Anxiety and Depression
It's perfectly normal to
feel anxious or depressed occasionally, especially in response to life's
stressors. However, when these feelings become prolonged, disproportionate or
apparent for no significant reason, they need to be addressed.
Thankfully diagnosis and
treatment methods have come a long way, with many public health campaigns
working towards bringing mental illness 'out of the shadows'.
The co-occurrence of
anxiety and depression is a noted feature of these disorders. While behavioral
and emotional symptoms may differ within the two, the fact remains they are
both an unnatural and unwelcome state of mental health.
Characterized by a
constant overwhelming state of fear or worry, anxiety can be debilitating in
its physical manifestations too. The symptoms of depression may be similar with
unrelenting feelings of sadness or despair.
The exact cause is still unclear;
however, changes in brain chemistry, genetic factors, and hormone function are
all believed to play a role. Irrespective of the cause, mental illness requires
and generally responds to professional treatment.
Best Methods of Treating Anxiety and Depression
Our understanding of
mental illness has evolved over time, yet it still presents certain
difficulties. Diagnostically speaking, depression and anxiety primarily affects
the way an individual thinks and feels, and in most cases subsequently behaves; therefore, we generally rely upon patients to identify these changes themselves
and seek help.
In some case family
members or close friends may be able to identify vulnerable individuals and
assist in requesting attention. Once diagnosed however, treatment can be quite
successful using a variety of approaches; the most common of which are
psychological therapies or 'talking therapies'.
Such therapies are
generally administered by a qualified psychologist and involve either behavior
modification (Cognitive Behavior Therapy or CBT) or examination of
intrapersonal and interpersonal patterns and behaviors.
Generally, work will be
done to identify and address key triggers and ways of managing future events.
Such therapies are often combined with a focus on improving nutrition and
encouraging regular exercise, which itself can actively promote a healthy
mental state.
Indeed, a safe and
effective first step towards self-empowerment is taking control over one's
diet. The benefits are both psychological and physiological. Reducing or
eliminating spikes caused by sugar-laden foods and stimulants, such as excess
coffee, cigarettes, etc., will help in reducing the debilitating feelings
associated with general anxiety.
Children and Adults Can be Affected
Young people and children
unfortunately are just as vulnerable to mental illnesses such as anxiety and
depression. While often harder to detect, once diagnosed, applied therapies
specifically designed for children can usually assist the child in living a happier
and more fulfilling childhood.
A happier childhood better
prepares the child for dealing with the stresses of teen years and young
adulthood. The healthy and safe transition of young adulthood enables the
individual to prepare for and live a life feeling in control, empowered and
able to deal with everyday challenges.
Finally, and hopefully
after exploring other options, the use of antidepressant medication may be
required. This depends on the severity of the illness and is most often used in
conjunction with psychotherapies. Antidepressants can be very effective in some
situations. As in any medical case, treatment is ideally specifically tailored
to suit the individual, based on a thorough study of personal history of
symptoms, responses and environment.