Treating Depression: Treating Depression and Anxiety

by alantankenghoe

Do not confuse depression with anxiety because they are different from each other though they may seem the same at first glance.

If you are experiencing a general feeling of negativity that you are easily saddened, angered, hopeless, despaired and irritated for the least provocative reason or even none at all, then you might have depression. On the other hand, if you feel anxiety, panic, worry or fear in circumstances which normally you shouldn’t be feeling those emotions then you might have anxiety.

Anxiety may cause depression and depression may also cause anxiety disorders such as panic attacks, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder and others. Depression and anxiety are not life-threatening. However, when combined together and left untreated, they have the potential to cause an extremely unhealthy mental state primarily consisting of rapid mood swings.

In fact, according to clinical studies, compared to when they individually occur, the combination of depression and anxiety are deadlier as they create more severe symptoms, which take longer to resolve and they lead to more cases of suicide.

Fortunately, depression and anxiety may still be treated. Treating depression and anxiety is a long process, which length depends on the response of the patient. Once you suspect you have depression and anxiety, the best course of action is to seek the help of a doctor. The worst thing you can do is deciding to self-medicate because it may lead to addiction of substances. Always remember that depression and anxiety are mental illnesses that can be best alleviated with the expertise of a doctor.

Depression and anxiety generally have the same treatments. Here are the most common ways and methods of treating your depression and anxiety.

o Psychotherapy. This is one of the front line methods in treating depression and anxiety. One of the most common forms of therapy is cognitive therapy such as engaging in positive self-talk and shooing away negative thoughts. If the root cause of your depression and anxiety is known, which is mostly not the case, you may also be exposed to such a situation and be allowed to confront and overcome your anxiousness through behavioral therapy. Cognitive and behavioral therapies may also be combined for a more effective therapy called cognitive-behavioral therapy.

o Medications. The use of medication is often combined with therapy. Among the most common medications for treating depression and anxiety benzodiazepines which include Xanax, Prozac, Klonopin and Ativan. If your doctor prescribed you with medication, strictly follow the dosage and repetition requirements because in cases of over dosage, they may lead to tolerance, dependence and substance abuse.

o Self-help. Treating depression and anxiety is best if you help yourself. Other than reliance to clinical therapies and medications, another way of increasing the chances of successfully treating depression and anxiety is through self-help such as exercise, relaxation and diet. Exercise is a good depression and anxiety reliever for you because it reduces muscle tension and metabolize excess body chemicals such adrenalin. Relaxing can also help you in coping with depression and anxiety because it is a form of mental exercise. Relaxation techniques can help ease your tense body, breath better and erase you negative feelings. Proper diet is also crucial in treating depression and anxiety. Avoid coffee, cigarettes and sugar as they contain ingredients that make you more prone to feel depression and anxiety. Eat foods that are rich in vitamin B. You may also take supplements such as kava, chamomile, GABA and valerian teas. Ask your doctor what and what not to avoid and better plan with your nutritionist your meals for a healthier diet.

Treating Depression (Depression #2) – Depression can be debilitating, but with treatment, people suffering from the condition can notice marked reduction in symptoms.

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