While anxiety is generally regarded a high-energy state and depression a low-energy state, these two conditions are more closely related than you might suppose. A person with depression often experiences a lot of anxiety, sometimes even to the extent of having panic attacks. Anxiety disorders involve much more than common nervousness and worry. Rather, they can cause terrifying fear and irrational thoughts about things other people wouldn’t think twice about. Many people who suffer from anxiety know their thoughts and fears are irrational, yet they still struggle to stop them. Feelings of losing inner control haunt them and this angst is one of the gateways to depression. Today Caring Therapists considers the relationship between anxiety and depression in an effort to help you find relief and peace in your life.
Why Does Depression & Anxiety Often Come Together?
The short answer is that it is a negative cycle. When you feel anxious, you tend to have a pervasive thinking about some worry or problem. Next, you feel bad about it and then you feel like you have failed which takes you to depression. The chance of suffering depression is much higher when an anxiety disorder is pre-existing. In fact, nearly half of those with major depression also suffer from severe and persistent anxiety. People who are depressed also often feel anxious and worried. One can easily trigger the other.
What Causes Anxiety?
Unfortunately, for reasons that are only partly understood today, the fight-or-flight center in the brains of individuals who suffer anxiety becomes activated, even when no real threat exists. Being in a state of constant anxiety can be likened to being stalked by an invisible predator. The feeling of being in danger never goes away and the anxiety sufferer is always on alert. Occasional anxiety due to a conflict in a relationship, problem in the workplace, upcoming test or other major life change etc. is a normal part of life. But anxiety disorders involve more than temporary worry or fear. For people with an anxiety disorder, the anxiety does not go away and often gets worse and worse over time to the point where feelings interfere with daily functions.
What Causes Depression?
Current research suggests that depression is caused by a combination of biological, genetic, psychological and environmental factors. While depression may occur at any age, it often begins in adulthood. Depression in children and adolescents may present itself as irritability more than low energy. By adulthood however, depression shows up as despair, hopelessness and anger. With a low energy level, afflicted individuals often feel overwhelmed by the day-to-day tasks and personal relationships so necessary to life.
What are Symptoms of Both Anxiety & Depression
Traits that may signal the presence of both an anxiety disorder and depression include:
– Irrational worries or fears that won’t go away
– Physical symptoms. For example, fatigue, headaches, rapid heartbeat, labored breathing or abdominal pain
– Trouble falling or staying asleep
– Changes in eating habits
– Difficulty remembering, making decisions or concentrating
– Constant feelings of sadness or worthlessness
– Loss of usual interest in activities or hobbies
– Inability to relax and live in the moment
– Suffering from panic attacks
What is the Best Way to Treat Anxiety & Depression?
Evidence-based research suggests that both anxiety and depression should be treated at the same time. Effective treatment strategies include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). In CBT, fears, anxieties and tendencies toward depression are managed by seeking out their root causes. Once uncovered, patients learn how to take control of their emotions and life. Other solutions that are often combined with CBT include antidepressant medications, physical exercise and relaxation techniques.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Counseling & Tele-Therapy in Manhattan, New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, Syracuse, Albany, New Rochelle, Cheektowaga, Mount Vernon, Schenectady, Brentwood & Brooklyn, NY | State of New York
Just as anxiety and depression tend to be worse when occurring together, treatment of these disorders is most effective when both conditions are addressed at the same time. Caring Therapists offers integrated care that can treat depression, anxiety and other mental health issues simultaneously. Our goal is to help bring healing and balance into our patients’ lives, and give them a feeling of being in charge of their inner self again. If you need help, call us today!
