How To Tell If You Have Anxiety Depression Or Both
As you can see from the symptom descriptions, there is some cross-over between the two. In mental health, one of the more common comorbidities is that of depression and anxiety. This means that more than one disease or condition can be present in the same person at the same time. In fact, some studies show that 60% of those with anxiety will also have symptoms of depression and the numbers are similar for those with depression.
Anxiety and depression can occur sequentially, one after another, or they can co-occur, said Jerimya Fox, a licensed professional counselor and a doctor of behavioral health at Banner Behavioral Health Hospital. This is because the same neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine and epinephrine, are involved in both.
To meet the diagnostic criteria for an anxiety disorder or depression, however, symptoms must be persistent and impairing.
For anxiety, these must persist for several months, and for depression a couple weeks, Dr. Fox said.
To assess the severity of your symptoms, Dr. Fox suggests the following:
- Ask a trusted family member or friend if they have noticed changes in your behavior.
- Recognize the severity of your symptoms: mild, moderate or severe.
- Track your thoughts and symptoms. How often are you getting sick? How often are you having racing thoughts? How often are you having difficulty getting out of bed?
You Have A Chronic Condition
Certain chronic health problems, especially celiac disease and diabetes, are sometimes associated with menstrual irregularities.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that affects your digestive system. When people with celiac disease eat gluten, their immune system reacts by attacking the lining of the small intestine.
When the small intestine is damaged, it impairs the bodys ability to absorb nutrients from food. This can lead to malnourishment, which affects normal hormone production and leads to missed periods and other menstrual irregularities.
Those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes might also experience a missed period in rare cases. This tends to only happen when blood sugar levels are not managed.
Youre Always Afraid Of Making The Wrong Decision
If you are dealing with an anxiety disorder, then Lee says your decision-making skills become pretty much shot.
Anxiety disorders make you indecisive because you fear making the wrong choice, she says. You fall into an endless pit of worries as you think about all the endless possibilities and outcomes to your decisionsand that worry can be paralyzing.
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My Second Episode Of Anxiety At Work
About 10 years later, I had just moved from Montreal to Boston for my wifes work. I was super excited and confident about this new adventure. However, I guess I had misjudged the effect of all the stressors that were going on in my life . Thats when I began to feel super anxious and lost. Even though I was doubting myself and my work skills, I landed a good marketing position. I hadnt even started on the job that I was losing sleep, hyper-agitated and having difficulty to focus or make decisions. Waking up in the morning was hell because of the fear of having to go to work, not feeling up for the tasks. And there it began. My first panic attack followed by multiple daily panic attacks sitting at my desk. I was literally jumping off my chair, wanting to escape, feeling I didnt belong in that estranged environment. Still, I was able to hide my struggles and push through for a couple months, until it was unbearable. I decided not to mention anything about my mental state. I just told my boss that the companys culture wasnt a good fit for me, that I was unhappy at work. So I left, relieved .
Crane Beach, MA, at the peak of my most severe mental health struggles in June 2014. The beach is an automatic anxiety relief place for me.
What Your Doctor Looks For
When you talk with your doctor, theyll assess your physical health. The physical symptoms of anxiety can be easily confused with underlying medical conditions.
Your doctor may examine and interview you for some illnesses that often imitate, or trigger the onset of, anxiety disorders, like:
- Central nervous system damage
- Low blood sugar
If your doctor determines that your anxiety isnt linked to drug use or a physical medical condition, they can refer you to a mental health professional who can diagnose you appropriately.
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How To Prevent Stress
If youre worried that stress is affecting your period, there are a variety of methods for reducing stress and increasing period regularity. As always, if youre concerned about your cycle or your overall mental health, its always a good idea to check in with a doctor to discuss treatment options and make sure that nothing more serious is wrong.
Treating Stress
If your period has been delayed by stress, its a good idea to get to the source of the issue by reducing stress. Exercise, when performed in moderation, can be a great way of improving physical fitness, reducing stress, and regulating your menstrual cycle. Mindfulness and meditation can also be a great, natural way to improve mental health and reduce stress and anxiety.
For people who are stressed out and overwhelmed by life events and struggles at work or in personal relationships, it can be helpful to develop a routine and form positive habits that help manage mental health issues. Healthy lifestyle changes like nutritious food, physical activity, positive social interactions, and fulfilling hobbies and activities can all help mitigate the effects of stress and get your cycle back on track.
