Anxiety And Depression

What is depression?
A persistent feeling of sadness that leads to loss of interest in most things characterizes depression. Clinical depression has a significant impact on the daily lives of not just of the patient but their family member and friends, too. For some, it becomes so overwhelming that they can’t even get out bed.

What is anxiety?
Like depression, excessive anxiety can change lives. It’s normal to have the occasional bout of anxiousness. However, when it manifests itself physically, like shortness of breath, or when it prevents patients from doing things they enjoy, they need help to overcome it.

Why are depression and anxiety medical problems?
Mental health issues like depression and anxiety come with physical symptoms, and they exasperate existing conditions at the same time. Sometimes a physical problem is the first sign of a mental disorder such as depression. Both conditions require medical intervention such as drug therapy when extreme.

What are the symptoms of clinical depression?
Clinical depression, or major depressive disorder, does come with some telling signs. For most sufferers, depression comes in waves or episodes. During this time, the symptoms will occur most days including:

Sadness
Tears
Feelings of hopelessness
Loss of interest in pleasurable activities
Sleep changes that may cause someone to oversleep or have insomnia
Lack of energy
Changes in appetite
Lack of concentration
Physical problems like back pain or frequent headaches

Many patients suffering from depression change their social habits, as well. A friend who used to go out all the time suddenly refuses to leave home, for example.

What are the symptoms of anxiety disorder?
There are many different kinds of anxiety disorders, so the symptoms vary. However, they often center on a specific phobia. Generalized symptoms include:

Nervousness
Restlessness
Increase heart rate
Hyperventilation
Sweating
Trembling
Fatigue
Stomach problems
Avoidance of common tasks

What causes disorders like depression and anxiety?
It’s unclear why these problems affect some patients and not others. It’s likely a combination of inherited traits and environmental triggers. A patient who has a bad relationship might have more trouble bouncing back from that if there’s a family history of depression, for example. Moods, themselves, are slaves to brain chemistry and biological changes like hormones, which makes medical intervention critical.