Depression and anxiety can occur at the same time. In fact, itâs been estimated that 45 percent of people with one mental health condition meet the criteria for two or more disorders. One study found that half of people with either anxiety or depression have the other condition. Although each condition has its own causes, they may share similar symptoms and treatments. Read on to learn more, including tips for management and what to expect from a clinical diagnosis. Some symptoms of depression and anxiety overlap, such as problems with sleep, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. But there are several key differences that help distinguish between the two. DepressionFeeling down, sad, or upset is normal. It can be concerning feeling that way for several days or weeks on end. Physical symptoms and behavioral changes caused by depression include: Anxiety comes in many different formsâsuch as panic attacks, phobia, and social anxietyâand the distinction between an official diagnosis and 'normal' anxiety isn't always clear.
Emotional symptoms of depression include:
AnxietyAnxiety, or fear and worry, can happen to anyone from time to time, too. Itâs not unusual to experience anxiety before a big event or important decision. But, chronic anxiety can be debilitating and lead to irrational thoughts and fears that interfere with your daily life. Physical symptoms and behavioral changes caused by generalized anxiety disorder include:
Emotional symptoms of anxiety include:
Suicide prevention
You know whatâs normal for you. If you find yourself experiencing feelings or behaviors that arenât typical or if something seems off, this might be a sign you need to seek help from a healthcare provider. Itâs always better to talk about what youâre feeling and experiencing so that treatment can begin early if itâs necessary. With that being said, some online self-diagnosis tests are available to help you better understand what may be happening. These tests, while helpful, arenât a replacement for a professional diagnosis from your doctor. They canât take other conditions that may be impacting your health into account, either. Popular self-help tests for anxiety and depression include: In addition to a formal treatment plan from your doctor, these strategies may help you find relief from symptoms. Itâs important to know, though, that these tips may not work for everyone, and they may not work each time. The goal of managing depression and anxiety is to create a series of treatment options that can all work together to help, to some degree, whenever you need to use them. 1. Allow yourself to feel what youâre feeling â and know that itâs not your faultDepression and anxiety disorders are medical conditions. They arenât the result of failure or weakness. What you feel is the result of underlying causes and triggers; itâs not the result of something you did or didnât do. 2. Do something that you have control over, like making your bed or taking out the trashIn the moment, regaining a bit of control or power can help you cope with overwhelming symptoms. Accomplish a task you can manage, such as neatly restacking books or sorting your recycling. Do something to help give yourself a sense of accomplishment and power. 3. You could also create a morning, evening, or even daily routineRoutine is sometimes helpful for people with anxiety and depression. This provides structure and a sense of control. It also allows you to create space in your day for self-care techniques that can help you control symptoms. 4. Do your best to stick to a sleep scheduleAim for seven to eight hours each night. More or less than that may complicate symptoms of both conditions. Inadequate or poor sleep can cause problems with your cardiovascular, endocrine, immune, and nervous symptoms. 5. Try to eat something nutritious, like an apple or some nuts, at least once a dayWhen youâre feeling depressed or anxious, you may reach for comforting foods like pasta and sweets to alleviate some of the tension. However, these foods provide little nutrition. Try to help nourish your body with fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains. 6. If youâre up for it, go for a walk around the blockResearch suggests exercise can be an effective treatment for depression because itâs a natural mood booster and releases feel-good hormones. However, for some people, exercise or a gym can trigger anxiety and fear. If thatâs the case for you, look for more natural ways to move, such as walking around your neighborhood or looking for an online exercise video you can do at home. 7. Do something that you know brings you comfort, such as watching a favorite movie or flipping through a magazineGive yourself time to focus on you and the things you like. Down time is a great way to let your body rest, and it can distract your brain with things that bring you a boost. 8. If you havenât left the house in a while, consider doing something you find soothing, like getting your nails done or getting a massageAdd subtitles to video adobe premiere. Relaxation techniques can improve your quality of life and may reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Find an activity that feels right for you and you can practice regularly, such as: 9. Reach out to someone youâre comfortable talking to and talk about whatever you feel like, whether thatâs how youâre feeling or something you saw on TwitterStrong relationships are one of the best ways to help you feel better. Connecting with a friend or family member can provide a natural boost and let you find a reliable source of support and encouragement. Symptoms that last two weeks or more may be an indication you have depression, anxiety, or both. Severe symptoms may include:
If youâre not feeling like yourself and want help understanding, make an appointment to see your doctor. Itâs important to be open and honest so they can fully understand whatâs happening and get a clear picture of what youâve been feeling. Thereâs no single test that can diagnose depression or anxiety. Instead, your doctor will likely conduct a physical exam and a depression or anxiety screening test. For this, theyâll ask you a series of questions that help them get a better insight into what youâve been experiencing. If the results arenât clear or if your doctor suspects the symptoms may be the result of another condition, they may order tests to rule out underlying issues. Blood tests can check your thyroid, vitamin, and hormone levels. In some cases, general practitioners will refer you to a mental health expert, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, if they donât feel equipped to properly manage your symptoms and conditions or if they suspect youâre experiencing more than one condition. Although depression and anxiety are two separate conditions, they share many of the same treatments. A combination of these may be used to treat both conditions at the same time. TherapyEach type of therapy has unique characteristics that make it more suited to some people and not others. Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following:
MedicationSeveral types of medication may be used to treat depression, anxiety, or both. Because the two conditions overlap in many ways, one medication may be enough to treat both conditions. Your doctor may prescribe:
Alternative therapyHypnotherapy isnât widely used in psychotherapy treatments, but research suggests this alternative approach may actually help ease some symptoms of both conditions. This includes loss off focus, greater emotional control, and better management of feelings of self-consciousness. You donât have to live with unusual feelings, thoughts, or other symptoms of either depression or anxiety. Talk with your doctor if these feelings or changes last longer than a week or two. Early treatment is the best way to manage the conditions and find treatments that are effective in the long-term. Finding the right treatment for you may take some time. Most medications require two weeks or more to be effective. Likewise, you may have to try several medications to find the right option for you. Your doctor will work with you to find the best option.
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