Depression and Anxiety are the most common issues faced by nearly half of the population nowadays. While Depression is considered a significant mental health issue, it is often noted that with Depression, symptoms of Anxiety can be seen.
In a study, it is found that half of the people who have either Depression or Anxiety have the other condition as well. Although the causes may differ for each condition, the similarity in their symptoms and treatments can be a bit confusing. For more clarity on the conditions and their management, continue reading the article.
Symptoms of each condition
Many of the symptoms of both conditions overlap each other, but some differences still tell them apart.
Depression
It is perfectly normal if you are feeling sad, down, or upset at certain times. There can be life events that can cause you to feel sad. The problem arises if these feelings are there for a prolonged period and a person cannot get out of it.
The physical and behavioral changes that are brought upon by Depression are as follows:
Decrease in the energy level, frequent fatigue, feeling lethargic.
Difficulty in concentrating or making decisions, or recalling something.
Body pain, cramps, or gastrointestinal problems without showing any exact cause.
Sudden change in body weight and appetite.
Difficulty in sleeping correctly, waking up early, or oversleeping.
The emotional symptoms caused by depression are:
Total loss or decrease in the interest over pleasurable activities or hobbies.
Constant feeling of sadness or emptiness.
Increase in pessimistic behavior and low level of morale.
Anger issues, irritability, or restlessness.
Feelings of worthlessness.
Thoughts of suicide in significant cases
Anxiety
Fear and worry or anxiety is a common occurrence. It is perfectly normal to be anxious or feel tension before going on stage, interview, or making a big decision. The problem arises when the anxiety becomes chronic and leads to irrational thoughts and fears that a person can't seem to control, which interferes with the day-to-day activities of your life.
The physical symptoms and changes in behavior caused by Anxiety are:
Feeling fatigued all the time
Difficulty in concentrating or recalling things
Muscle tension
Increased heartbeat
Grinding teeth
Emotional symptoms of anxiety include:
Restlessness or feeling on edge all the time
Fear
Difficulty control the anger
Worries
A Self-Help Test May Help You Identify the Signs
You know more about yourself than any other person. If you feel you are experiencing certain behaviors that are not normal according to you or lack interest in any of the hobbies or fun activities, you might want to seek a healthcare provider. It is always advisable to convey your experiences or any changes you face to the doctor so that the treatment can be done on time.
Some online tests can be used for diagnosing Depression or Anxiety. Tests such as depression test and anxiety test, depression rest, anxiety test can be helpful in the initial behavioral changes. Although online tests do not hold the same weightage as a personal meeting with the doctor can be a good start.
How to Manage Your Symptoms
Dealing with Depression can be draining. It takes away your drive, hope, and the energy to live. Sometimes even simple things as meeting your friends and talking may seem exhausting or tiring.
When they say that the things you have to do for recovering from Depression are the same things that are difficult to put into action, while we know that recovering from Depression and Anxiety is difficult, you should realize that you are not alone and have more control over it than you realize.
Taking that tiny first step is the most difficult. But once you do, there is hope. You need to know what you love doing. There may be something that elevates your mood consequently—for example- going for a dance session or sports—or meeting an old friend to feel lifted.
These are some small steps that can take you in the right direction and make you a happy and healthy person again.
Reach out getting support from your loved ones is an essential part of recovering from Depression. If you are alone, you may find it challenging to sustain and have a positive perspective every time and feel isolated. These things can be done to stay connected-
Talk to someone about how you feel.
Have meals with your friend.
Go for walks.
Help someone.
Confide in someone.
Do things that make you happy- To recover from Depression, you need to do something that makes you feel good and energized. While we understand that you may not feel like doing many things on your own, but a little push would do a lot. For example, indulge in activities like-:
Spend time with nature more.
Write a diary.
Read books or watch movies.
Talk to your pet.
Eat a healthy diet- eating healthy has a direct impact on how you feel. Reduce intake of foods that can adversely affect your mental and physical health. Don't skip meals at all. Take small meals if you are not hungry. Minimize sugar and take a lot of omega three and vitamins.
Challenge and negative thoughts- while recovering from Depression and Anxiety, you tend to feel powerless. You need to understand that you are not alone, and there's not much you can do about bad situations. When negative thoughts start coming regularly, you need to understand pessimistic attitude is a common symptom of Depression and Anxiety.
Depression, Anxiety and psychotherapy effectiveness
There are many types of psychotherapy to cure Depression and Anxiety. It can be an effective way to treat Depression because it stimulates your thoughts and analyses deeply for your depressive tendencies.
Psychotherapy is also known as talk therapy. Although there are various techniques and forms of psychotherapy around the world. Some of them are-:
Cognitive therapy
Behavioral therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Dialectical Therapy
Conclusion
People mostly overlook depression and Anxiety as minor concerns. But these can turn out to be life-threatening if not taken care of correctly and on time.
In this world where life is so stressful and hectic, it is expected that we go through a lot of physical and emotional changes without even realizing it. Timely help from a healthcare expert such as a Psycho Therapist can help you deal with stress and anxiety. Please do not take these conditions lightly, as they may hinder your well-being and those around you.
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