subject: Can Depression Lead To Anxiety? [print this page] About the article About the article
In this short article I want to talk about depression and the role it might play in anxiety. Maybe you are beginning to experience excessive anxiety and cant quite put your and on what might have caused it.
What I intend to cover in this article is first a look at depression. Then I investigate if whether or not anxiety can be attributed to depression, how you can recognise depression, its symptoms and some of the best ways to prevent depression
I would recommend reading the entire article, however if there are particular bits that interest you more than others you will be able to find them easily under the various headings
A look at depression
Depression is best described as feeling sad, unhappy or just down n the dumps. Nothing major there. Almost everyone feels this way at one stage or another for short periods of time.
However, true clinically diagnosed depression is a mood disorder in which the feelings I described above are experienced, but much more intense. Interfering with everyday life for days, weeks and sometimes longer
Some of the main contributing factors to depression can be:
Sleeping problems
Certain medications, e.g. Steroids
Alcohol or drug abuse
Medical conditions, e.g. Cancer
Stressful life events, e.g. Divorce, job loss, childhood abuse or breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend
Can depression be related to anxiety
Absolutely. Although no one knows exactly why depression and anxiety are linked, a recent study showed 85% of those with major depression were also diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder while 35% had symptoms of a panic disorder. Anxiety and depression are known as the fraternal twins of mood disorders, because they so often go hand in hand.
As you can see, while anxiety and depression are two separate disorders, they are linked incredibly closely. Its a case of cause and effect. In this case the depression is the cause and anxiety is the effect. Two separate things (disorders) but one acting as a stepping stone for the next.
Think of it as a well paying job and financial freedom. These are two separate things but you cant have the effect (financial freedom) without the cause (a well paying job). For those who like analogies!
How to recognise/Symptoms
Nearly everybody has an idea as to what depression is. In a nutshell, we all know its when someone feels down or sad. But are we aware that people who have depression will usually see everything with a more negative attitude than others and are unable to imagine that any problem or situation can be solved in a positive way? What exactly are the main symptoms of clinical depression?
Below I have listed some of the main symptoms:
Becoming withdrawn or isolated
Finding it very difficult to concentrate
Thought of death or suicide
Trouble sleeping OR excessive sleeping
Dramatic change in appetite, often with weight gain or loss
Feelings of worthlessness, self hate and guilt
Restlessness and irritability
Sudden loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed
NOTE: Depression can often appear as anger and discouragement, rather than feelings of sadness, as you might expect
Best ways to prevent depression
Depression is one of the most highly treatable medical conditions that there are. Some forms of depression may not be preventable due to it being triggered by a chemical malfunction in the brain. However, research confirms that depression may be alleviated, or sometimes prevented, with good health habits. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure.
Yes, you have probably heard this over and over before but to best prevent a depressed mood a proper diet and frequent exercise are essential. Its also important to take time out from work and your everyday life to relax and have fun, do what you really enjoy! Now you might be saying, Ive heard all this before. Well, have you tried it, have you stuck with it?! The fact that your reading this indicates to me that you havent.
What you just read, if implemented correctly, will be enough to prevent depression and subsequently anxiety in most cases. However if you have tried what I suggested, I mean really tried, and you find it doesnt do anything for you than, dont worry, maybe you need a little extra help from a professional.
Begin now by researching the Amygdala, and how this little organ may be the cause and solution to all your bad experiences
