Skip to main content

Depression and Anxiety: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Mental health is a subject that is now discussed more openly and effectively as compared to what was done in the history of mankind. Depression and anxiety are common mental health problems that can be developed at any stage of life. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) statistics, one in four will be affected by mental health disorders at some point in their lives. 

Depression and Anxiety

Table of Content:

What is Depression?

Depression is a persistent spell of feeling low. One can feel low or down for a couple of days then become normal but in depression, this situation goes for a longer period of time -probably for weeks and months.

Depression isn't a trivial mental health problem as it's usually misunderstood. It's a mental illness that can affect one's day-to-day activities severely.

What is Anxiety?

The natural body response to stress is anxiety. It's an apprehension of what's going to come. One can feel anxious when going for an interview or taking an exam but if these extreme feelings last longer than 6 months then it's an anxiety disorder that can badly affect one's life.

In anxiety disorder, one feels anxious all the time. These feelings are sometimes intense or weak but don't go away completely. The most prevalent type of anxiety is generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and the term 'anxiety' also spans less common conditions like phobias. Because of the broader spectrum of anxiety disorder, this post is mainly focused on generalised anxiety disorder.

Difference between Depression and Anxiety: 

The difference between depression and anxiety are:

Depression is a single illness but can have different symptoms and it may feel differently from person to person. Despite different symptoms and different negative effects on the person, it's referred to as a single illness i.e depression and in that one feels down. While anxiety is an umbrella term that enclosed a range of more specific conditions. Anxiety is the result of perceived danger or threat. One can also strike with both at once.

Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety: 

The following points are the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Depression:

  • Feeling tearful. 
  • Feeling low or forlorn.
  • Losing interest in the things that once enjoyed.
  • Feeling tired all the time. And it is better to know why am I always tired of doing things. 
  • Lack of sleep.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Having aches and pain in the body.

Anxiety:

  • Feeling anxious.
  • An unrealistic view of problems.
  • Restlessness.
  • Increase in heart rate.
  • Sweating.
  • Persistent worries of impending danger or doom.
  • Poor concentration and focus on worries.
  • Feeling tired and weak.
  • Poor sleep.
  • Hard to control being worried.
  • Start eschewing things that trigger anxiety.

What Causes Depression and Anxiety?

There is always a reason for developing a mental disorder or illness. See below for the causes of depression and anxiety.

Causes of Depression:

  • Someone's death or a loss.
  • Genetics.
  • Conflict with friends or family members.
  • Certain types of medication.
  • Life major events.
  • Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse.
  • Substance abuse (drug abuse).
  • Serious diseases.

Causes of Anxiety:

  • Stress from educational institutes.
  • Being socially excluded.
  • Stress at work.
  • Being out of work.
  • Financial stress.
  • Stress caused by emotional traumas.
  • Taking some illicit drugs.
  • Medication's side effects.
  • Stress in relationships.
  • Signs of some maladies such as hypoglycemia, heart attack, and heatstroke.

Side Effects of Depression and Anxiety:

Depression and anxiety can have detrimental effects on one's life if remains untreated. Below are its scourging effects on health.

Side Effects of Depression:

  • Daily fatigue and headaches.
  • Malnutrition.
  • Memory loss.
  • Trouble falling asleep and have insomnia issues.
  • Diarrhoea and constipation.
  • Inflammation in the body.
  • Loss in weight or gain in weight.
  • Sexual health problems; relationship problems.
  • Long-term depression can even lead to suicide.

Side Effects of Anxiety:

  • Live in a constant state of fear, worries, and dread - a sense of doom.
  • Panic attack symptoms include heart palpitation, chest pain, and lightheadedness.
  • Breathing problems.
  • Upset stomach.
  • Headache and muscle aches.
  • Affect performance at work.
  • Poor exam and test results.
  • It hinders social activities.
  • Poor relationships.
  • One can completely be overwhelmed by feelings.

Are Untreated Signs of Depression and Anxiety Different in Men From Women?

Men have more violent behaviour than women if suffering from untreated depression. They show more frustration and anger. There is more risk of reckless driving and unsafe relationships.

Women are more prone to anxiety as compared to men and it's twice as likely as them. It's because men and women cope with stress differently. Also, in women, hormone fluctuation, reproductive events, and brain chemistry make them more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety.

