Depression Anxiety: How to Find Relief

Depression, anxiety and a combination of the two are a common problem in today's society. An individual may find they have depression without anxiety, anxiety without depression, or both problems at the same time. These two issues, while often grouped together, are quite different in nature. First, let's take a look at depression and the symptoms that often occur.

Depression is thought to occur due to an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. This may or may not be the only cause of this disorder. Experts believe that other causes might be things like trauma, stress, illness, personal loss, substance abuse, and genetics. Regardless of what is causes depression, symptoms almost always include a prolonged feeling of sadness, despair and hopelessness. A depressed person may lose interest in things they once enjoyed. They may suffer from aches and pains, insomnia, and loss of appetite. Or, they might sleep more than usual and turn to food as a coping mechanism.

Anxiety, on the other hand, may accompany depression but its symptoms are different. They may include nervousness, shakiness, trembling, a feeling of butterflies in the stomach, and an overall sense of dread or fear. The anxious individual may feel frightened for no discernable reason. In more severe cases, panic attacks may occur. Panic attacks are acute episodes lasting for a few minutes where the sufferer may experience a racing heart, sweating, shaking, shortness of breath, and even the feeling that they are going to die or are going crazy. Sometimes, panic attack symptoms can be mistaken for a heart attack. Not every anxiety sufferer has panic attacks, but some do.

The good news for sufferers of depression and anxiety is that there are more treatment options than ever. These issues are no longer dismissed or concealed as they were many years ago. Sufferers can rest assured that these conditions are not their fault, but are actual medical disorders that require treatment just like any other type of illness. There is no reason for anyone who suffers from anxiety or depression to feel embarrassed, guilty or afraid.

Antidepressants are often recommended for individuals suffering from depression, anxiety and related conditions. Examples of various antidepressants include Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Effexor, Wellbutrin and Celexa. Sometimes, antidepressant therapy can help both depression and anxiety. Other times, your doctor may prescribe a separate medication for anxiety. Examples of commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medications include Valium, Xanax and Ativan. Unlike antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications such as these can sometimes be habit forming and must be used with care under the strict supervision of a medical professional.

Copyright 2007 Jim Sterling - All Rights Reserved

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