When it comes to mental health, anxiety and depression are two major illnesses in our society. It is estimated that around 10% of Spaniards suffer from one of these disorders.
However, do you know that these two pathologies can be closely related?
Depression is often confused with sadness or “bad times”. However, this disorder is characterized by feelings of anxiety and/or sadness, apathy or irritability for much of the time, even if there is no obvious cause. And it is also related to other symptoms such as: Sleep disorders.
On the other hand, the symptoms of anxiety disorder can vary from one person to another. It is not only a feeling of nervousness or tension, but also the following symptoms :
Anxiety triggers
Disorders such as depression or anxiety can appear for no apparent reason. They generally originate during stages of life that have not been adequately addressed or continue to cause severe stress. However, These triggers often occur long before anxiety or depression is detected, making them sometimes difficult to identify.
Sometimes they will appear in specific situations that can be resolved spontaneously. For example, in the event of unemployment, an emotional crisis, a move and other sudden or unwanted changes.
However, Chronic stress is often the result of life circumstances that the affected patient cannot remedy. It is common among people who care for patients or people in situations of social or economic exclusion. An exception where the entire population is more or less affected is the situation caused by COVID-19.
Since the outbreak of the crisis, especially due to restrictions, symptoms of depression and anxiety in the Spanish population have increased, affecting a fifth of the population to a greater or lesser extent.
The relationship between depression and anxiety
These two pathologies can coexist in many situations. As we have seen, anxiety can manifest as a symptom of clinical depression. In fact, more than 50% of patients with depression suffer from anxiety. Besides, Depression caused by anxiety can also occur , as in generalized anxiety disorder. Especially if it is not handled properly and the situation persists for a long time.
The good news is that the help of a professional psychologist is very effective in controlling and reversing these symptoms. With the right treatment, you can prevent anxiety and depression from taking over your life.
Therefore, If you have any of the above symptoms, do not minimize them: do not hesitate to seek help before the condition becomes chronic or evolves into a depressive state.
How to prevent anxiety and depression
These two disorders are closely related and can be prevented and treated using very similar guidelines. If the healthcare professional deems it necessary, treatment for these two conditions will include lifestyle changes, psychotherapy, and even medications.
To prevent symptoms The following recommendations can be put into practice :
Seek professional help
Many life circumstances can be stressful and put a strain on our mental health. Furthermore, at this historical moment, we are experiencing the social situation caused by the SARS-CoV2 virus, which poses a global challenge not only for physical health, but also for mental health.
If you experience any of the symptoms we have discussed, we recommend seeking professional help. Although there are still certain taboos in mental health, and some people consider that “these things go away on their own,” They should be treated just like other diseases, in the same way that if you have pain or other physical symptoms, you go to the doctor.
A psychologist is the ideal professional who can assess your condition. Depending on the patient’s characteristics, symptoms and expectations, the patient’s treatment will begin or the patient will be referred to psychiatry for more appropriate treatment during some stage. In addition, it can help you detect the initial cause of anxiety or depression and suggest guidelines to help you resolve the symptoms you suffer.
