Anxiety and depression, two disorders of our days

When it comes to mental health, anxiety and depression are two major diseases in our society.. It is estimated that around 10% of Spaniards suffer from one of these disorders.

However, do you know that these two pathologies can be closely related?

• Related article: "The 7 types of anxiety (characteristics, causes and symptoms)"

Depression vs Anxiety

Depression is often mistaken for sadness or "bad times.". However, this disorder is characterized by feelings of anxiety and / or sadness, listlessness or irritability for much of the time, even if there is no obvious cause. And it is also related to other symptoms such as: Sleep disorders.

• Appetite disorders
• Stomach or intestinal discomfort
• Headaches.
• Difficult to focus.
• Feelings of loneliness.
• Continuous tiredness

On the other hand, the symptoms of anxiety disorder can vary from one person to another. It is not only a feeling of nervousness or tension, but also the following symptoms:

• Strong, often irrational fears and worries.
• Feeling of imminent danger or panic.
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• Sudden episodes of fear or terror (panic attack).
• Phobias
• Social anxiety, avoiding certain situations that may cause discomfort.

Triggers of anxiety

Disorders such as depression or anxiety can appear for no apparent reason. They generally originate during life stages that have not been adequately addressed or continue to cause severe stress. However, these triggers usually occur long before anxiety or depression is detected, so it is sometimes difficult to identify them.

Sometimes they will appear in specific situations that can be resolved spontaneously. For example, when faced with unemployment, an emotional crisis, a move and other sudden or unwanted changes.

However, chronic stress is often the result of vital circumstances that the affected patient cannot remedy. It is common among people who care for patients or people in situations of social or economic exclusion. An exception where the entire population is more or less affected is the situation caused by COVID-19.

Since the outbreak of the crisis, especially due to restrictions, symptoms of depression and anxiety in the Spanish population have increased, affecting to a greater or lesser extent a fifth of the population population.

The relationship between depression and anxiety

These two pathologies can coexist in many situations. As we have seen, anxiety can manifest as a symptom of clinical depression. In fact, more than 50% of patients with depression suffer from anxiety. What's more, depression caused by anxiety can also occur, as in generalized anxiety disorder. Especially if it is not handled properly and the situation persists for a long time.

The good news is that the help of a professional psychologist is very effective in controlling and reversing these symptoms. With proper treatment, you can prevent anxiety and depression from taking over your life.

Therefore, If you have any of the above symptoms, don't downplay them - feel free to seek help before the condition becomes chronic or progresses depressive.

• You may be interested in: "Types of depression: their symptoms, causes and characteristics"

How to prevent anxiety and depression

These two disorders are closely related and can be prevented and treated using very similar guidelines. If deemed necessary by the healthcare professional, treatment for these two conditions will include lifestyle changes, psychotherapy, and even medications.

To prevent symptoms the following recommendations can be put into practice:

• Try to identify and change situations that cause constant stress as much as possible. For example, if you have to take care of someone who is sick, seek family or social support.
• Improve your sleeping habits.
• Seek social and emotional support, such as sharing hobbies and interests with family or a group of friends.
• Regular physical exercise is best if you are in a small group.
• Avoid alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. Although they seem to provide temporary relief, they can actually worsen the symptoms and prognosis of anxiety and depression, and can interfere with treatment.

Seek professional help

Many life circumstances can be stressful and put pressure on our mental health. In addition, in this historical moment, we are experiencing the social situation caused by the SARS-CoV2 virus, which poses a global challenge not only for physical health, but also for mental health.

If you experience any of the symptoms that we have discussed, we recommend seeking professional help. Although there are still certain taboos in mental health, and some people consider that "these things happen by themselves", They should be treated the same as other diseases, in the same way that if you have pain or other physical symptoms, you go to the doctor.

A psychologist is the ideal professional who can perform an assessment of your condition. Depending on the characteristics of the patient, their symptoms and expectations, the patient's treatment will begin or they will be referred to psychiatry for more appropriate treatment during some stage. In addition, it can help you detect the initial cause of anxiety or depression and suggest guidelines to help you resolve the symptoms you are suffering from.