When life becomes overwhelmingly busy and stressful, it can create a perfect breeding ground for mental health issues to arise. Anxiety and depression are not the same, though. Learning the defining characteristics of these common mood disorders and pinpointing exactly what you’re feeling are the keys to finding support and relief.
Worrying yourself sick
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, anxiety disorders are the most common mental health concern in the United States, affecting more than 40 million adults and 7% of children age 3 to 17. For many people, anxiety is a fleeting condition that can pop up temporarily during times of increased stress — driving in heavy traffic, waiting to receive medical test results or just before giving a big work presentation, for example.
When you’re anxious, symptoms may include feelings of tension, restlessness, dread or irritability, and even manifest into physical reactions like sweating, headache, stomach upset, shortness of breath and a racing heartbeat. Lots of things can bring on a bout of anxiety, from social situations and phobias to sudden stressors and generalized chronic conditions.
People are also reading…
A sad state of affairs
No one’s happy every single day, and it’s perfectly normal to feel sad from time to time. Clinical depression, however, typically lasts for two weeks or longer and tends to be more severe to the point that it can affect your ability to function daily. As with anxiety, depression can stem from many different root causes — trauma, alcoholism, genetics, brain chemistry, medical conditions and major life changes, to name just a few.
Depression may also present itself in a wide range of sometimes unexpected ways. Extended bouts of crying and lingering feelings of despair are often major indicators, although some people who are depressed may not cry at all. Others find themselves sleeping too much or not enough, undereating or overeating, feeling exhausted or angry all the time, or losing interest in activities that they usually enjoy.
How to start feeling better
Whether you’re dealing with anxiety or depression, the treatment approaches for both conditions look similar. The first thing to do is get evaluated by a qualified medical professional who can diagnose your condition and offer advice on how to treat it. In either case, cognitive therapy is often a good first step to take and can provide a safe space to explore what you’re feeling and why. Medications can address symptoms of anxiety or depression; just be aware, it may be a trial-and-error process to find the prescription that best fits your individual needs and circumstances.
There’s no denying it. Life is stressful. If you or someone you care about is feeling anxious or depressed, know that you’re not alone and support is available. Don’t be afraid to reach out to a doctor, a family member or a trusted friend to ask for help. If you need immediate assistance, go to your local crisis center or call/text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
