Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety
Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, can cause symptoms that resemble anxiety or depression. Also, certain medications and supplements can have similar effects on mood.
See your doctor immediately when you notice signs of depression or anxiety. Treatment is available and highly effective. In some instances, co-occurring depression and anxiety are treated in conjunction with the same treatment.
1. Feelings of hopelessness or despair
A person who has depression may have a difficult to believe that they are worthy or are able to be content. They might also believe that their lives are insignificant and nothing can ever change. In severe cases, people suffering from depression may be experiencing suicidal thoughts. In these situations, it's important for friends and family to seek emergency help.
Depression can lead to a loss of interest in activities they previously enjoyed. Some people may begin to isolate from their friends and family. They may have trouble sleeping and eat less than normal. Depression can also cause physical symptoms, including joint pain or back pain, slowed speech and movement as well as changes in appetite and weight changes, and problems with concentration or memory.
A person suffering from depression might also feel guilty about something they said or did in the past. Many people suffering from depression feel guilty or blame themselves for the actions of a relative or friend. If these feelings of sadness are not lifted by medication or psychotherapy they may become more serious and result in a person having suicidal thoughts.
If someone is having thoughts of suicide it is recommended that they be examined by a therapist or doctor immediately. Depression and anxiety are typically co-existing disorders, and symptoms of both are common. Certain people suffering from anxiety and depression find relief from medications, while others find relief through talking therapy, for example cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy.
People who have anxiety or depression are able to recognize their symptoms and how they affect them and they should be encouraged to seek help. Your regular physician should be consulted, if they have one, may refer them to a therapist and may recommend blood, urine or other lab tests to determine if there are any the root of medical issues that may be contributing to their mood changes.
It is also beneficial for those suffering from anxiety and depression to have healthy coping skills in place, including getting enough sleep, setting boundaries in their personal and professional lives, eating a nutritious diet, and implementing techniques for stress reduction such as mindfulness. They can also try activities, such as walking in nature, that have been proven to improve mood.
2. Feelings of guilt, or a sense of inadequacy
Feelings like worthlessness or guilt are typical symptoms of depression. They can be experienced by someone who is grieving. These feelings can be depressing in either case and interfere with the daily routine. If you notice that a loved one is feeling low on themselves or feels guilty about something, try reaching out to them and try to discuss the issue. This can alleviate anxiety and motivate the person to seek help.
bipolar depression disorder symptoms of Mental Health reports that people who suffer from depression often lose interest in things they used to love, such as hobbies and activities with friends. They also may not take pleasure in activities they usually do for fun, such as eating or sleeping. Anhedonia is a condition that prevents people from being able to enjoy activities.
People suffering from depression may be prone to self-criticism or feeling guilt-ridden for a variety of reasons, including low self-esteem and difficult situations. They may be anxious about the future, or believe that everything they do goes wrong. They could be easily distracted and have trouble concentration. These symptoms can cause people to avoid social situations and to withdraw from their families.
It's important to see your physician if you're experiencing these symptoms and last longer than two weeks. Depression isn't the same as sadness, and it can be difficult to tell if you are experiencing it.
Anxiety disorders can manifest in a variety of ways. For instance, symptoms like generalized or social anxiety disorder anxiety disorder may be similar to depression however, they tend to be more focused on a specific event or situation. For instance, you may be worried that you're likely to have a panic attack when you're in a group of people, or worry that you'll forget some important information.
If you're experiencing these emotions, you can take small steps to improve your mood such as noting things that make you happy or completing a task that gives you satisfaction. You can also talk to a therapist or counselor about how you're feeling, and you can ask for medication such as an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) or an SNRI (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor). By reducing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine, these medications can decrease depression and anxiety.
3. Feelings of despair or helplessness
Depression or anxiety can make you feel helpless or helpless. People suffering from depression may struggle to take action to get better. They may feel overwhelmed and powerless to alter things that are beyond their control, like problems at work or within their relationships. Feeling anxious can cause you to be anxious and nervous, which also causes a feeling of hopelessness or helplessness.
It is normal for people to feel sad or depressed at times. If you experience these feelings over a long period of time, and they interfere with your life in general you could be suffering from a condition which requires treatment. Depression is a mood condition that can be caused by a myriad of factors including genetic, biological, and environmental changes. It is usually diagnosed with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). You can ask your doctor to evaluate your symptoms against this list to determine if you are suffering from depression.
You are depressed or sad throughout the day, and almost every day, for at least two weeks. You've lost interest or pleasure from almost all things, and you have trouble sleeping or have a very hard time concentrating. You have feelings of worthlessness or despair, and you have trouble making clear decisions or thinking clearly. You struggle with concentration and memory or you have unexplained pains and aches.
This can be a sign of depression or anxiety. This is because you are worried about what might occur. If you are staying at home because you don't want socialize or go out, this can be a sign of depression or anxiety as well.
Feelings of despair or hopelessness and fatigue can also cause issues in eating, drinking and sleeping. These symptoms could be caused by physical illnesses such as fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome. Talk to your doctor or an experienced therapist regarding the symptoms you're experiencing.
4. Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
The feeling of being unworthy is a common symptom of depression and can be difficult to differentiate from low self-esteem. The American Psychiatric Association notes that even though feeling depressed about yourself is a risk factor for depression, the two are not synonymous. Depression is characterized by distinct symptoms, for example, a persistent low mood that lasts for more than two weeks. In some instances the symptoms could be accompanied by irritability or loss of interest in activities that you normally like.
Anxiety is an uncontrollable, excessive fear that can be overwhelming. Anxious people can suffer from a variety of different symptoms, from generalized anxiety disorder, where you worry about many things to social anxiety disorder where you're worried about being judged by others. Sometimes anxiety and depression are inextricably linked, making symptoms worse.
A therapist can help discover ways to manage depression and anxiety. Therapists can also provide tips on how to improve your mood naturally, for example, taking a good night's sleep and working out. Getting regular physical activity can also help improve your mood by increasing the release of positive chemicals in the brain. Acupuncture is a different method to increase the amount of hormones that make you feel good, and can be used along with therapy or medication.
A therapist can assist you to find the root causes of anxiety and depression. This process is called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Through CBT, you'll be able to recognize and address the underlying anxieties and fears that are driving your symptoms. You'll also learn coping skills to deal with anxious or depressed feelings. For example you can try diaphragmatic breathing. You might be prescribed antidepressant medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications can be effective in treating anxiety and depression. These medications are usually taken together with psychotherapy such as CBT. It is important that you follow the exact dosage prescribed to gain the greatest benefit. It is also recommended to see your doctor in case you're experiencing any symptoms of anxiety or depression, and have a full physical examination, including blood tests to ensure that there isn't a medical cause for your symptoms.