Depression and anxiety are both serious mental illnesses. Unfortunately, they can also go hand-in-hand, making everyday life very difficult for the person who is suffering. Due to the nature of both anxiety and depression, understanding the signs and symptoms of the two conditions is vital for helping a person regain control of life.
It is not uncommon to see them manifest together, even though one condition doesn’t necessarily cause the other. Early diagnosis and proper treatment is advisable when considering the potential ramifications of both anxiety and depression.
Fortunately, if the conditions are recognized and proper help is obtained, they can be overcome successfully. Knowing that to have their panic and anxiety gone, is a relief in itself.
Signs of Anxiety
Anxiety can appear in a number of different ways. From generalized anxiety about everyday living, to very particular phobias, the actual triggers vary for everyone. Some of the symptoms that tend to go across the board, however, include:
- Signs of a heart attack – chest pains and discomfort, palpitations and racing heartbeats.
- Sweating
- Problems sleeping
- Irritability
- Impending sense of fear, doom or even worry about imminent death
- Stomach discomforts
If anxiety is particularly severe, a person might experience a full blown panic attack. These episodes are incredibly frightening to the person who is suffering. Many people who suffer from anxiety try to safeguard themselves from the things they see as triggers. Whether this is from being in social situations, heights, or even being separated from family, the end result is the generally the same – some form of isolation. This is often where depression and anxiety can intersect.
The Signs of Depression
Feeling down is one thing and this happens to everyone, but real depression is a like a black cloud that is suffocating. The symptoms of this condition, if left unchecked, can lead to suicidal thoughts and even actions. Keeping an eye out for them is imperative when other mental illnesses, such as anxiety, are present. They are:
- Lack of enthusiasm in normal activities
- A feeling of sadness that persists for several weeks or longer
- Feelings of guilt and hopelessness
- Thoughts of suicide or death
- Changes in eating habits
- A desire to isolate oneself
Anxiety and depression are both very real, very serious illnesses. If the signs and symptoms are recognized and acted upon correctly, both can be treated rather effectively. Seeking counseling and even medication therapy can help put a person back on the right path. There are also other ways for alleviating anxiety and stress. If suffering from a combination of anxiety and depression, working through it alone is generally not advised.