Depression and Anxiety Disorders: More Than Sadness and Worry
Depression is not weakness, laziness, or a lack of willpower. It is a mental health disorder that affects mood, thinking, physical well-being, behavior, and a person’s ability to manage everyday life.
A person with depression may lose the ability to experience joy or pleasure, even when everything in their life appears normal from the outside. They cannot simply order themselves to “pull themselves together” or “think positively,” because depression is not controlled by motivation alone.
Symptoms of depression
To meet the criteria for a depressive episode, symptoms generally remain present for most of the day for at least two weeks and cause a noticeable decline in daily functioning or quality of life.
Possible symptoms include:
• persistent low mood;
• loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities, known as anhedonia;
• sleep disturbances, including insomnia, frequent waking, or excessive sleepiness;
• reduced or increased appetite;
• changes in weight;
• severe tiredness and reduced energy;
• feelings of guilt or worthlessness;
• excessive self-criticism;
• difficulty concentrating;
• memory problems;
• difficulty making decisions;
• slowed movements or, alternatively, marked internal restlessness;
• thoughts of death or suicide.
Recognizing several of these symptoms does not mean that you should diagnose yourself. However, it is a reason to consult a psychiatrist, psychotherapist, or clinical psychologist for a professional assessment.
Depression is treatable. The earlier a person receives appropriate support, the greater the chance of a faster recovery and a reduced risk of future episodes.
Anxiety disorders: when fear controls everyday life
Anxiety is a normal human emotion. It warns us of possible danger and helps us prepare for difficult situations.
With an anxiety disorder, the protective system becomes excessively active. The brain identifies danger in situations that are objectively safe or greatly exaggerates the likelihood and severity of a threat.
Anxiety becomes persistent, difficult to control, and begins to limit a person’s life.
Main types of anxiety disorders
Generalized anxiety disorder
This condition involves persistent and difficult-to-control worry about work, health, family, finances, or the future. Anxiety may appear even when there is no clear reason for concern or when the intensity of the worry is disproportionate to the situation.
Panic disorder
Panic disorder involves recurring episodes of intense fear known as panic attacks.
Possible symptoms of a panic attack include:
• rapid heartbeat;
• sweating;
• trembling;
• shortness of breath;
• dizziness;
• chest pain or discomfort;
• fear of losing control;
• fear of dying.
Social anxiety disorder
This involves a strong fear of judgment, criticism, embarrassment, or negative evaluation by other people.
A person may avoid communication, public speaking, meetings, telephone calls, eating in public, or other social situations.
Specific phobias
These involve an intense fear of a particular object or situation, such as heights, flying, animals, medical procedures, or enclosed spaces.
Anxiety cannot simply be defeated through willpower. Telling someone to “calm down” is rarely helpful because anxiety reactions occur automatically and involve the nervous system.
What should you do when you feel unable to cope?
- Acknowledge the seriousness of your condition.
Telling yourself, “Yes, I am struggling, and this deserves attention,” is an important and courageous first step.
- Seek professional support.
A psychiatrist, medical psychotherapist, or clinical psychologist may provide appropriate support.
A specialist can assess the symptoms, rule out possible physical causes, establish a diagnosis, and recommend an individualized treatment plan.
- Avoid self-medication.
Do not start or stop antidepressants, sedatives, or other psychiatric medications without medical supervision. Medication should be prescribed and monitored by a qualified physician.
How are depression and anxiety disorders treated?
Two main approaches are commonly used.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy helps people identify and change patterns of thinking and behavior that intensify anxiety or maintain depressive symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most extensively studied approaches.
Medication
Depending on the diagnosis, severity of symptoms, associated medical conditions, and individual tolerance, a physician may prescribe antidepressants or other medications.
Antidepressants do not cause addiction in the same way as alcohol, nicotine, or recreational drugs. However, they should be taken under medical supervision and are usually discontinued gradually.
Some anti-anxiety and sedative medications may cause dependence when used for a long time or incorrectly. For this reason, they should only be taken when medically indicated.
For some people, a combination of psychotherapy and medication is the most effective approach.
Do not assume that the condition will necessarily disappear on its own.
A holiday, a change of job, or attempts to distract yourself may temporarily improve how you feel, but they do not always treat the underlying illness. Depression and anxiety disorders require a professional approach.
Mental health is as important as physical health. Receiving treatment for depression or an anxiety disorder should not cause more shame than receiving treatment for hypertension, diabetes, or another medical condition.
When you or someone close to you is experiencing suicidal thoughts, thoughts of self-harm, or immediate danger, contact emergency medical services or the nearest emergency medical facility without delay.
