Anxiety Depression: Sometimes They Are Joined At The Hip

Anxiety and depression may sound like a contradiction in words. However, they are not. While it is true that people who are depressed may appear to have low energy, many depressed people are very anxious. This anxiety can lead to phobias and panic attacks. These can, in turn, contribute to depression. Luckily, the medical profession is aware of anxiety depression and can treat someone who is suffering from it.

It is important to keep in mind that anxiety and depression are two different things. A person who is depressed will experience very intense emotions of despair, sadness, anger or hopelessness. Their energy levels are usually low and they may be overwhelmed with day to day living. A person who is suffering from an anxiety problem can experience panic and fear in certain situations where other people would not feel anxiety. A person with an anxiety problem may worry endlessly about things and their anxiety can be manifested in physical symptoms such as shaking, panic attacks, upset stomach and more. Both depression and anxiety disorders can restrict a person’s ability to maintain relationships, leave their home and even work.

No one knows why an individual will suffer from anxiety depression. However, approximately 85 percent of individuals with major depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Of these, 35 percent of these individuals have a panic disorder. You can say that anxiety depression is simply fraternal twins who like to accompany each other.

An individual who is suffering from anxiety depression has a lot of work ahead of them. When a person has depression with anxiety, the symptoms of both are usually more severe. Depression tends to take longer to get over in a person who is also treating anxiety. Also, the depression can exacerbate anxiety. To overcome anxiety depression much is required. 

It is necessary that individuals find someone who will help them treat their depression and their anxiety. Treating just the anxiety portion of anxiety depression will not bring on healing. Likewise, focusing on the depression will not ease a person’s anxiety if they have anxiety depression.

Many people who have anxiety depression benefit from taking anti depression medication, as well as anxiety medication. There are some medications that will help both depression and anxiety. The medications that are prescribed will be based on the person’s individual symptoms, body type and chemistry and age. In addition to medication, people who have anxiety depression also benefit from Cognitive Behavior Therapy. This form of therapy will help individuals learn to identify their thoughts, determine how their belief system is rooted, find ways to counteract negative beliefs, learn how to adopt coping techniques and identify situations that cause them stress or anxiety.  Cognitive Behavior Therapy is practiced by both psychologists and psychiatrists. If a doctor recommends therapy, he or she will usually refer the patient to someone who specializes in anxiety depression.

If you are suffering from depression and anxiety, take heart. There are many different things that you can do. In addition to seeing your doctor and obtaining medication and undergoing therapy, you can also find support groups. The Internet is full of support groups for people who suffer from anxiety depression. Many times talking with someone who is not a “professional” can go far in helping you see that you are not alone. Who knows? Maybe your experiences can help someone else, too. The most important thing to keep in mind is that you are not alone. There is help available.