Common Conditions

Anxiety/Depression

Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health disorders. Anxiety is associated with continuing or overwhelming feelings of worry or fear outside of normal life stress. Anxiety disorders can include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or phobia related disorders. Clinical depression is characterized by significant ongoing feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and/or negativity. Different types of depression include major depression, persistent depressive disorder, psychotic depression, seasonal affective disorder, and bipolar disorder. Women also commonly experience depression before or after pregnancy and prior to menstruation. Most individuals are diagnosed with anxiety and depression in their teens, 20s, and 30s.

Cause

Major life changes, physical illness, certain medications, biological or hormone imbalances, and significant levels of stress are often causes of anxiety and depression. Individuals with a family history of anxiety or depression, who abuse alcohol or drugs, or who have experienced childhood trauma or stress may be at a greater risk for anxiety or depression.

Symptoms

Symptoms of anxiety include:

Intense fear, worry, or dread
Restlessness
Irritability
Difficulty sleeping
Heart palpitations
Headaches
Fatigue
Sweating
Upset stomach

Symptoms of depression include:

Sadness
Anxiousness
Feelings of hopelessness or emptiness
Negativity
Irritability
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Feelings of helplessness
Fatigue
Restlessness
Difficulty concentrating
Difficulty sleeping
Excessive sleeping
Changes in appetite
Headaches
Digestive issues
Suicidal thoughts or impulses

For anyone having suicidal thoughts or impulses, he or she or a family member should contact emergency services and/or a medical professional immediately.

Philipians 4: 6-8 - “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.”

Treatment

Anxiety and depression are most often treated with counseling/talk therapy, medication, or a combination of the two. In severe cases, brain stimulation techniques may be required. Individuals with anxiety and depression often see gradual improvement over time rather than seeing immediate symptom relief. Individuals should work closely with a trained healthcare provider to develop the best strategy and should be diligent in following all treatment plans, especially maintaining a close relationship with a counselor and taking all medication regularly.

Prevention

To help prevent anxiety and depression, one should exercise regularly, confide in a close friend or family member, avoid alcohol and recreational drugs, eat a balanced diet, and refrain from becoming isolated.

Resources

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018, February 03). Depression (major depressive disorder). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007

Merz, B. (2017, January). Six common depression types. Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/six-common-depression-types

National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2017, December). Anxiety disorders. https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Anxiety-Disorders/Treatment

National Institute of Mental Health. (2018, February). Depression. National Institutes of Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml#part_145399

National Institute of Mental Health. (2018, July). Anxiety disorders. National Institutes of Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml#part_145338