I’d like to talk about a topic that is near and dear to my heart: treating anxiety and depression. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), an estimated 16 million American adults — almost 7% of the population — had at least one major depressive episode in the past year and an estimated 40 million adults in the U.S. (18%) have an anxiety disorder.
Depression
We may all feel down from time to time, but if you feel hopeless, sad, and no longer enjoy activities that you used to find enjoyable for more than a few weeks, you could be suffering from depression. Symptoms of depression can vary from person to person, but some common symptoms include:
- Lack of interest in activities
- Significant changes in appetite or weight
- Loss of energy
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Sleep disturbances
- Changes in appetite
- Feelings of low self-worth
- Feeling hopeless
Anxiety
Anxiety can strike when you’re starting a new job, you have to give a presentation in front of a group or you’re stuck in traffic and running late for an appointment. Those types of feelings of anxiety or stress can be short-lived. However, if feelings of extreme fear and worry prevent you from your day-to-day activities, you may have an anxiety disorder. There are several types of anxiety disorders including generalized, social, panic, and phobias. Each has unique symptoms, but a common thread is continued and extreme worry or fear under conditions that are not life-threatening. Some common emotional and physical symptoms of anxiety include:
- Feelings of nervousness or uneasiness
- Restlessness or irritability
- Fearing the worst
- Pounding or racing heart
- Sweating and tremors
Diagnosis of Anxiety or Depression
Some of the symptoms of an anxiety disorder and depression can be confused with other medical conditions, so your healthcare provider will likely do a physical examination and talk with you about your symptoms. Although there are no lab or blood tests to diagnose anxiety or depression, your provider may order lab tests to rule out any underlying medical condition.
Treatment Options
Treatment for anxiety and depression can involve both medicinal and nonmedicinal approaches and are most effective if used in combination. Treatment can include:
- Psychotherapy including cognitive behavioral therapy, family-focused therapy, and interpersonal therapy.
- Medications including antidepressants that can treat both depression and anxiety symptoms.
- Exercise, which is good for your body and your mind. Anything that gets you moving such as walking, dancing or swimming can improve your physical and mental health.
- Eating a healthy diet including lean protein, fruits, and vegetables and drink plenty of water. Avoid or limit sugar, caffeine, and alcohol.
- Getting adequate sleep. If you suffer from insomnia check out this article, Sleepless Nights: How to Help with Insomnia, by Dr. Jonathan Harland.
- Practicing meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises.
- Changing your personal outlook by reading books or listening to CDs by authors including Thich Nhat Hanh, Jack Canfield, Tara Brach, Wayne Dyer, Jon-Kabat-Zinn, B.K.S. Iyengar, and Sharon Salzberg.
Left untreated, anxiety and depression can significantly impact your quality of life and your relationships. The good news is that both conditions are treatable. If you suspect you may have an anxiety disorder or depression, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider so they can assess your symptoms and help you come up with the best approach for treatment.
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