
The Early And Advanced Signs Of Anxiety And Depression
December 23, 2022
When we experience stress, our bodies release hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, making us feel on edge. If the stress is not managed properly, it can lead to physical and mental health problems. Long-term stress can also lead to fatigue, sleep deprivation, headaches, digestive problems and more. It is important to recognise when stress is becoming unmanageable and to find ways to deal with it. Otherwise, it can lead to bigger issues such as depression, anxiety and other mental health issues.
Stress occurs when we perceive events as being beyond our control. It can arise from anything, be it positive or negative, and it can significantly impact how we cope with similar situations in the future. When we find ourselves struggling to manage our stress, it can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety.
What Causes Anxiety and Depression?
Anxiety and depression can be caused by a combination of factors, such as genetics through inherited traits passed down from parents, the person's living conditions or experiences, the way a person thinks and responds to situations and traumatic or stressful life events. These can contribute to a person developing mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.
The Early Warning Signs
When someone changes their behaviour and no longer participates in activities they normally enjoy, it could be a sign that they are dealing with mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.
Other signs that may point to anxiety include trembling, accelerated heartbeat, chest discomfort, fast breathing, and a flood of ideas. Signs of possible depression can include avoiding social interaction, frequently feeling down or hopeless, constant worrying and intense distress.
The Advanced Signs
Generalised anxiety disorder is a condition that causes people to feel excessively worried for an extended period, often more days than not, for a minimum of six months. Symptoms of this disorder include restlessness, fatigue, trouble concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, sleep issues, and difficulties in one's personal, professional, or social life.
A major depressive disorder is a serious mental health issue that can cause many profound symptoms. People may feel incredibly low or depressed for most of their day and experience a lack of joy in activities they once enjoyed. Significant weight changes, difficulty sleeping, and fatigue can also occur. Concentration may be difficult, and thoughts of death may become more frequent. Additionally, a person may struggle with functioning in social, occupational, or other parts of their life.
Treatment for Anxiety and Depression
For those suffering from depression and anxiety, medications and psychotherapy are often effective treatments. A doctor or psychiatrist may suggest medications to help reduce symptoms. Additionally, outpatient therapy, such as cognitive behavioural or dialectical behavioural therapy, may be beneficial.
To help manage your condition, you may need to adjust your lifestyle. Consider changing your exercise routine, dietary choices, and social network. Make sure you get enough rest, develop better coping skills, abstain from alcohol and illicit substances, and join a support group.
If you're struggling with intense feelings of depression or anxiety, it's important to reach out for help. Seek out crisis resources such as visiting the closest hospital emergency department, speaking with a mental health professional, or enrolling in an inpatient or outpatient program to get the support you need until your symptoms start to improve.
Conclusion
It is important to be aware of the telltale signs of anxiety and depression, as they can indicate more serious mental health issues. Early identification and intervention are key to managing these conditions and improving one's overall sense of well-being.
Signs of anxiety and depression can vary from person to person, but some of the most common include changes in sleep patterns, increased feelings of irritability, feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness, and difficulty concentrating. If these signs are present, it is important to seek professional help to explore treatment options. There are many types of symptoms that can point to someone struggling with Anxiety or Depression, however sometimes, an individual may suffer in silence with High Functioning Anxiety.
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