Anxiety and depression are the two most commonly known mental disorders. Most people use these terms interchangeably mainly because the symptoms in both cases are quite similar to each other. Anxiety and depression are the two most common mental health problems in the world. According to WHO more than 264 million people suffer from depression while anxiety disorder affects 2.5 to 7 percent of the global population. Though they are often used in everyday conversations, most people fail to understand the difference between the two. It is not entirely ignorance that we should blame but the fact the symptoms of anxiety and depression overlap each other so often that it is difficult to differentiate one from the other.
It is true that ‘depressed’ and ‘anxious’ are both common emotions experienced by all, at some point in their lives. But when the feeling of sadness, fear, death becomes all too often and starts affecting daily life, it may be a mental condition requiring medical assistance.
What are Anxiety and Depression?
It is important to understand the underlying differences between anxiety and depression. Anxiety is more like a group of illnesses while depression is a single illness. Why do we say this? Anxiety is generally used as an umbrella term for a range of conditions such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Social Anxiety Disorder, Phobia, etc. Depression, on the other hand, is a single illness identified by a host of symptoms that can overlap with an anxiety disorder.
This is where the confusion really begins. Symptoms of depression and anxiety overlap extensively that diagnosis is often considered based upon comorbid conditions.
Symptoms of Anxiety
Since there are several types of anxiety for the sake of this article we shall be talking only about generalized anxiety disorder which affects most people worldwide. The common symptoms of anxiety include –
- Excessive Worrying
- Being Agitated
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Difficulty in Concentration
- Irritability
- Panic Attacks
These symptoms are more of feelings than anything else. Additionally, there are physical symptoms that accompany it. The physical symptoms of anxiety include –
- Indigestion
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Breathlessness and/or fast breaths
- Tensed muscles
- Sweating
- Dizziness
Symptoms of Depression
Common symptoms associated with clinical depression include –
- Trouble Concentrating
- Hopelessness
- Feeling of worthlessness
- Persistent sadness
- Suicidal thoughts
Physical symptoms include –
- Body ache without strenuous physical activity
- Cramps that won’t subside
- Loss of Appetite or Overeating
- Persistent digestive troubles
- Insomnia or sleeping too much
- Fatigue
What Should You Do
In most cases, it is difficult to identify the symptoms and categorize anxiety or depression right at the onset. However, if symptoms persist and that feeling of restlessness and uneasiness does not subside, you should take action. Relief from anxiety and depression can come in various ways.
Talk to Your Doctor
It is always better to seek medical advice if you are unsure of your symptoms. Unfortunately, most people do not visit the doctor at the right time, thus only aggravating their condition further. This gap between proper medical care and patient will is one of the main reasons why anxiety and depression continue to be left untreated, mostly in developing and under-developed countries.
Start Psychotherapy
One of the most recommended treatments for anxiety and depression is psychotherapy. This essentially means seeking counseling. There are several methods used by counselors for treating anxiety and depression. If counselors find comorbidities, the treatment will vary from treatment for GAD or other types of anxiety or even depression.
Medicines
Most doctors prescribe antidepressants which aim to restore the balance of the serotonin levels in the body. However, antidepressants mostly come with several side-effects such as dizziness, stomach problems, loss of eyesight, headache, and more. The alternative to antidepressants is anxiety relief supplements which are made using naturally occurring ingredients. Almost made using 100% veggies, these capsules are easy to digest and are available as over the counter medications. There are several significant ingredients used such as Ashwagandha, St. John’s Wort, Chamomile herb, B-Vitamins that are used to make herbal supplements.
Anxiety Relief Tips
Apart from visiting your doctor or starting medications, you could also do a few things at home that can help. The tips that we shall be talking about below mostly pertain to anxiety relief but can also help patients suffering from depression.
- Eat Healthy –Eating a nutritious and wholesome diet is key to both physical as well as mental health. It is important that you reduce the intake of oily food, caffeine, alcohol as well as carbonated drinks.
- Sleep on Time – It is true that if you are suffering from anxiety or depression, sleep doesn’t come easy. But you must try. The key is to remain persistent and does not give up. Go to bed on time every night. Reduce your screen time before bed to the minimum, read a book, or listen to soft, soothing music while on the bed. If you continuously wake every few hours, remain in bed, and do not give up.
- Meditate – It is a good practice to meditate every morning. Meditation helps to focus on work and improves concentration. It also calms one’s nerves.
- Exercise – Keeping the body physically fit is very important for your mental health. Exercising relaxes the muscles and keeps the mind agile. You can walk, jog, practice yoga, or go to the gym as you wish.
- Pick Up A Hobby – Keeping the mind idle isn’t good for your mental health. That is why we suggest you pick up a hobby. It can be anything from learning how to play the guitar or ukulele, painting, singing, reading, gardening. It can be anything. The idea is to just keep yourself busy.
Anxiety relief for adults isn’t impossible. If you can detect your symptoms early, you can self-treat at home by making lifestyle changes and having herbal supplements. However, in severe and extreme cases, medical help and psychotherapy are necessary. Depression, like anxiety, can slowly become severe if left untreated. Suicidal thoughts and attempts are very common when depression is left untreated. It is important for caregivers, family, and friends to be with the patient and offer them love and support.