Tracking Your Period
Below are commonly asked questions on this topic:
The Symptoms Of Anxiety Can Be Hard To Detect Here Are The Ones You Need To Pay Attention To And How To Know If You May Have An Anxiety Disorder
A Portland, Oregon-based freelance writer, Stephanie Booths stories have appeared in print magazines like Real Simple, Cosmopolitan, Psychology Today, and Parents newspapers like The Washington Post and Los Angeles Times websites like Healthline and WebMD, and the occasional digital health app. When not writing, shes reading, hiking, doing yoga, and wishing she had a million dollars to donate to Best Friends Animal Society.
Everyone can expect to have the occasional bout of anxietymaybe you get nervous before an interview or a first datebut sometimes, that anxiety doesn’t subside, which may indicate an anxiety disorder.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health , there are a few different types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and phobia-related anxiety disorders, but they all hinge on one important aspect: when overwhelming feelings of worry or fear impinge on a person’s daily life.
Researchers believe that anxiety disorders can stem from both genetic and environmental factors, and these anxiety disorders are typically treated through a variety of interventions, including psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of the two, according to the NIMH.
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Myth: Having Anxiety Means Youre Weak
Fact: For those who do believe that anxiety is real, they will still unfairly attach unnecessary stigmas to it. Their myths about anxiety will create unfair viewpoints of anxiety sufferers as weak individuals who just need to toughen up or get over their anxiety.
These anxiety myths are a dangerous mindset to have, especially when dealing with people who have anxiety. If they feel unfairly judged or labeled, it could prevent them from seeking out the necessary treatments and help that they need.
Those with anxiety will also often cover up their true emotions and withdraw from social events or stop engaging in outside activities due to the negative stigma of associating anxiety with weakness. They will bury their feelings and try to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol, which can lead to worsening anxiety, more frequent panic attacks, and depression later on.
If anything, those with anxiety are strong and brave individuals who fight battles within themselves every day and still find a way to keep going forward.
Trouble Falling Or Staying Asleep
Sleep disturbances have a strong association with anxiety disorders.
People with an anxiety disorder may find themselves waking up in the middle of the night and having trouble falling asleep.
Some studies suggest that people with insomnia are 10 to 17 times more likely to develop further mental health conditions such as anxiety.
While insomnia and anxiety are strongly linked, its unclear whether insomnia leads to anxiety, anxiety leads to insomnia, or both.
What is known is that if a person treats their underlying anxiety disorder, insomnia often improves as well.
Panic disorder is another type of anxiety disorder in which a person may experience recurring panic attacks.
Panic attacks produce an intense, overwhelming sensation of fear that can be debilitating.
During a panic attack, a person may also experience:
- rapid heartbeat
- chest tightness
Panic attacks can happen as isolated occurrences, but they may be a sign of panic disorder if they occur frequently and unexpectedly.
You may be showing signs of social anxiety disorder if you find yourself:
- feeling anxious or fearful about upcoming social situations
- worried you may be judged or scrutinized by others
- fearful of being embarrassed or humiliated in front of others
- avoiding certain social events because of these fears
Social anxiety disorder is very common, affecting 5 to 10 percent of people worldwide.
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Signs And Symptoms Of Anxiety Disorders
Many people experience anxiety at some point in their lives. In fact, anxiety is a very normal response to stressful life events like moving, changing jobs, or having financial troubles.
However, when anxiety symptoms become larger than the events that triggered them and begin to interfere with your life, they could be signs of an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders can be debilitating, but people can manage them with proper help from a medical professional. Recognizing the symptoms is the first step.
In this article, we discuss common symptoms of an anxiety disorder, as well as how to reduce anxiety naturally and when to seek professional help.
One of the most common symptoms of an anxiety disorder is excessive worrying.
People with anxiety disorders will worry disproportionately about events or everyday situations.
A doctor will diagnose someone with a generalized anxiety disorder if this worrying occurs on most days for at least 6 months and is difficult to control.
The worrying must also be severe and intrusive, making it difficult to concentrate and accomplish daily tasks.
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, generalized anxiety disorder affects around 6.8 million Americans, roughly 3.1 percent of the United States population. However, less than 45 percent of people with the disorder are receiving treatment.
This kicks off effects throughout the body, such as:
Some
Anxiety And Panic Attacks
Explains anxiety and panic attacks, including possible causes and how you can access treatment and support. Includes tips for helping yourself, and guidance for friends and family.
Mae’r dudalen hon hefyd ar gael yn Gymraeg. This link will take you to a Welsh translation of this page.
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Types Of Extreme Anxiety
It is also essential to understand that there are many different types of anxiety disorders. Your doctor or therapist can evaluate your symptoms and determine what kind of condition you might have.
If you or a loved one are struggling with anxiety, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.
