What is depression and anxiety?*
Do you feel sad? Low energy? Have a stiff neck and headaches? Trouble with sleep? Do you feel you are going to die? Do you want to die? Do you cry often? Do you get frequent headaches? Always feel some back and neck pain? No interest in sex? No interest in doing anything? Are you happy? Do you have trouble making decisions? Are you always worried? Do you feel stressed? “What can I do to help myself ???”
Depression and anxiety are characterized by a persistent sense of sadness and loss of interest. It has an impact on how you feel, think, and behave, and it can lead to a variety of emotional and physical issues. Normal daily activities are becoming difficult to complete, and you may feel overwhelmed and as if life is no longer worth living.
“Depression IS NOT weakness. You cannot “snap out” of it. YOU CAN FEEL BETTER!”
Symptoms of depression & anxiety (chronic)
- Sadness, tearfulness, emptiness, or hopelessness
- Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters
- Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities, such as sex, hobbies, or sports
- Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much
- Tiredness and lack of energy – small tasks take extra effort
- Appetite changes and weight changes, or increased food craving with weight gain
- Anxiety, irritable, or restlessness
- Feeling of worthlessness or guilt
- Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions, and remembering things
- Frequent or recurrent thought of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, or suicide (see below for helpful links)*
- Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches
- Frequent alcohol intake or self-medicating with legal or illegal drugs
Daily feelings of sadness and stress can make life feel hard to deal with: Going to work, school, any simple social activities and relationships can feel overwhelming!
Is depression common? “I don’t feel depressed!! ??” but… “Maybe I feel irritable and angry lately……and I find myself complaining about everything! and I can’t stay asleep…Me pregunto cómo deshacerse de la depresión y la ansiedad.….”
THE FACTS About Depression:
- Currently, 10% of people in the population meet the criteria for clinical depression.
- Depression affects women at a rate that is two times higher than that of males.
- Between 20 and 25 percent of the population has what is medically referred to as “Generalized Anxiety Disorder.”
- Panic episodes affect between 3 and 5 percent of the population.
- Anxiety is a relatively common mental health condition that frequently occurs alongside depression, alcoholism, and drug addiction.
- The treatment has the potential to be very effective and life changing!
What is the best way to treat anxiety and depression?
Therapy? Medication? Self-help?
Anxiety and depression can manifest themselves in a variety of unique ways in different people. There is no “one answer that fits everyone” or magic bullet to this problem.
…“BUT YOU CAN FEEL BETTER !”
Suggestions and tips:
- Learn as much as you can about your depression and/or anxiety.
- Are the symptoms due to an undiagnosed medical condition?
- Are your symptoms mild? Moderate? Severe?
- Are any of your medications making you feel depressed or nervous?
- Exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and speaking to a trusted friend, spouse, or family member are good first steps, prior to seeing your doctor or a therapist.
Summary:
Clinical and personal experience has taught me that most patients are not aware the symptoms of depression and anxiety are causing some (or most) of their medical complaints. Very often they are surprised how much better life can be when the dark cloud of anxiety and depression has been removed.
1. *Additional Resources if you are having frequent or recurrent thought of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, or suicide
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
National Institute of Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml
Crisis Text Line: https://www.crisistextline.org/