How to Deal with Depression and Anxiety? 

Early and mild symptoms of depression and anxiety can be treated at home naturally without medications. Mental health matters and if the symptoms won't go after a few months then it's better to check with a psychiatrist.

Natural remedies for Depression and Anxiety:

  • When feeling depressed and stressed, talk to someone about the things that are giving depression and stress to you. Discuss worries and problems with a family member, friend, or counsellor.
  • Take time out from the daily routine.
  • Calming breathing exercises are used to ease symptoms of depression and anxiety. Take a deep breath as much as you can without forcing the body. Inhale from the nose and exhale from the mouth gently. Keep doing this process for 5 minutes.
  • Exercising for mental health is important. Do exercise or physical activities, five days a week. It can include swimming, running, bicycling, brisk walking, and yoga to relax the mind and body.
  • Try to get proper rest and sleep. An adult needs 7-9 hours of night sleep. It is important to know How to get a better night sleep if struggling with insomnia.
  • Eat a balanced diet with regular meal intervals as it stables energy levels in the body. 
  • People having depression and anxiety sometimes lack vitamin A. Add foods rich in vitamin A, for example, eggs, oranges, spinach, and leafy vegetables. Vitamin B complex and omega-3 are vital for a healthy nervous system and should also be a part of children's diets.
  • The lower level of zinc is related to oxidative stress in the body. A deficiency in zinc can lead to depression. It can be taken as an antidepressant. Foods rich in zinc are meat, eggs, dairy products, whole grain, and shellfish. Meat is an excellent source among them.
  • Limit caffeine and alcohol as they can trigger panic attack symptoms.
  • Eat low-sodium foods because sodium can trigger anxiety. When going to eat out look for the Best low-sodium fast food options if you have anxiety.
  • Avoid unhealthy habits and toxic people.
  • Learn how to deal with intrusive thoughts.
  • Try to find positive things in worse situations.
  • There are also some friendly relaxation apps that one can search for and download.
It's important to know the cause of disturbed mental health. Early intervention is beneficial and would lead to proper treatment. Our wellness revolves around a healthy mind, body, and soul so it is vital to look at all three main aspects of healthy living.

There are 11 Ways Holistic Psychologists Can Help You Live a better life. Both NHS or Private healthcare for employees covers Mental healthcare plans. It costs around £150 -£400 for initial consultation or assessments. It may be covered by insurance or will be free of cost on NHS. Also, you can talk to a therapist online anonymously or choose betterhelp online counseling or a service of your choice.

Charity List UK:

There are a number of organisations that provide help and support. These include UK carers, children carers, support groups, the national society for autism, charities in UK, mind UK, UK helpline, mental health support, health charities UK,  charities that support mental health, disability support groups UK, social anxiety support groups online, depression support groups UK and so on. 

Check the website Self Help UK for a list of charity organisations and their contact details.

Related Posts:

7 Mental Health Tips That are Approved by Therapists. Don't Ignore Your Mental Health 
Vitamin B12 Benefits; How Vitamin B12 Can Help You Live A Better Life
Dark Chocolate Benefits for Skin, Hair, and Health 
What Does Hemp Oil Do To Improve Your Skin, Hair And Health?
Does Sugar Affect Your Skin, Hair & Body? 5 Reasons Why Sugar is Bad for You


Are you on Pinterest? I have a board on  'Beauty & Health Tips' that you may like. For updates, you can check my Facebook page 'Health & Beauty Tips'.


https://smeh-beautytips.blogspot.com
This content is copyright protected.

Pin it:

Depression and AnxietyDepression and Anxiety

Comments

  1. Kristine Nicole Alessandra23 December 2019 at 04:47

    Thank you so much for writing this post. You were able to clearly explain the difference between depression and anxiety. I suffer from depression and it was brought about by several "blows" that happened in my life this year. I am trying my best to be "normal." I find peace and calm whenever I am tending to my flowering plants.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well. Thanks... depression treatment singapore

      Delete
  2. Thanks for this post and great advice. Having awareness on mental health issues like depression and anxity is very important especially nowadays.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thank you for giving the basic difference between depression and anxiety. It really helps me understood it more. I'll keep it in mind.

