The Symptoms for Depression and Anxiety: What You Need to Know

 The Symptoms for Depression and Anxiety

 

Depression and anxiety are serious mental illnesses that can hurt your life. You or someone you know has likely experienced one of these conditions at some point in your life. They can make it difficult to function daily strained on relationships with friends and family, and limit your ability to achieve your goals. However, it is also possible to overcome them with the appropriate treatment. If left untreated, depression and anxiety can intensify over time. Left untreated, both of these conditions can significantly affect the way you feel about yourself, the world around you, and those you love. If you recognize any of the following signs of depression or anxiety in yourself or someone close to you, you must take action immediately.

What is Depression?

Depression is a mood disorder characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and/or a general sense of dissatisfaction with life. An estimated 350 million people worldwide experience some form of depression each year. There are many different types of depression, including major depression, dysthymia, and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Major depression is a condition in which a person experiences extreme feelings of sadness and hopelessness, as well as a loss of interest in everyday activities. These emotions could persist for weeks or even months. A person with depression may also experience physical symptoms such as changes in appetite, unexplained aches and pains, insomnia or excessive sleeping, having no energy, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a feeling of fear, panic, or worry that is often out of proportion to what is occurring in a person’s life. Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time. In some cases, this is normal and a person does not require treatment or intervention. Individuals who suffer from anxiety disorders, however, tend to feel anxious much of the time and may have difficulty controlling their emotions. The most prevalent mental ailment in the United States, anxiety disorders impact 40 million Americans annually. There are several types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

5 Signs of Depression

1. Lack of Interest in Activities: If you’ve always enjoyed certain hobbies, sports, or activities, but suddenly have no interest in them, this may be a sign of depression. Also, a person who was once very social may begin to isolate themselves from friends, family, and others.
2. Sleeping Patterns Change: Many individuals suffering from depression experience sleeping problems, such as insomnia, oversleeping, or finding it difficult to relax and fall asleep. Depression can also cause a person to feel fatigued or sleepy all the time.
3. Change in Eating Habits: Depression can be physically and mentally exhausting. When you’re feeling depressed, it can be difficult to focus on and finish all of your daily tasks. It’s not unusual for people with depression to gravitate towards sugary or carb-heavy foods when they are feeling particularly low.
4. Loss of Interest in Sex: For many individuals, sex is an important part of a healthy, loving relationship. When you’re depressed, you may lose interest in sex. This can be a sign that you’re feeling withdrawn and unhappy.
5. Inability to Focus: When you’re depressed, it can be difficult to concentrate on the things that matter most to you. This may lead you to procrastinate on projects at work.

3 Ways to Help Someone with Depression

1. Asking Questions: Often, people who are experiencing symptoms of depression don’t realize that they are depressed. They may think that their symptoms are normal and are just a part of getting older. You can help your loved one get the treatment they need by asking questions and listening without judgment.
2. Encouraging Treatment: If you suspect that a loved one is suffering from depression, encourage them to seek treatment. There are many types of depression treatment available, such as therapy, medication, and vitamins.
3. Planning Activities Together: When someone you love is depressed, it can be difficult to know how to help them. Your loved one may not feel like doing anything — they may just want to retreat and be alone. Stay in touch with them and suggest activities you can do together. You don’t have to do anything drastic, like skydiving or moving to a different country. Simple things like going for a walk, taking a yoga class, or playing board games can help.

4 Signs of Anxious Depression

1. Feeling Overwhelmed: People who experience anxious depression may feel overwhelmed by daily tasks and feel like they have no control over their lives. They may be irritable, easily frustrated, and have a hard time making decisions.
2. Feeling Anxious about Common Events: People who experience anxious depression may feel nervous or anxious about normal events. For example, they may feel nervous before or during a job interview or feel anxious while waiting in line at the grocery store. Experience Physical Symptoms: Physical symptoms of anxious depression include muscle tension, restlessness, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping.
3. Low Self-Esteem: People who experience anxious depression often have low self-esteem and feel like they are not good enough. They may feel that they are a burden to their loved ones and have a hard time accepting compliments.
4. Strong Negative Feelings: When people who experience anxious depression have negative feelings, they may feel hopeless, helpless, and worthless.

4 Signs of a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

1. Feeling Anxious about Minor Events: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is when a person feels anxious about common events. They may feel anxious about seemingly minor things, like going to the grocery store, taking a test at school, or meeting with a new client. GAD is different from normal anxiety because people with GAD feel anxious about everything.
2. Feeling Anxious about Everyday Tasks: In addition to feeling anxious about common events, people with a generalized anxiety disorder also feel anxious about everyday tasks, like cleaning their houses, paying bills, and going to work. They may also worry about the outcomes of events, such as a meeting or a sports game.
3. Experience Physical Symptoms: Physical symptoms of a generalized anxiety disorder include muscle tension, fatigue, restlessness, and headaches. They may also experience racing thoughts or trouble sleeping.
4. Experience Negative Thoughts: People with GAD may feel overwhelmed by negative thoughts and worry excessively. They may also feel like they have no control over their lives.

3 Ways to Help Someone with Anxiety

1. Encourage Them to Get Treatment: If you know someone who suffers from anxiety, encourage them to visit a therapist. Many people with anxiety don’t seek treatment because they feel embarrassed or don’t want others to know about their condition. Remember that seeking treatment is a sign of strength. Therapists can help people with anxiety manage their condition.
2. Help the Person Identify Triggers: When experiencing anxiety, it can be difficult to identify the things that trigger it. Let your friend know that you’re there to help and want to understand what’s causing them anxiety.
3. Give Them Space: If your friend is suffering from anxiety, it can be tempting to want to help them as much as possible. However, when you’re experiencing anxiety, it can be helpful to have some space from other people.

Conclusion

Anxiety and depression are among the most common mental illnesses, and you must know the signs and symptoms. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to get help. Depression and anxiety are treatable conditions, and there are many ways to overcome them. If you or someone you know has been experiencing many of these signs, it’s important to talk to someone. Some people can help, so don’t go through this alone.