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Anxiety and Depression – How To Manage The Two

Anxiety and Depression – Recognizing the Signs

Understanding the symptoms and signs of both depression and anxiety is a vital first step in treating these mental conditions. Treatment of depression and anxiety is not possible until the problem is recognized, and considering the impact either condition can have on a person’s life, seeing that there is a problem is absolutely vital.

The Signs of Anxiety

Anxiety can manifest itself in many different ways. From a general feeling of anxiety, to phobias about specific things, the anxiety trigger can vary widely. But the symptoms tend to be similar across all cases, and can unclude:

Feelings very similar to a heart attack. Palpitations, racing heartbeat, chest pains, and trouble breathing are all possible. The symptoms of an anxiety attack can be remarkably like that of having a heart attack.
Cold sweats
Difficulties sleeping
Sudden feelings of doom, fear, or impending death
Stomach and bowel problems

In particularly severe cases, the sufferer may experience what is called a panic attack. This is an incredibly scary experience for the person having from it, especially if the person lives alone. This leads to the sufferer going to incredible lengths to avoid anything they think may trigger a panic attack. Almost anything can be a trigger, including the fear of having another panic attack! But in the end, it all generally leads to the same end result – isolation. Isolation from people, from experiences, and the outside world. This sense of isolation and fear tends to lead to – you guessed it – depression.

The Signs of Depression

While everyone feels “down” or “blue” every now and then, true depression is orders of magnitude worse. Nothing seems right, nothing gives any hope to the sufferer. Depression can lead to suicide, homicide, drug abuse, and other anti-social behavior. Knowing the signs of depression are is very important, especially in the presence of other mental conditions like anxiety. Some of the more common symptoms of depression are:

Loss of interest in hobbies, recreational activities, and other activities that used to give enjoyment.
Feelings of sadness that last for more than a week or two
Hopelessness and guilt without reason
Suicidal thoughts or actions, a desire to die
Changing eating habits, either increased or decreased
A desire for isolation, solitude, or just to be “left alone” by people formerly important to the sufferer

Anxiety and Depression Treatment

Anxiety and depression both are very real and serious mental illnesses. Fortunately, anxiety and depression should be able to be effectively treated – but only if the symptoms and signs are both recognized and acted on. Counseling, medication, and psychotherapy can all help the sufferer get out of the vicious synergy between anxiety and depression and get their life back on track. Attempting to work through it by yourself, especially if suffering from the duo of depression and anxiety, is not recommended. Being alone and isolated with these illnesses is half the problem!

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