeling of hopelessness and worthlessness within you.
Anxiety: Anxiety is how your body responds to stress. It can occur as a feeling of fear and panic. For example, if you have to go on stage to give a speech, it can cause a feeling of anxiety due to nervousness. Such anxiety is not a matter of concern. On the contrary, to have feelings of anxieties that have lasted for more than six months and of extreme nature is a matter of concern.
The symptoms of both depression and anxiety can involve physical as well as emotional traits.
Depression can be caused due to a variety of reasons. It could be either due to circumstantial reasons or biological.
Studies have not been able to prove the exact causes of anxiety. It is believed to be caused due to a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Anxiety is often caused in patients suffering from certain medical conditions. Signs of anxiety will probably be the first signs for a medical condition. Few diseases like heart diseases, hyperthyroidism, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can cause anxiety. Alcohol withdrawal and medications like anti-anxiety medications can also cause anxiety. Misuse of drugs is another reason why anxiety occurs.
Anxiety and depression cannot be diagnosed by a blood test or diagnostic tests. It needs a complete physical examination first. Any medical illnesses which lead to depression can be diagnosed through physical examination. Also, the doctor will ask for a detailed personal history
The physical tests will focus basically on the neurological and endocrine systems. Some of the illnesses caused in the central nervous system like stroke, head trauma, multiple sclerosis cause depression in the patient.
There are certain self-assessment questionnaires which are used to determine types of anxiety disorder.
The treatment of depression can be categorized into –
The treatment of anxiety can be categorized into –
If you are facing any of the symptoms of anxiety and depression mentioned above for a period of more than two weeks, you should seek a consultation with your doctor. Your doctor can refer you to a psychiatrist. If left untreated these symptoms can get more intense and lead to suicidal thoughts.
Anxiety and depression issues in people have become quite common nowadays. This does not mean it should be taken lightly. Women after the delivery of a child face this too and the condition is called as postpartum depression. Both of these mental health disorders affect the person’s daily routine. In severe cases the person feels handicapped too as he becomes dependent on a family member or friend. It leads to various odd behaviors too which is not accepted socially. Hence, at the first sight of symptoms, the person or the caregiver of the person should take the person for a proper and detailed checkup.
References:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350967
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20356013
https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-tests#1
https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety-diagnosis#diagnostic-tests