Thursday, October 22, 2009

The Differences between Anxiety and Depression

By Funmi Salami

Someone who has been diagnosed with anxiety does not necessarily have depression as well. The same is true for those with depression. Although these disorders share similar physiological states and environmental triggers, one person does not have to have both. However, it is no surprise that most people suffering from anxiety usually have depression as well.

Depression can be defined as harboring feelings of intense sadness as well as feeling hopeless, helpless, and worthless, for weeks or even months and years.

A person who is depressed often feels sad during most of the day, especially in the morning. A depressed person also has fatigue, feelings of guilt and worthlessness, and insomnia (or hypersomnia) almost daily. He or she may be impaired by indecisiveness and lack of concentration. He or she may also pull back from activities once found pleasurable and instead be plagued by restlessness, irritability, or even thoughts of death or suicide. Some depressed individuals also experience significant weight loss or weight gain over a short period of time.

Researchers believe that there are several factors which cause depression with the first being a chemical imbalance in the brain. Neurotransmitters in the brain secrete or receive chemicals which regulate mood and emotions. These chemicals include dopamine and serotonin. Studies have shown that those diagnosed with depression are lacking one or both of these chemicals or have defective neurotransmitters. No matter the cause, the fact still remains that something is lacking in the brain which results in a mood disorder.

Depression can be triggered by many environmental factors such as stressful situations, drugs whether legal or illegal as well having a pessimistic personality.

People suffering from anxiety are easily affected by depression as well as their pessimistic thoughts start to create unrealistic scenarios and worries that are compellingly negative. In some cases, someone with anxiety can aggravate depression as they are hard to understand and become lonely. Any individual experiencing both anxiety and depression will more likely experience intense thoughts of death or suicide.

There is a bright side however, both disorders can be treated and are generally treatable with the same methods. Treatment for these disorders can include cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy as well as medications. These methods allow the patient to recognize symptoms and deal with them in a positive way as well as learning how to prevent them all together.

If you or someone you know is exhibiting signs of anxiety or depression, it is very imperative that you seek the help of a professional mental healthcare provider.

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