Anxiety and depression, unfortunately, play a real role in many lives today. Both can adversely affect daily living and relationships if left untreated. These medical conditions affect how a person feels, thinks, and handles everyday activities.

People with anxiety disorders have feelings of fear and uncertainty that may affect their ability to function. According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 1 in 5 adults suffer silently from anxiety¹_.

Depression is a condition in which a person feels discouraged, sad, hopeless, unmotivated, or disinterested. According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, 17.3 million American adults live with depression².

It is unclear what causes anxiety, but researchers believe a combination of smaller factors may be involved. Some contributing factors may include:

• Trauma
• Genetics
• Medical conditions
• Life situations
• Personality and lifestyle habits

Knowing or recognizing the type of anxiety can be the first step in learning how to manage the condition. Anxiety symptoms may look different depending on the type of anxiety disorder.

Generalized anxiety disorder is the persistence of worrisome or anxious feelings, stemming from a variety of concerns like health, money, or relationships.

A panic disorder happens when recurrent feelings of panic occur without warning and produce uncomfortable or overwhelming symptoms. These attacks can be so severe they mimic the symptoms of a heart attack. 

A social anxiety disorder happens when an individual experiences fear in social situations or in which a person may feel embarrassed or judged.

Phobias exist when an individual feels an intense fear about certain situations (like flying in airplanes) or objects (like spiders).

This disorder involves persistent, uncontrollable feelings and thoughts (obsessions) and routines or rituals (compulsions).

This anxiety develops after physical or emotional trauma and may include flashbacks, nightmares, or frightening thoughts.

The symptoms of depression go beyond just feeling sad. There are many signs that may indicate a person is suffering from depression. Common symptoms of depression include:

• A persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
• Hopeless or guilty feelings
• Lack of energy
• Restlessness and irritability
• Lack of interest in activities
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty sleeping or changes in sleeping
• Appetite and/or weight changes
• Physical aches and pains
• Thoughts of death or suicide

It’s important to know that not everyone who is suffering from the condition will experience every one of the symptoms. Women and men often show different symptoms from
one another.

When thinking about how to overcome anxiety or depression, a good place to begin is thinking about professional guidance. There are different types of mental healthcare professionals.

• A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who manages care and prescribes medicine.
• A psychologist is a doctoral program graduate who specializes in diagnosis
  and therapy.
• A therapist or counselor is an expert who provides therapy in various specialties.
• A social worker is a licensed professional who offers resources for overcoming life’s challenges.

Several types of therapies may help treat anxiety and depression. Keep in mind that a therapist may use a single approach or a combination of many.

This helps change negative thinking and change behaviors.

This therapy focuses on helping individuals work through troubled relationships.

This helps improve an individual’s ability to cope with stress.

When choosing a therapist, it’s important to find someone with whom you feel comfortable and connected. Consider a therapist’s specialties or areas of expertise to see if their practice is a good fit for your needs.

You can find a new therapist through word-of-mouth, asking family or friends for recommendations. Another idea is to search national mental health organizations online because many list licensed, credentialed, providers often by region or location.

Inquire about insurance coverage or private pay, as well as any other low-cost options if you have limited financial resources. Local senior centers, religious organizations, and mental health clinics may offer sliding payment scales or other financial resources.

If you have been in therapy and feel you aren’t getting better, talk to your therapist or consider finding a new therapist or a new approach.

Medication is often used in conjunction with therapy. Different types of medications are used to treat anxiety and depression.

Antidepressants work by helping to boost neurotransmitter levels in the brain.

These drugs help ease anxiety symptoms and promote relaxation.

These can help treat some of the physical symptoms of anxiety.

Work with your healthcare provider to find the right medicine for you. When prescribing an antidepressant, your healthcare provider may consider your symptoms, possible side effects, other health conditions, interactions with other medicines, and the cost or coverage.

While medications may not cure anxiety and depression, they may greatly reduce the symptoms. However, it’s important to follow some simple steps to get the best results. If your healthcare provider has prescribed medication, follow a few key practices for the best results.

• Take your medicine as prescribed by your doctor. Don’t stop taking your medicine without talking to your healthcare provider.
• Be patient when waiting for results. Keep in mind that it may take time for the medicine to take effect.
• Watch out for side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider about other options if the medicine is causing bothersome side effects.

In addition to medication and therapy, simple lifestyle changes can be powerful tools for treating anxiety and depression. Increasing physical activity such as outdoor walks, eating a healthy diet, limiting alcohol or caffeine, and getting enough sleep are all options to consider.

Likewise, practicing yoga, tai chi, or meditation can calm the mind and slow your breathing rate. Music therapy is also a good choice to improve mood, concentration, and coping skills.

Sources:

1. Understanding Anxiety Disorders
2. What is Depression?