Understanding Depression and Anxiety

Photo Credit: karola.pineda

Are you sad? Are you tired all of the time? Are you having problems focusing on the job and at home, too? Yes, everyone may feel sad or down at times in their lives for various reasons, including loss of a loved one, job loss, etc. But, it’s a problem when you just can’t shake these feelings for extended periods.  So, how do you know if you’re suffering from anxiety or depression? Here’s what you need to know according to the National Mental Health Association.

A person who is suffering from depression and/or anxiety has trouble functioning in their daily lives. This medical condition tends to impact all areas of their lives, including their personal relationships with their loved ones, friends and even professional relationships with co-workers, bosses, and others.

Sound familiar? Well, you’re not alone.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health almost 24 million Americans are struggling with some form of depression. In fact, major depressive disorder is the leading cause of disability for people age 18 to 44.

Approximately 40 million Americans have some sort of an anxiety disorder.

Depression is clinically defined as having at least five of the following nine symptoms for at least two weeks:

• Having a depressed mood for most of the day.
• Fatigue or loss of energy.
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
• Impaired concentration and/or indecisiveness.
• Not being able to sleep or sleeping too much.
• Diminished interest or pleasure in daily activities.
• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide.
• A sense or restlessness or agitation or a sense of being slow.
• Significant weight loss or gain.

Depression is a real medical condition, just like diabetes and cancer, and anyone suffering from depression should seek help from a medical professional.

Anxiety

Just like sadness, anxiety and nervousness are also part of the normal human experience. People who suffer with an anxiety disorder have feelings of anxiousness, nervousness, worry and fear that are so overwhelming that it affects their everyday lives.

Anxiety disorders affect more than 40 million Americans. There are many different types of anxiety disorders so the symptoms do vary. Here is a list of the general symptoms to look for in yourself or your loved ones:

• Feelings of panic, fear and uneasiness.
• Uncontrollable, obsessive thoughts.
• Repeated thoughts or flashbacks of traumatic experiences.
• Nightmares.
• Ritualistic behaviors, such as repeated hand washing.
• Problems sleeping.
• Cold or sweaty hands and/or feet.
• Shortness of breath.
• Palpitations.
• An inability to be still and calm.
• Dry mouth.
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.
• Nausea.
• Muscle tension.
• Dizziness.

Most importantly, if you suspect that you might be suffering from depression and/or anxiety, seek help immediately. If you are having suicidal thoughts, please call 911, or one of these numbers for immediate assistance: 1-(800)-442-HOPE (4673) (toll free) or 1-(800)-SUICIDE (784-2433) (toll free). A caring crisis counselor will be on the other end of the call to support you.

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