Mental Health: Depression and Anxiety

Mental Health is an important aspect of wellness. In this article, learn about anxiety and depression, two of the most common Mental Health afflictions in the U.S.

About Anxiety

Anxiety disorders affect over 57 million adults in America —— more than 26 percent of the U.S. population.

About Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders commonly occur in conjunction with other mental or physical illnesses, last at least six months and can get worse without treatment. There are six types of anxiety disorders: panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social phobia, specific phobia and generalized anxiety disorder.

Common Types of Anxiety Disorders

Panic Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Social Phobia

Specific Phobia

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Anxiety Diagnosis and Treatment

In general, anxiety disorders are treated with medication, specific types of psychotherapy or both. Before treatment begins, a doctor must conduct a careful diagnostic evaluation to determine whether a person’s symptoms are caused by an anxiety disorder or a physical problem. Sometimes alcoholism, depression or other coexisting conditions have such a strong effect on the individual that treating the anxiety disorder must wait until those conditions are brought under control.

Those with anxiety disorders usually try several different treatments or combinations of treatment before finding the one that works for them.

How to Get Help With Anxiety

If you think you have an anxiety disorder, the first step to take is to visit your physician. He or she can determine if your symptoms are caused by an anxiety disorder, another medical condition or both. If an anxiety disorder is diagnosed, you will be referred to a mental health professional.

For more information, contact the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Or you can call 866.615.NIMH (6464).

About Depression

Everyone occasionally has bouts of sadness, but these feelings are usually temporary. When a person has a depressive disorder, it interferes with daily life and normal functioning. It is a common but serious illness.

There is no single cause of depression, but it likely results from a mix of genetic, biochemical, environmental and psychological factors. Depression commonly coexists with other illnesses, such as anxiety disorders or substance abuse. It can affect anyone at any time, including children.

Types of Depression

There are several forms of depressive disorders, the most common being the first two listed below.

Major depressive disorder—characterized by a combination of symptoms that interfere with a person’s daily life, it is disabling and prevents a person from functioning normally

Dysthymic disorder—also called dysthymia, it is long-term (two years or longer) feelings of depression that are not extremely severe but still prevent a person from normal functions of daily life

Psychotic depression—occurs in conjunction with a form of psychosis, such as hallucinations or delusions

Postpartum depression—can occur within a year of giving birth. Symptoms include sadness, lack of energy, trouble concentrating, anxiety, and feelings of guilt

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)—characterized by the onset of depression during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight

Depression Symptoms

People with depressive illnesses do not all experience the same symptoms. The severity, frequency and duration will vary depending on the individual and the illness. Symptoms may include the following:

Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” feelings

Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or hopelessness

Irritability, restlessness and/or fatigue

Loss of interest in activities once found pleasurable

A dramatic change in appetite

Insomnia

Thoughts of suicide

Depression Diagnosis and Treatment

Depression is a treatable disorder. The first step is to visit a doctor for a medical examination to rule out other factors that may be causing the condition, such as medications or a thyroid disorder. Once diagnosed, a person will likely be treated with psychotherapy and/or medication. In the meantime, it is important to exercise, participate in activities, spend time with friends and family, and think positively. It is wise to postpone major decisions, such as marriage or a career change, until feeling better.

Helping Those Affected By Depression

In addition to helping a person get an appropriate diagnosis and treatment, you can provide other help:

Offer emotional support, patience and encouragement

Be a good listener

Never ignore comments about suicide; report them to the person’s relative(s) or doctor, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.TALK (8255)

Invite the person to do things with you; if he or she declines, keep trying, but don’t push

Remind the person that with time and treatment, the depression will lift

For more information, visit the National Institute for Mental Health website.