How Are Anxiety Disorders Diagnosed
If you have symptoms of an anxiety disorder, talk to your healthcare provider. Theyll start with a complete medical history and physical examination.
There are no lab tests or scans that can diagnose anxiety disorders. But your provider may run some of these tests to rule out physical conditions that may be causing symptoms.
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Information For Carers Friends And Relatives
If you are a carer, friend or relative of someone who hears voices, you can get support.
How can I get support?
You can do the following.
- Speak to your GP about medication and talking therapies for yourself.
- Speak to your relatives care team about a carers assessment.
- Ask for a carers assessment from your local social services.
- Join a carers service. They are free and available in most areas.
- Join a carers support group for emotional and practical support. Or set up your own.
What is a carers assessment?A carers assessment is an assessment of the support that you need so that you can continue in your caring role. To get a carers assessment you need to contact your local authority.
How do I get support from my peers?You can get peer support through carer support services or carers groups. You can search for local groups in your area by using a search engine such as Google. Or you can contact the Rethink Mental Illness Advice Service and we will search for you.
How can I support the person I care for?
You can do the following.
- Read information about anxiety disorders.
- Ask the person you support to tell you what their symptoms are and if they have any self-management techniques that you could help them with.
- Encourage them to see a GP if you are worried about their mental health.
- Ask to see a copy of their care plan, if they have one. They should have a care plan if they are supported by a care coordinator.
- Help them to manage their finances.
You can find out more about:
When Should I Go To The Emergency Room For An Anxiety Disorder
Symptoms of an anxiety disorder can resemble symptoms of a heart attack or another health emergency. If youre experiencing an anxiety attack for the first time, or youre concerned in any way about your health, call 911 or head to the nearest ER. A healthcare provider will check you for serious or life-threatening conditions.
If youre having an anxiety attack and unsure whether you should head to an ER or not, its better to go. Healthcare professionals can make sure youre OK and give you any necessary treatment.
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Treatment For Anxiety And Depression
The good news is that if you believe you are suffering from anxiety or depression or a combination of both, these mental health conditions are incredibly treatable.
For anxiety, treatment is used to minimize avoidant behaviors and help you change your thoughts of feared consequences, Dr. Fox said. For depression, the goal is to help you feel positive emotion and increased energy to have a happier outlook and disposition.
There is no one plan that works best for all patients, but oftentimes treatment is a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and medication, such as SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs and other anti-anxiety medications depending on your symptoms. Long-term, combined treatments are typically recommended for those with co-occurring anxiety and depression.
Your doctor will look at whats necessary to get you at a functioning level with minimal or no symptoms, Dr. Fox said. A good therapist can help you unravel your symptoms and help you develop the skills to manage and overcome your anxiety and depression.
If you are suffering from anxiety or depression or another mental health disorder, you arent alone. Get the help you need through the most difficult times.
To find a licensed behavioral health specialist near you, visit the Banner Behavioral Health website at bannerhealth.com or call the Banner Appointment Line at 800-254-4357.
How Are They Different
The main difference between depression and anxiety is the symptoms. Depression is a persistent feeling of sadness. You also have no energy and you lose interest in activities you once loved. Some people with depression think about hurting themselves.
Anxiety involves fear or worry that you can’t control. Depending on the type of anxiety you have, the worry can surface during everyday activities like meeting new people.
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What Sort Of Menstrual Changes Can Be Caused By Stress
High amounts of stress can have an effect on someones cycle length, and the symptoms they experience during their menstrual cycle. High stress levels are associated with:
-
Presence of premenstrual symptoms like nausea, bloating, breast tenderness, and weight changes
-
Irregular menstrual cycles, with longer or shorter cycles than normal
High levels of stress can even stop ovulation and menstruation altogether. This is called functional hypothalamic amenorrhea, and it occurs when cortisol tells the hypothalamus to put the menstrual cycle on pause. This is also what happens when someone stops menstruating because of intense exercise or malnutrition. In this way, our bodies are trying to protect us in times when the body might not be prepared to support a healthy pregnancy.
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Other Effects Of Anxiety
Anxiety symptoms can last for a long time, or come and go. You might find you have difficulty with day-to-day parts of your life, including:
- looking after yourself
- trying new things
- simply enjoying your leisure time.
In some cases anxiety can have a serious impact on your ability to work. See our pages on how to be mentally healthy at work for information on how to cope. Our legal pages on discrimination at work can provide information about your rights in the workplace.
If you drive you may have to tell the DVLA if you have an anxiety disorder. For information on your right to drive, including when and how to contact the DVLA, see our legal pages on fitness to drive.
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