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How to Spot Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety

How to Spot Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety are two different things. However, they can occur at the same time. 45% of individuals with one mental disorder are likely to have two or more mental disorders. Additionally, half of the individuals with depression or anxiety possibly have the other conditions.

Though depression and anxiety are caused and triggered by different circumstances, they are likely to show similar symptoms and be treated similarly.

In this article, we concentrate more on how you can spot depression and anxiety to assess the situation and seek help. But first,

What Is the Difference Between Depression and Anxiety?

Depression is a mood disorder that might affect a person’s daily life. On the other hand, anxiety is a feeling of worry or unease regarding an unknown outcome.

The following are some key things to watch out for you to know whether you or your loved one is having anxiety attacks or is depressed.

Hopelessness 

Depression affects how you feel about your entire life. A person who has a hopeless outlook on their life is likely to have depression. This might be accompanied by other negative feelings such as self-hate, a sense of worthlessness, and inappropriate guilt. In severe cases, it can be vocal, for instance, “I hate myself” or “My life is a mess.”

Restlessness

People with anxiety are mostly restless. This might be caused by uncertainty in certain things. For instance, it is difficult for an anxious person to stay put while waiting for specific results or an important call.

Lost Interest

Lack of interest in things one loves is yet another symptom of depression. A person may have loved participating in the evening walk, playing football, swimming, or going out with friends. But suddenly, they are no longer interested in those things anymore. If you notice such a change, you might want to seek medical practitioners’ advice before it escalates.

This might manifest in ways such as lack or low libido for couples. There is a decrease in sex drive or impotence.

Change in Appetite and Weight

Depressed and anxious people tend to eat too much or too little. Some seek food, while others lack interest in eating. In either case, the results are evident in one’s weight. Those with no appetite are likely to lose weight, while those with excessive appetite add weight.

Unfortunately, a sudden change in body weight might increase the intensity of their depression and anxiousness.

People with Depression and Anxiety are Prone to Substance Abuse 

Some individuals with mood disorders tend to become substance abusers to cope with feelings of loneliness, guilt, helplessness, or fear.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), 1 in 5 individuals with mood disorders has substance use disorder.

Similarly, people with alcohol or substance use disorder also have a mood disorders.

Lack of Sleep is a Common Sign of Depression and Anxiety

There is a strong bond between sleep and depression. Lack of sleep may indicate depression, and depression can cause a lack of sleep.

Too much sleep can also indicate the presence of depression. For example, a specific person may generally find it difficult to sleep during the daytime, but suddenly, they spend much time sleeping. This sudden change can indicate changes in their normal behavior, most likely caused by depression.

Forced Happiness

Some people hide their depression under fake smiles. When around other people, you may find that they appear happy; however, they go back to their usual depressed faces when they are on their own.

People who hide their depression are challenging to help since they appear happy outside. Luckily, they cannot pretend for so long. At certain times you will notice they have a face of loneliness, sadness, or hopelessness. At this point, it is easy to talk them into seeking help.

Fatigue

Feeling tired is normal—however, excessive tiredness isn’t—over 90% of individuals with depression experience severe tiredness.

That being the case, not every fatigue is associated with depression. Depression fatigue is accompanied by other symptoms such as excessive sleep.

Uncontrollable Emotions are Associated with Depression and Anxiety

People with depression and anxiety experience mood swings. A minute of happiness followed by a minute of sadness without any concrete reason. They can move from enjoying a night out to a sudden need to go home.

Suicidal Thoughts

If left unattended for quite a while, depression can lead to suicide. More than 42,000 people committed suicide in the U.S. alone in 2013.

People who commit suicide due to depression show some symptoms. They usually talk about death or attempt suicide before they end their life. If you or anyone within your knowledge is at risk of committing suicide or having suicidal thoughts, you should seek help as soon as possible. Try not to leave them in isolation and avoid doing things that can stress them.

Seeking Help

Suppose you or any of your family members or friend has the mentioned symptoms for more than two weeks. In that case, that is a clear indication of significant depression and anxiety.

Recognizing your depression and accepting it is the first and most crucial step in getting help.

Millions are affected by depression, meaning it’s not one mans’ thing. Fortunately, with the proper treatment and medication plus a lifestyle change, you can get rid of depression.

No matter which treatment you choose, professional help is paramount – they will help you get back to feeling better again.

Here are some of the top lifestyle changes to help you battle depression.

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