Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression have affected mankind since the beginning of time and, though common, these conditions are among the most debilitating illnesses in the world.

In a recent study, UCLA researchers developed estimates for both the prevalence of chronic depression and anxiety, as well as how often those who suffer from them receive appropriate treatment.

In the December 2008 issue of Psychiatric Services, it was published that nearly 5 percent of the U.S. population experiences persistent depression or anxiety disorders, with a great minority of those individuals receiving adequate counseling or medication.

We all experience anxiety and depression at one time or another.  So what?  Anxiety and depression are just a part of life–right?

Who hasn’t experienced anxiety when studying for an important exam at school and, as a result, scored even better than expected?  Healthy anxiety can make us alert and sharp.  Melancholy can cause us to take time to reflect, regroup and possibly make positive and productive changes in our lives.  In other words, anxiety and melancholy or the “doldrums” in small doses are quite normal and familiar to us all.

However, when anxiety and depression seem to blind-side us without warning, persist for weeks or months without relief, and interfere with everyday activities–it presents a very real problem that needs to be addressed.  Though many times we neglect getting help believing we’ll start feeling normal again eventually.  For this reason, anxiety and depression tend to be two of the most under-diagnosed and mis-treated mental illnesses today.

Individuals with anxiety disorder may also experience various physical symptoms, including trembling, perspiring, muscle pains, nausea, chronic fatigue, heart palpitations, dry mouth, cold and clammy hands.  Emotionally, they are nervous or worried and short-tempered; they may have feelings of impending doom, and they are unsure of themselves- feeling like they are being scrutinized and criticized, etc.

Job performance will more than likely suffer when experiencing anxiety disorder.  It may become difficult to stay focused and “on task” leading to decreased productivity.  This, in turn, only leads to more anxiety and stress due to the fear of being reprimanded or even fired.

Symptoms of anxiety disorder often leave these individuals immobilized and unable to function in their daily lives.  Extreme anxiety disorder may actually keep them house-bound and isolated from friends and family—which just adds to feelings of anxiety and depression.

The good news for those experiencing these symptoms is that anxiety is a common disorder and is very treatable.  You can eliminate your anxiety by taking positive and proactive steps to gain control of your life again.

Common anxiety symptoms include:
o Heart Palpitations
o Increased sweating
o Trembling or shaking
o Shortness of breath
o Chest pain
o Nausea
o Light-headedness or dizziness
o Feeling detached from oneself
o Fear of losing control or going insane
o Fear of dying
o Feeling of impending doom

On the other hand, depression can be a serious and sometimes chronic medical condition.  Depression affects the body, mood, and thoughts, as well as eating and sleeping patterns, one’s self perception and their perception of the world.

A depressive disorder is not the same as an occasional “blue Monday”.  It does not indicate personal weakness nor can it be willed or wished away.  A person with chronic depression can’t “snap out of it” and get better.  Without proper treatment, symptoms of depression can last for weeks, months or even years.

Treatment for depression usually involves medications and/or temporary psychotherapy.  Some anti-depressants have been proven to have serious side effects that should be considered.  Psychotherapy may prove to be more helpful with identifying and addressing the source of the depression.

Symptoms of depression may include:
o Feelings of sadness, anxiety, or emotional “emptiness”
o Feelings of hopelessness and pessimism
o Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
o Feelings of guilty and worthlessness
o Decreased energy, chronic fatigue
o Difficulty focusing, tendencies to be forgetful
o Appetite and/or weight changes
o Trouble sleeping or tendency to oversleep
o Thoughts of suicide or death; suicide attempts
o Impatience and irritability
o Physical symptoms such as headaches/migraines, digestive disorders, and chronic pain that does not respond to routine treatment.

Anxiety and depression are two different conditions, however they often go hand-in-hand. They are among the most common and most treatable mental illnesses in the world.

Take a step toward help and healing.  You deserve to live your life free of anxiety and depression!

Recommendation:

1. Lithium Orotate is an all natural supplement (unlike prescription synthetic lithium prescribed by doctors) that has proven very effective for taking the edge off of chronic stress and anxiety. I have personally used it for the past couple of years and find it very helpful in lifting the stress and lightening my mood. It does not cause any drowsiness or foggy thinking at all–in fact it seems to sharpen my mind and give clarity of thought. Highly recommended!
2. Conquering Stress is an incredibly helpful guide to managing stress, anxiety and depression naturally without making major “life changes” or taking prescription antidepressants. It’s very well thought out and has helped a lot of people gain control of chronic stress in their lives.Take the time to educate yourself and make a serious plan to take control of your mental, emotional and physical health by kicking stress, anxiety and depression out of your life quickly and permanently! Click Here!

Warning: If you are currently on prescription anti-depressants, you must work with your doctor to safely discontinue use, if desired. Do not abruptly discontinue use of such medications as this could cause severe withdrawal effects.