What is depression?
Depression is a mood disorder that is characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of
interest. It is also known as a major depressive disorder. Depression affects how you feel, think,
What causes Depression?The exact cause is unknown. It may be caused by a combination of factors like genetic, biological,environmental (trauma), and some psychological factors. Some conditions like cancer, pain, orany chronic condition increase the risk of getting depression.Generally, about 1 out of every 6 adults have depression [2]. Depression affects almost 16 millionAmerican adults every year [3]. Many people who have other mental disorders suffer fromdepression. What is anxiety?Anxiety is an emotion characterized by a feeling of panic, worry, restlessness, and physicalchanges like increased blood pressure.There are several types of anxiety disorders like panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.Symptoms:
Some symptoms like sleep disturbance, irritability, and difficulty concentration co-exist in bothdepression and anxiety. However, there are several key differences among themIn depression; there are [4]
Loss of interest and social isolation Anger and restlessness Lack of motivation, decreased energy, chronic fatigue Persistent feeling of sadness, worthlessness, and helplessness Suicide attempts Change in appetite Difficulty sleepingIn anxiety, symptoms include: Panic, apprehension, and restlessness Difficulty concentrating Racing heart Un satisfying sleep Dread Increased heart rate, sweating, and trembling Having difficulty controlling worryCan a person have both?Depression and anxiety occur at the same time [5]. Half of the people with either depression oranxiety can have the other condition [6].
However, with a proper care plan, the condition can be improved.
How to manage your symptoms
Along with a well-devised treatment plan, these strategies will help you finding relief from
symptoms
Talk with someone you are comfortable with
Accomplish the task you can manage like, making your bed
Exercise, meditate and yoga
Make a daily routine. It will help you
Try to take a good sleep of seven to eight-hour
Treatment of depression and anxiety
Counseling:
Counseling helps in fighting depression and anxiety [7, 8]. Different therapies help you according to your condition. For example, Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): it helps you to adjust your thoughts, behaviors, andactions. Interpersonal therapy helps you to communicate better and also express yourself. Problem-solving therapy: will helps you in learning skills to manage your symptoms.Medication:There are drugs available that treat symptoms of both anxiety and depression at the same time.Anti-depressants are the major class used including SSRI (Selective Serotonin ReuptakeInhibitors). SSRI includes Citalopram Escitalopram Fluoxetine Sertraline Talk with your doctor about your symptoms thoroughly, so he can choose what is best for you.Also, keep in mind that your medicine takes a few weeks to work properly. Anxiety and depression are both severe conditions. If not managed properly they can beworsened. A person having anxiety or depression is more likely to have another one. But withproper care and treatment, it can be managed.References:1. Moriarty, D.G., et al., The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's HealthyDays Measures–Population tracking of perceived physical and mental health overtime. 2003. 1(1): p. 37.2. Kessler, R.C., et al., Lifetime prevalence and age-of-onset distributions of DSM-IVdisorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. 2005. 62(6): p. 593-602.3. Abuse, S.J.R., MD: Substance Abuse and M.H.S. Administration, Mental HealthServices Administration, Results from the 2010 National Survey on Drug Use andHealth: Summary of National Findings, NSDUH Series H-41, HHS PublicationNo.(SMA) 11-4658. 2011. 201.4. Edition, F.J.A.P.A., Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. 2013.5. Carek, P.J., S.E. Laibstain, and S.M.J.T.I.J.o.P.i.M. Carek, Exercise for the treatmentof depression and anxiety. 2011. 41(1): p. 15-28.6. Hirschfeld, R.M.J.P.c.c.t.t.J.o.c.p., The comorbidity of major depression and anxietydisorders: recognition and management in primary care. 2001. 3(6): p. 244.7. Gelenberg, A.J., et al., Practice guideline for the treatment of patients with majordepressive disorder third edition. 2010. 167(10): p. 1.8. Davidson, J.J.T.J.o.c.p., Major depressive disorder treatment guidelines in America and Europe. 2010. 71: p. e04.