Worrying is a feeling that we all experience from time to time. Our studies, finances, relationships and some of the things that can make you feel anxious. However, these feelings normally go away after a few days or hours. It’s also common for people to lose interest in life and get sad. However, there are times when these feelings can be intense and long-lasting.
Anxiety disorders affect over 40 million adults in America annually. People with these disorders experience constant fear and uncertainty that interfere with their daily activities. This condition can last for 6 months or more. Note that anxiety disorders can also raise your risk for other medical problems. They include depression, heart disease, diabetes, and substance abuse. Over 17 million American adults are usually affected by depression every year. Both anxiety and depression are currently the most prevalent mental health issues.
Anxiety disorders are common and serious mental illness. They are characterized by a significant feeling of worry or fear that doesn't go away. Although it may start as mild, it may get worse over time. All humans feel anxious from time to time. But with an anxiety disorder, this feeling tends to be fairly constant. The effect is a negative impact on a person's quality of life.
Depression, on the other hand, is also a common and serious medical illness. It negatively affects how you feel, your thoughts, and how you act. This mental disorder is normally characterized by feelings of sadness and loss of interest in life. However, both depression and anxiety are manageable and treatable.
Signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression may overlap. At some point, they may have similar characteristics. This could be physically or emotionally. However, there are also key differences which can easily distinguish them.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
Note that feeling down, sad, or upset is normal in life. However, if you experience all these feelings for days on end, then you could be suffering from depression. Common symptoms include:
Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety can happen to anyone at any time. Note that it’s not unusual to experience anxiety before a big event or important decision. However, if you are suffering from chronic anxiety, the symptoms can be debilitating. They include:
You can take medication for anxiety and depression that’s prescribed by your doctor. These conventional drugs are designed to reduce the severity and episodes of these mental disorders. Anxiety and depression medication lists consist of:
1. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
2. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
3. Tricyclic antidepressants
4. Benzodiazepines
Apart from conventional drugs, there are also natural remedies for anxiety and depression. The most common and preferred is CBD for anxiety and depression. This cannabis compound contains anti-depressant and anti-anxiety properties. The best and most effective way of taking CBD products for these mental disorders is by tinctures or vape oil. They provide an instant effect which is essential during depressive and anxiety episodes. Other effective remedies include herbs and supplements such as:
Even with a formal treatment plan, it’s still important to manage depression and anxiety. There are some strategies that may help you find relief from these symptoms. The goal is to create various management options whenever you need them. They include:
The Bottom Line
It’s okay to feel anxious from time to time. This is sometimes an unavoidable feeling. However, if you experience chronic anxiety for days on end, then you could be having an anxiety disorder. Note that this condition can spiral and turn into depression. These two mental health problems are among the most common. They affect a significantly huge number of the population. However, they are both manageable and treatable. The earlier you seek professional attention, the easier it is to treat them.
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