    ReplyDelete
  4. It's a great advice. we all find our self on depression at some point. we need to hold our self together to over come it but it's not a easy task.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Depression and anxiety can ruin our life....

    ReplyDelete
  6. This is such an important post. More needs to be known about depression and anxiety among the general public. Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Great post! People need to spot the symptoms earlier in order to get help immediately.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Depression and anxiety is a big issue that most of the people are facing today. I strongly believe that if you are facing this situation try to stay positive and completely agree with you to "Try to find positive things in worse situations".

    ReplyDelete
  9. Very helpful post and easy to distinguish the difference between anxiety and depression. Earlier we discover the cause quicker treatment could be done. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  10. So many people are suffering from depression and anxiety in silence. Thank you for sharing this to show them that they are not alone.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Very well written post. Quite Informative and Insightful.

    ReplyDelete
  12. There is still such a huge stigma surrounding both depression and anxiety - and form of mental illness, really. I'm so glad you shared this. We need more dialogue.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thank you for this information on depression and anxiety. I think more and more people cope with that than we realize. Great to be able to talk about those topics openly.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thank you so much for this post. I have 4 daughters and suffer from depression. One of my kiddos has anxiety. I'll share this with her as well. She feels alone, this will help.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I don't know why people shy away from this real issue. Is good to know how to recognize every mental illness just like you havevto lern how to recognize fisical illnesses.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Very nice post. To relax and calm the mind breathing exercise and organic supplements for depression are good natural remedies. I try this and it really works well.

    ReplyDelete
  17. A lot of stigma still surrounds anxiety. This is a great post. It's important to create more awareness.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I know a handful of people who suffer from the two. More so during seasonal changes.

    ReplyDelete
  19. This is such a great post about depression and anxiety far too many people still need educating about this topic. These are real problems that society needs to help with and there needs to be much more awareness for.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Thanks for sharing. Makes me aware to settle my depression and anxieties

    ReplyDelete
  21. Great read. So many people struggle with this every day their whole life and others may never know. It's always good to know the signs and symptoms so that moving forward if needed someone can help that person when they are ready.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Thanks for sharing this. More light needs to be shared on mental illnesses.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Great responsible topic on this subject. I heard depression and anxiety can go hand and hand and hopefully people suffering from these can get the help they need in the new year.

    ReplyDelete
  24. During my beginner days as a blogger I used to have this very blog template, it feels nostalgic. And, you have great content, too. Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  25. I appreciate posts like this because it helps people understand depression and anxiety better. I think we've come a long way when it comes to dealing with mental health but we still have a lot of things to improve on.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Sadly, even with the amount of information out there on the subject, the one thing that is lacking is the human touch; being attentive to the care and needs of folks with mental health concerns. We have a long road to go on this issue.
    Elizabeth O

    ReplyDelete
  27. Many people are suffering with depression without knowing that they actually have it! This post is very informative.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Thank you for sharing this. It is something we all need to think about since it affects a lot of people around us. It would be good if we could all recognize it and be able to help those in need.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Very informative, I think we need to be opened and talk about our feel to get help and get it out of us.

    ReplyDelete
  30. This is a serious issue since it talks about our mental health. Thank you for sharing this article for everyone as an eyeopener.

    ReplyDelete
  31. I know someone who has bipolar and suffers from anxiety and depression. The person is up and down, and it's hard to tell sometimes what's going on. We do our best and so does she.

    ReplyDelete
  32. You make so many great points here that I read your article a couple of times. Your views are in accordance with my own for the most part. This is great content for your readers. anxiety singapore

    ReplyDelete
  33. We can all look beautiful and gorgeous but you need a small change in your routine. Everything from good hygiene to choice of clothes is included to look your best every day and how you take care of yourself. Looking gorgeous is always the best selling guide to looking beautiful, whatever your shape, size and personal style. Read my blogs on how to look beautiful everyday and keep yourself in shape.
    Visit: http://www.ebeautyparlour.com/

    ReplyDelete
  34. It's great to see mental health being looked at more seriously and treated rather than pushed under the rug

    ReplyDelete
  35. This is very interesting content! I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your points and have come to the conclusion that you are right about many of them. You are great..Ethically sourced products

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment