What are Anxiety and Depression? Do they go together?

Anxiety occurs when you feel threatened by an unknown situation. Your mind and body experience a state of fear, and you cannot repress or control these feelings. Depression is an overwhelming sadness. These mood conditions can come together or apart and are often felt in waves.

What are the symptoms of anxiety and depression?

Imagine feeling an intense state of worry or sadness without any specific reason. Anxiety is different from fear, and depression is separate from regular sadness or grief. These feelings suddenly come about and change your psychological state as if something were taking control of your mind. When feeling this way, you do not see a way out and are completely consumed by your feelings.

What are the biggest risk factors and who is most at-risk?

When in a state of psychological crisis, you might turn to negative behaviors for relief or a sense of control. These behaviors only have short-term benefits and can be very damaging long-term. Self-harm and other risks are also associated with these mood disorders. People are more at risk for having a mood disorder when they have a family history of mental illness, a chronic illness, and when they participate in behaviors that are mood altering or risky. When in continuous situations that make you feel helpless or out of control, you’re more likely to proceed to having these intense feelings. Unhealthy behaviors are hard to break and can become unmanaged, and completely alter your mental state. Of course, not everyone with anxiety or depression has associated negative behaviors and anyone can be impacted by anxiety or depression but having healthy habits and taking care of your mind and body reduces the risk.

Can I live a normal life with anxiety/depression?

Yes! Firstly, we want to stress the idea that having anxiety and depression is normal. Anxiety and depression are severe experiences of normal human feelings. Learning how to balance and cope with these feelings by understanding and regulating them will ensure that you do not allow these feelings to overcome you. It takes much effort and practice to learn how to cope with anxiety and depression and can be a lifelong journey that builds your strength and character. While difficult to overcome negative emotions completely, coping strategies and supports are available to help you live a very fulfilling and “normal” life while dealing with anxiety and depression.

What are some habits that can contribute to how I am feeling?

Smoking, alcoholism, an unhealthy relationship with food, obsessions, and risky behaviors are all examples of habits that can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression. Negative habits and feelings go hand in hand, and it is unclear which one causes the other. However, since the habits are behaviors that you can physically control, putting a stop to the unhealthy habits will lead to more positive feelings in the long run.

What are my treatment options and when should I seek help?

It is important to be open about your mental health and communicate your feelings to others. Be aware that there are many resources and organizations that can provide care. Friends and support groups help give you strength and assistance, and there are also options of professional talk or drug therapies. Reach out to a professional whenever you feel like you need to reduce your intense feelings and are struggling to do so on your own, and they will make recommendations based on your needs.

 

References

Health Risk Behaviors and Conditions Among Persons with Depression — New Mexico, 2003. (2005).

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 54(39), 989–991. http://www.jstor.org/ stable/23316682

Massak, A., & Graham, K. (2008). Is the smoking-depression relationship confounded by alcohol consumption? An analysis by gender. Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 10(7), 1231–1243. http://www.jstor.org/ stable/26762679

Ritter, H. (1990). Anxiety. Journal of Religion and Health, 29(1), 49–53. http://www.jstor.org /stable/27506046

World Health Organization. (2019). How to talk about mental health. In mhGAP Community Toolkit: Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) (pp. 29–37). World Health Organization. http://www.jstor.org/ stable/resrep27898.11

 

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