Depression is a mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest and can interfere with daily functioning. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe and commonly manifest physically, through stomach pains, headaches, disrupted or excessive sleep, and motor control difficulty. A predisposition for depression runs in families and it can be triggered by trauma, medical conditions, drug use and adverse life circumstances. It’s considered a serious medical condition that can get worse without proper treatment.

There are many different causes and risk factors:

• Biological differences

• Brain chemistry

• Hormones

• Inherited traits

Risk factors can include:

• Certain personality traits, such as low self-esteem and being too dependent, self-critical or pessimistic

• Traumatic or stressful events

• Blood relatives with a history of depression, bipolar disorder, alcoholism or suicide

• Being LGBTQIA+ in an unsupportive situation

• History of other mental health disorders, such as anxiety disorder, eating disorders or post-traumatic stress disorder

• Abuse of alcohol or recreational drugs

• Serious or chronic illness

• Certain medications, such as some high blood pressure medications or sleeping pills (talk to your doctor before stopping any medication)

Diagnosing depression involves a psychiatric evaluation and physical tests to determine whether a person’s symptoms are actually being caused by a different disorder. A person must have been experiencing symptoms for at least two weeks to be diagnosed with depression. Every case is unique and requires individual attention, but there are a number of effective complementary ways of treating depression, including talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medication prescribed by your doctor and adopting a healthier lifestyle to include mindfulness and movement practices. Through treatment a person may: 

• Identify negative beliefs and behaviors and replace them with healthy, positive ones

• Find better ways to cope and solve problems

• Identify issues that contribute to your depression and change behaviors that make it worse

• Develop the ability to tolerate and accept distress using healthier behaviors

 It’s important to realize that feeling down at times is a normal part of life. Sad and upsetting events happen to everyone. But, if you’re feeling down or hopeless on a regular basis, you could be dealing with depression.

Anxiety is our body’s natural response to stress. It’s a feeling of fear or apprehension about what’s to come. The feelings experienced may be intense and sometimes debilitating. If your feelings of anxiety are extreme, last longer than six months, and are interfering with your life, you may have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are the most common form of emotional disorders and can affect anyone at any age. Researchers believe causes of anxiety are a combination of genetic and environmental factors including brain chemistry. 

There are several different types of anxiety disorders:

• Panic disorder

• Phobia

• Social anxiety disorder

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Separation anxiety disorder

• Illness anxiety disorder

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

 Symptoms of anxiety may include:

• Increased heart rate

• Rapid breathing

• Restlessness

• Trouble concentrating

• Difficulty falling asleep

 Stress and anxiety are similar. Stress is the result of demands on your brain or body. It can be caused by an event or activity that makes you nervous or worrisome. Anxiety is that same worry, fear, or unease. Anxiety can be a reaction to your stress, but it can also occur in people who have no obvious stressors. 

 Once you’ve been diagnosed with anxiety, you can explore treatment options with a professional. For some, medical treatment isn’t necessary. Lifestyle changes may be enough to move through the symptoms. 

Treatment for anxiety typically include psychotherapy, medication prescribed by your doctor and adopting a healthier lifestyle to include mindfulness, movement and breathing practices. Through treatment a person may: 

• Build self-esteem

• Develop better coping and problem-solving skills

• Learn new relaxation techniques

• See situations in new, less frightening ways

It’s normal to feel stressed and anxious sometimes. Circumstances such as starting a new job or taking a test can cause anxiety that is unpleasant, but it may be a motivating factor or incentive to strive for more or work harder to accomplish a task or challenge before you. Ordinary anxiety is a feeling that comes and goes but does not interfere with your everyday life. However, if stress and anxiety become persistent, they can begin to interfere with your daily life. In those instances, it’s important to seek treatment. 

 Anxiety can be a symptom of clinical or major depression. Likewise, worsening symptoms of depression can be triggered by an anxiety disorder. The long-term outlook for untreated depression and anxiety includes chronic health issues, such as heart disease. 

Consider seeing professional support if you struggle with depression and/or anxiety. Connect with me below for more information.