Anxiety and depression are the two most common mental health disorders. In fact, statistics show that nearly 10% of people who visit their doctor for a physical problem are actually suffering from depression. Some people have both depression and anxiety together which is a rough combination.

It’s actually possible to have both the number one and the number two most common mental health disorders in the same person at the same time. To fully understand this, it’s important to understand the difference and the definitions of anxiety and depression.

Depression is referred to as intense feelings of sadness, often coming after a traumaitc event or some type of recent loss. Intense feelings of true depression will last longer than what is considered to be normal. Anxiety is defined as excessive, frequent nervousness or worry. This will usually last more than 6 months. Anxiety affects your ability to love a normal life and can hold you back from doing things you once loved.

Anxiety and depression can manifest in a number of symptoms such as low self esteem, low self confidence, withdrawal from social activities, lack of enthusiasm for activities you once loved, guilt about the past, decreased productivity, irritability, difficulty remembering and more. With these depression symptoms, anxiety can also play a part either as the cause or the by-product of this particular depression.

For example, let’s take an example of someone who has recently suffered the death of a close friend. It’s now a few months later and he’s still in a deep depression since this tragic and unexpected death occurred. Now this person has barely left the house in months, no longer participates in the activities he once loves and avoid phone calls and visits from family and friends.

He could have anxious feelings or guilt and fear about doing things he once loved. Recent weight gain or weight loss, low self esteem and depressed feelings can make this worse. He feels upset and frustrated with himself for the way he has become but doesn’t see a way to change it.

This is what anxiety and depression can do to a person. People facing severe depression and anxiety like this need help. The problem is that statistics show that only about 12% who suffer from it will ever seek help. Often family and friends who are close to the person fail to recognize the signs or they feel its best that they stay out of it.

Depression and anxiety come with serious consequences that can sometimes lead to death. It's important to do something about it if you know someone who needs your help with this problem. These common health disorders are a common cause of suicide. You need to help encourage the person to seek professional help for what they are experiencing.

If you are going through these feelings of anxiety and depression, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. You're not a weak person because of this. Anyone of any age and any background can suffer the same thing. However, there is help out there and you shouldn’t suffer in silence.

 

Tags: anxious feelings, Severe depression, Health, anxiety disorder, anxiety and depression