Dealing with Anxiety and Depression.

Overview

A lot of people have experienced occasional depression and anxiety at a point in their lives, which is normal as humans, we express emotions to things that make us either happy or sad. What is not normal is the inability to control such emotions, this is when anxiety and depression come in. 

Anxiety is your body's response to expectations, fear or stress. Remember the last exams you took, how tensed you felt before the exam started, your first job interview, your first time taking the bus alone, the kinds of emotions you felt? that’s a normal body response, but if this feeling lasts longer than usual and it starts interfering with your daily activities, you may be expressing anxiety disorder. Depression, on the other hand, is a common mood disorder. The feeling of sadness, anger or loss that affects your everyday activities. More than 264 million people of all ages suffer from this mental disorder worldwide.

 Anxiety and depression are two relatable terms; they show the same symptoms most times but can each have different causes.

Do you live with anxiety, depression or both? or you know anyone that those? This piece is for you.

Keep reading and learn how to manage anxiety and depression.

Symptoms 

Depression and anxiety can occur simultaneously and their symptoms can be managed with many of the same treatments which include lifestyle changes, medication and counselling. Statistics show that half of the people living with depression and anxiety suffer other health conditions.

Common Symptoms for Anxiety disorder and Depression:

Anxiety Disorder

•Grinding of teeth: This gradually becomes a habit

•Sleeping difficulties due to restlessness

•Fatigue (tiredness)

•Lack of concentration 

•Pains, cramps

•Distress 

Depression 

•Difficulty completing task

•Fatigue

•Headaches, pains

•Insomnia (restless sleep)

•Inability to concentrate

•Loss of interest

•Feeling sad, empty, hopeless, lonely

•Express anger, anxiousness, aggression 

•Suicidal attempts

Management and treatment of Anxiety and Depression.

It is important to know these symptoms, as it will help you know where you fall. The earlier you're aware, the easier the management and treatment.

The list below has been simplified and made easy for you to follow.

•Engage in activities that bring comfort

You know yourself better than anyone, you know that thing that makes you happy. Do something that gives you comfort, such as playing your favourite game, watching movies that interest you, checking out fashion catalogue or magazine. Paying attention to your interest will help your body relax and distract your brain with things that help uplift your morale.

•Go out sometimes

If you haven’t stepped out from your home in a while, you should give thought to involving yourself in some recreational activities such as going to see a movie, the spa, involve yourself in some exercise or take time to meditate. Find an activity that feels right for you and constantly practice it. This technique of relaxation helps you improve your quality of life and help reduce the symptoms.

•Take nutritious food and fruit

Eat something nutritious, like apple, cucumber, pear, nuts at least once a day. When you start feeling the symptoms you can reach out to food that gives you comfort like noodles, salad and sweets. This helps suppress the tension and improve quality health.

•Reach out to someone you are most comfortable around

Minimise the time you spent alone, you could go visit or put a call through, talk about things that make you feel better. This relationship could be a family member or a friend, be around them as they help support and encourage you.

•Avoid drugs and alcohol

Alcohol and drug misuse will only work temporarily, it never cures. Most times, on a long run it worsens the case.

Stay away from it.

•Adopt new habits

Having a routine is most times helpful for people with depression and anxiety. New habits help you be in control. lt could be having devotion every morning, jogging, tidying and so on. It allows you to be in control of your emotions.

When to see a Doctor.

If after following the above management and you still feel these symptoms after two weeks or more, it shows an indication of progressive anxiety disorder, depression or both. Severe symptoms may include:

•Emotional changes that can’t be explained

•Feeling worthless

•Loss of interest

•Suicidal thought

•Suicidal attempt

Make an appointment with your doctor, relay all complains and remember to be truthful and honest. It is important for them to fully understand what the problem is and how to give the necessary treatment.

This treatment could be in form of medication or therapy, depending on the diagnosis. 

Conclusions 

It is important to understand that anxiety and depression can be temporary or a long term challenge, but it is not a death sentence.

Following a management and treatment plan by a specialist will help you live a happy and healthy life.

Have you ever been depressed or anxious, share the moment with us and how you were able to manage it.

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