Anxiety Go Away!

Anxiety depression is a common phenomenon that is linked with anxiety disorders. Most people with anxiety disorders have physical symptoms like sweating, nervousness and irrational fears. Depression is generally characterised by a lack of energy. But most depressed people also have high levels of anxiety which can lead to panic attacks. When depression is present along with an anxiety disorder, treatment can take longer and become more difficult. It increases the sense of isolation too. In many cases; anxiety depression can lead to suicide.

Nowadays, there is growing awareness of the link between anxiety and depression. In fact, it is now called “mixed anxiety-depression”. The physical symptoms of this disorder are restlessness, insomnia, heart palpitations, lack of energy and tension. The treatment for anxiety depression varies according to the severity of the disorder.

If you have a more severe anxiety disorder then it could be that the depression is a result of the disorder. Therefore, the anxiety disorder is treated first. On the other hand, if you are very depressed, then the treatment for depression is more important than the anxiety treatment. Most of the time, though, it is difficult to tell them apart and so treatment is started for both anxiety and depression.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used to treat anxiety depression. In CBT you are made to face your thoughts and behaviors that cause you to become anxious and depressed. These are then replaced with new thoughts and behaviors that help you to deal with situations that can trigger anxiety. Though CBT can help tremendously, it should be remembered that the therapy only works if the patient is willing to participate wholly in the process. You must be willing to face your fears head-on. Group therapy is often used in CBT and the entire therapy period could last about 3 months.

Medication, when used with therapy, can also aid in combating anxiety depression. Antidepressants are often prescribed as they change brain chemicals. They take some time to show effect, so if you do go on medication, you must continue the course and not stop taking your medicines abruptly. Also, before you start any medication, ask your doctor about possible side effects.

Exercise is a great way to relax and get rid of stress. With exercise, the levels of serotonin increase in the brain and the “feel good” chemicals, endorphins are released. This helps you relax and generally promotes a feeling of wellbeing. You can literally “work out” all the stress that has accumulated over the course of the day. Apart from exercise, meditation and other relaxation techniques have also been found to provide relief from anxiety and depression.

We’ve seen that anxiety and depression can disrupt the normal functioning of a person’s life. But it is not a hopeless situation. There are a lot of ways to get help in dealing with anxiety depression. You just have to choose the way that is best for you.