Living With Anxiety And Depression
Anxiety and depression are both very serious mental illnesses all on their own. Unfortunately, they can be go together and make everyday life very difficult for people who are suffering. 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.
Fortunately, if the conditions are recognized and proper help is obtained, they can be overcome successfully. Knowing that to have their panic and anxiety gone, is a relief in itself.
Anxiety Signs
Anxiety can present itself in many different ways. From generalized anxiety about everyday living, to very particular phobias, the actual triggers vary for everyone. Some of the symptoms that tend to go across the board, however, include:
- Signs of a heart attack - palpitations, chest pains and discomfort and racing heartbeats.
- 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 who is suffering. Many people who suffer from anxiety can recognize their triggers and try to safeguard themselves from them. 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 depression and anxiety can intersect.
Depression Signs
Feeling down is one thing and this happens to everyone, but real depression is a like a black cloud that is suffocating. The symptoms of this condition, if left untreated, can lead to suicidal thoughts and consequences. Keeping an eye out for them is important if other mental illnesses, such as anxiety, are present. Symptoms are:
- Lack of enthusiasm in normal activities
- A feeling of sadness that persists for a length of time
- Feelings of hopelessness and guilt
- Thoughts of suicide or death
- Changes in eating habits
- A desire to be alone
Anxiety and depression are both serious illnesses. Fortunately, both can be treated rather effectively if their signs and symptoms are recognized and acted upon properly. Medication therapy or seeking counseling are some of the ways to help a person back on the right path. There are also other ways for alleviating anxiety and stress. Trying to work through a combination of anxiety and depression illnesses alone is generally not advised.
Tags: Anxiety, Depression, panic attacks
