The Top Symptoms to Identify Anxiety and Depression
Everyone experiences some form of anxiety or depression at some point. Stress can trigger a passing phase for some people. For others, it is a chronic condition that requires treatment and management. But how do you know if your anxiety or depression is manageable or more serious? This article lists the top 5 anxiety and depression symptoms to help you identify if you are suffering from an anxiety or depression disorder.
Understanding anxiety and depression symptoms and disorders
Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health disorders. They can have a significant impact on your quality of life and well-being. So it’s essential to know the symptoms to get the help you need.
Symptoms of anxiety can include:
• feeling restless, irritable, or on edge
• feeling like your mind is going blank
• being easily tired
• having difficulty concentrating
• feeling keyed up or tense
• having difficulty sleeping
• sweating
• trembling or shaking
• feeling short of breath
• having a rapid heartbeat
• feeling sick to your stomach
• feeling lightheaded or dizzy.
Symptoms of depression can include:
• feeling sad, down or hopeless most of the time
• losing interest in things you used to enjoy
• having trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
• feeling tired all the time
• not being able to concentrate or make decisions
• losing weight or increased appetite
• physical aches and pains
• isolating yourself from friends and family
• thoughts of suicide.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you must reach out for help. But, first, talk to your doctor or mental health professional to understand the next steps applicable to you.
Most common anxiety disorders
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders in the United States. They affect 40 million adults in the U.S. age 18 and older, or 18% of the population. Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only 36.9% of those suffering receive treatment.
There are several types of anxiety disorders, each with its symptoms. The most common anxiety disorders are:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): GAD is characterized by excessive worry and anxiety that interferes with daily activities. People with GAD may have difficulty concentrating, sleeping, or feeling like their mind is always racing.
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD): SAD is characterized by intense anxiety or fear of social situations, such as meeting new people, public speaking, or being around crowds. People with SAD often avoid social situations or endure them with significant discomfort.
Panic Disorder: Panic disorder is characterized by sudden and unexpected panic attacks. A panic attack is a period of intense fear or discomfort that peaks within minutes and include physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, and trembling. Panic disorder can be debilitating, as people with this condition often worry about when the next attack will occur and take steps to avoid situations that may trigger an attack.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): OCD is characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that are meant to reduce anxiety. People with OCD often perform compulsions like handwashing, counting, or checking repeatedly. These behaviors can take time and get in the way of daily activities.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD is characterized by intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and avoidance after exposure to a traumatic event. Traumatic events include experiences such as combat, natural disasters, car accidents, or sexual assault. As a result, people with PTSD often feel "on edge" and have difficulty sleeping.
Most common depressive disorders
There are many different types of depressive disorders, each with its own symptoms. However, the most common depressive disorders are:
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): This is the most common type of depressive disorder. Symptoms include a persistent feeling of sadness or emptiness, sleep problems, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide.
To understand the clinical symptoms of major depressive disorder, check out our video, Major Depressive Disorder Diagnosis and Symptoms Explained.
Persistent depressive disorder: This type of depressive disorder is characterized by a long-lasting (chronic) form of depression. Symptoms may not be as severe as major depressive disorder, but they can still interfere with your daily life.
Bipolar disorder: This type of depressive disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings, from highs (mania) to lows (depression). Other symptoms include sleep problems, irritability, and impulsive behavior. For a great overview of Bipolar Disorder, check out our video Bipolar Disorder: An overview of the types, symptoms, causative factors and treatment options.
What can cause anxiety and depression?
Many things can cause anxiety and depression. Some of the most common causes are listed below. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you must see a doctor or mental health professional to get help.
1. Stressful life events: Job loss, divorce, death of a loved one, financial problems, etc. can all lead to anxiety and depression.
2. Chronic medical conditions: Heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and respiratory disorders can cause anxiety and depression.
3. Genetic factors: If you have a family history of anxiety or depression, you may be more likely to experience these conditions.
4. Certain medications: Some drugs, such as steroids and birth control pills, can cause anxiety and depression.
5. Substance abuse: Abuse of drugs or alcohol can also lead to anxiety and depression.
8 Early signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression
The early signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression can be hard to identify. Many people experience some of the following symptoms before they are diagnosed with anxiety or depression:
1. Feeling anxious, irritable, or on edge most of the time.
2. Feeling like you can't concentrate or focus on anything.
3. Feeling restless or even agitated.
4. Having difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much.
5. Experiencing fatigue or low energy levels.
6. Losing interest in activities that used to bring you joy.
7. Feeling hopeless, helpless, or worthless.
8. Engaging in self-destructive behaviors, such as drinking too much alcohol, overeating, or engaging in risky behaviors.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you must reach out to a mental health professional for an evaluation. Early intervention is critical in treating anxiety and depression.
The three most common treatment options for anxiety and depression
There are many different treatment options available for anxiety and depression. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, some treatments may be more effective for certain people than others. Working with a mental health professional to explore different treatment options and find the best fit for you is essential.
Some standard treatment options for anxiety and depression include:
Counseling or therapy: Talking with a counselor or therapist can help you understand your thoughts and feelings, develop healthy coping skills, and set goals for managing anxiety and depression.
Medication: In some cases, medication may be used to help manage symptoms of anxiety or depression. Medication can be an effective treatment option, but working with a mental health professional is critical to ensure that the medication is appropriate for you and is taken as directed.
Lifestyle changes: Making healthy choices can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Some lifestyle changes that may help include exercise, healthy eating, getting enough sleep, and reducing stress.
You can learn more about the top major depression treatment options in our video Top Treatments for Major depressive disorder | Clinical Practice Guidelines.
If you have been feeling some of the anxiety and depression symptoms mentioned in the article, don't hesitate to contact me! I can provide you with 1:1 guidance on how to move forward on your mental health care journey. You can schedule an initial mental health coaching session to level up your mental health and get unstuck.
