Contrary to popular belief, those with depression do not necessarily have anxiety and the same is true for those with anxiety. However, each disorder has very similar physiological states as well as environmental triggers, so it is no surprise that those diagnosed with anxiety often have depression as well.

Someone who suffers from depression will experience intense feelings of sadness combined with feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness and helplessness for weeks, months or even years at a time.

The morning hours of the day seem to harbor the most intense symptoms, however they can be experienced throughout the day. In addition to the afore mentioned symptoms, depression sufferers may also experience fatigue, insomnia, hypersomnia and feelings of guilt. In most cases, people suffering from depression will withdraw from activities that once gave them pleasure and instead endure feelings of restlessness, irritability and thoughts of death or suicide. Depression can also decrease or increase a person’s weight in a very minimal period of time.

Depression is believed to be caused by several factors including a chemical imbalance in the brain. Several neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin, are secreted or received by brain nerves and regulate mood and the handling of emotion. Studies have found that those with mood disorders such as depression are either lacking in one or more neurotransmitters or have defective receptors of a neurotransmitter. Either way, an important chemical component in the brain is lacking and a mood disorder is usually the result.

Depression can be triggered by many environmental factors such as stressful situations, drugs whether legal or illegal as well having a pessimistic personality.

An anxiety sufferer is highly susceptible to depression as their pessimistic attitude has their thoughts creating worry and unrealistic scenarios which are extremely negative. Many people experiencing both disorders are lonely and hard to understand which can then result in intense thoughts of suicide or death.

There is a bright side however, both disorders can be treated and are generally treatable with the same methods. Treatment for these disorders can include cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy as well as medications. These methods allow the patient to recognize symptoms and deal with them in a positive way as well as learning how to prevent them all together.

If you believe you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of either of these disorders, seek the assistance of your mental healthcare provider.

Funmi Salami is a featured health writer on Clivir.com. She has a virtual classroom there where she share her knowlege about Anxiety Attack Symptoms and Anxiety Disorder Exercising on Clivir.

Tags: Mental Health

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