Anxiety And Depression

By Edward Mullen

Anxiety and depression are both very serious mental illnesses all on their own. Unfortunately, they can also go hand-in-hand, making everyday life very difficult for the person who is suffering. Fortunately, if the conditions are recognized and proper help is obtained, they can be overcome successfully.

Due to the nature of both anxiety and depression, understanding the signs and symptoms of the two conditions is vital for helping a person regain control of life. While one condition doesn't necessarily cause the other, it is not at all uncommon to see them manifest together. Considering the potential ramifications of both anxiety and depression, early diagnosis and proper treatment is almost always advisable.

Anxiety's Telltale Signs

Anxiety can present itself in a number of different ways. From very particular phobias to generalized anxiety about everyday living, the actual triggers might vary. Some of the symptoms that tend to go across the board, however, include:

Signs of a heart attack. Things like racing heartbeats, palpitations and even chest pains and discomfort can go along with anxiety. People often think they are having an actual heart attack.

Sweating

Trouble sleeping

Irritability

Impending sense of fear, doom or even worry about imminent death

Stomach discomforts

If anxiety is particularly severe, a person might experience a full-blown panic attack. These episodes are incredibly frightening to the person suffering from them. Inasmuch, many people who suffer from anxiety try to safeguard themselves from the things they see as triggers. Whether this is social situations, heights, public speaking or even being separated from family or leaving the house, the end result is the generally the same - some form of isolation. This tends to be where anxiety and depression can intersect.

Depression's Signs

Everyone feels blue from time to time, but real depression is a like a black cloud that smothers. The symptoms of this condition, if left unchecked, can lead to suicidal thoughts and even actions. Keeping an eye out for them is imperative when other mental illnesses, such as anxiety, are present. They are:

Lack of interest in normal activities

A feeling of sadness that persists for several weeks or longer

Feelings of guilt, hopelessness

Thoughts of suicide or death

Changes in eating habits

A desire to isolate oneself

Anxiety and depression are both very real, very serious illnesses. Fortunately, both can be treated rather effectively if their signs and symptoms are recognized and acted upon properly. Seeking counseling and even medication therapy can help put a person back on the right path. Trying to work through a combination of anxiety and depression alone generally is not advised.

Treatment For Anxiety Can Vary

Getting past the hurdles presented by anxiety disorder is no easy undertaking. It is possible, however, for people to do just that and learn to enjoy life again. The actual steps involved in treatment can depend a great deal on the type of disorder present and the perceived cause of the disorder.

Causes Of Anxiety

One factor that can greatly impact treatment for anxiety is the potential cause of the disorder itself. In most cases, treatment for anxiety hinges on the factors that came into play to create the condition. Anxiety is believed to stem from one of three things or a combination of them. They are:

Genetics. If there is a family history of anxiety disorder, this can play a role in helping determine the right treatment for anxiety.

Brain chemistry. Sometimes the levels of chemicals in the brain are off kilter and can help add to anxiety problems. In regard to treatment for anxiety, this factor can often be alleviated somewhat by use of medications to bring chemical levels into balance.

Outward stimulus. In some cases, anxiety is caused entirely by real life experiences. Extreme trauma, for example, is a noted factor in the formation of anxiety disorders.

Potential Treatment For Anxiety

Once the causes of the disorder are examined, people can often find relief and even a cure in some cases. The possible treatment for anxiety prescribed by a professional generally includes a combination of things. For example:

Medications. Medications such as Zoloft are very useful in the treatment for anxiety. These do not cure the condition, but they help remove some of the symptoms. In turn, a person suffering from anxiety is freed up to explore other avenues to prevent anxiety attacks from recurring.

Therapy. Psychological therapy is quite effective as a treatment for anxiety. In the case of outwardly caused anxiety, it is crucial. If the root issues are tackled and faced, a person can actually experience a "cure." For those with chemical imbalances or genetic causes, therapy is still an effective treatment for anxiety. Through therapy, people can learn to recognize anxiety attacks as they are starting. They can also learn to develop the tools they need to regain control when they do happen.

Alternative therapies. Everything from herbal remedies to meditation have proven themselves in some cases as effective treatment for anxiety. A lot does depend on the person and the particular treatment in use.

Treatment is vital for people who want to regain control of their lives. Since the disorder has the potential to be quite debilitating, it is wise for sufferers to seek out help. It is available.

Edward Mullen is a free-lance writer for DiagnosisStress.com

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