If you suffer both anxiety and depression, you are not alone. In fact, many people have both of these mental health disorders at the same time. Your anxiety may occur more consistently, while the depression comes and goes. Below, we look at how these conditions go together and where to get help.
Many People Suffer Both Anxiety and Depression
Did you know that many celebrities have opened up about suffering anxiety and depression together? Although celebs only make up a small portion of our population, they are highly visible people to whom you can relate. Also, you do not need to feel alone in your plight with these mental health conditions that often go hand-in-hand.
Some of the most well-known people with anxiety and depression include:
- Lady Gaga, singer and songwriter
- Kesha, singer and songwriter
- Amanda Seyfried, actress
- Selena Gomez, actress and singer
- Princess Diana
- Prince Harry
- Kristen Bell, actress
- Cara Delevingne, actress
- Lena Dunham, actress, writer and director
- Sarah Silverman, comedian and actress
- Joey Votto, professional athlete
Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression are conditions that can occur on their own, together or as part of a collection of mental health disorders. Additionally, the National Institute of Mental Health explains that major depression often occurs along with anxiety disorders like panic disorder. In fact, there is more than one type of depression and a long list of types of anxiety. So the potential combinations of these conditions is almost limitless.
Anxiety and depression have their own unique symptoms. But they also share some signs, such as irritability, poor concentration and sleep disruption.
Your symptoms may appear all at once or in bouts of feeling down mixed with bursts of anxiety. At other times, you probably feel fine and in better control of your life. But if you suffer your symptoms of either condition for more than two weeks, or if the signs recur and interfere with daily life, you need the help of a qualified therapist.
Symptoms of Depression
Everyone feels sad from time to time. But clinical depression is more extreme. These episodes disrupt your daily life and make fulfilling your responsibilities difficult, if not impossible.
Symptoms of clinical depression include:
- Sadness
- Tiredness or low energy
- Loss of interest
- Appetite changes
- Concentration problems
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
- Headaches, general pain or stomach problems without other explanation
- Thoughts of suicide or death
Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety is normal to a certain degree and in some situations. This "fight or flight" response can keep you safe from a threat against your survival. Anxiety can also help you meet your goals by pushing you to get to work. However, out-of-control anxiety can cause a wide range of physical, emotional and behavioral effects.
Symptoms of anxiety include:
- Hypervigilance
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Poor concentration
- Racing thoughts or intrusive thoughts
- Fatigue and sleeplessness
- Sweating
- Worry and fear
- Feelings of impending doom
- Nausea
- Shaking and trembling
- Heart palpitations
An anxiety disorder occurs when you experience these symptoms for a long time or out of proportion with the situations you face. You may also use extreme behaviors as unhealthy coping strategies. Anxiety and depression often go together.
Are co-occurring anxiety and depression treatable?
Anxiety and depression are treatable with talk therapy. Some patients also require medication. But cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other therapeutic approaches play a significant role in healing from these conditions and coping with your symptoms.
CBT combines cognitive therapy with behavioral therapy concepts. Cognitive therapy relates to your thoughts, beliefs, and perceptions. Furthermore, through this therapy, you can learn how your thoughts, feelings and behaviors intertwine. You also learn how to avoid negative thinking that can bring on a state of depression or anxiety attacks.
Anxiety and Depression Treatment in Raleigh, North Carolina
Greene Psychology Group in Raleigh, North Carolina provides therapy treatment using cognitive behavioral therapy and other therapeutic methods. We treat patients in our Raleigh office, as well as individuals throughout the state of North Carolina using teletherapy. Also, if you or someone you love suffer from any of the above-listed symptoms as part of daily life, stop struggling alone and schedule a visit today. Call Greene Psychology Group at 919-205-5339.