Can Anxiety Lead To Depression

Measurement Of Anxiety In Pain

As with depression many measures of anxiety states exist. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaire is a well-validated tool used in general psychology but has also been used in pain clinics. For chronic pain, more specific measures of anxiety-related to cognitive and behavioural variables have been designed. Such an instrument is the Pain Anxiety Symptoms Scale which measures behavioural responses to pain13. The Fear of Pain Inventory measures degree of fear in hypothetical pain inducing situations14. These are more useful than general anxiety measurements and give more specific information in relation to the pain experienced. The DASS and DAPOS used for depression also measure anxiety.

Make Time For Rest And Relaxation

Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety can affect your energy and motivation, which often only adds to feelings of guilt and worry.

Remember, though: Depression and anxiety are health conditions. If you had the flu, youd need time to rest, right? Mental health symptoms require recovery time, too.

Instead of fixating on the things you think you should be doing, honor your needs by taking time for activities that soothe and relax you. Maybe this includes things like:

• watching a comforting movie or TV show
• re-reading a favorite book

What To Do If You Have Both Depression And Anxiety

One of the most important things to realize is that it’s genuinely possible to cure both anxiety and depression. But both disorders cause a feeling of there being no hope. It’s crucial that you realize that depression and anxiety are going to make you feel like you can’t get relief because that’s what the disorders do.

That said, there is still a long road ahead. Both of these conditions require lifestyle changes, commitment to your recovery, and smart treatment decisions. Anxiety and depression often reinforce each other, so while you’re recovering, both conditions may set you back and make it feel like the treatments aren’t working. But thousands upon thousands of studies have confirmed that treating both conditions is possible for everyone.

Anywhere from 20 to 40 million people suffer from anxiety and depression in the United States alone, and millions more have recovered. While it may often feel like you’re the only one that understands your pain and suffering, the truth is that these conditions are unfortunately very common. Yet millions have been able to recover by committing to effective, long-term treatment choices.

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Depression: Cause And Effects

Depression, like anxiety, may be caused by any number of factors, including:

• Social Learning

Depression is an emotional disorder, characterized either by periods of deep sadness or by a “lack of happiness.” Not everyone feels emotionally sad, but those that live with depression often have a hard time of imagining a world that’s happy. Some may even have a “flat affect,” which essentially implies no emotions at all.

Depression may be temporary, or a long-term emotional disorder. After an intense breakup, for example, it’s possible to have depression that may disappear as you learn to cope with the breakup. Anxiety makes it harder for that depression to disappear, because anxiety prevents healthy coping. Depression may also be a long-term disorder one that causes intense feelings of sadness, worthlessness, loss of interest in life, and other depressive symptoms.

Depression is the most common stand-alone psychological disorder, affecting as much as 10% of the population. However, anxiety disorders combined compromise a larger percentage of the population, with some estimates putting the number of people living with some form of anxiety as high as 18% or more.

Social Withdrawal Differs Between Social Anxiety Disorder And Depression

Imagine a young college student who wants to make friends and go to parties but fears that she will embarrass herself in front of others. As a result, she stays in her dorm room night after night, wishing she could be a part of the group.

Contrast this with the student who avoids social contact because itâs just not any fun to herthe thought of going to parties or getting together with a friend holds no promise of enjoyment.

Although both SAD and depression may involve social withdrawal, the cause of the withdrawal is different.

• People with social anxiety disorder withdraw out of fear of negative evaluation by others.
• People with depression withdraw due to a lack of enjoyment.

People with SAD expect that they could enjoy themselves if they could somehow interact appropriately with others, whereas those with depression donât ever expect to enjoy themselves.

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Causes Of Anxiety And Depression

Each person experiences anxiety and depression differently, and the contributing factors to both conditions are going to be unique for each individual.

60% of people living with depression do not seek help for it.

Yet, major depressive disorder is a condition that often warrants support and treatment, especially when coupled with an anxiety disorder.

If you believe you may be living with depression, its highly advisable to seek the guidance of a mental health professional.

Theyll be able to assess whether or not you meet the diagnostic criteria for depression, as listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, text revision .

In order to receive a diagnosis, at least five of nine formal symptoms must be present for longer than 2 weeks.

The formal symptoms of depression include:

• persistent low mood that may include sadness, hopelessness, and irritability
• disinterest in things you used to love
• trouble with concentration and memory
• changes in the way you talk and move, usually to a slower pace
• changes in sleep patterns

What Distinguishes Depression From An Anxiety Disorder

While fear and physical tension are what dominates anxiety disorders, we can still sometimes take pleasure in things and be in a good mood. When we experience a depressive episode, we have a hard time feeling joy and find it hard to get through our day. In addition, symptoms such as self-doubt, feelings of guilt, poor concentration, suicidal thoughts, and negative thoughts about the future can arise. Physically, a change in sleep and appetite is typical.

And here is where it gets complicated: Even during depressive phases, anxiety can occur. And also, anxiety disorders can lead to depression.

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No Matter The Challenge Therapy Can Help

Whether youre anxious, depressed, or both, therapy can help you get yourself back on track. A good therapist can help you identify what youre feeling, and work to treat the exact issues you are struggling with.

There is no shame in getting help and support from a trained professional. Once you and your therapist figure out how your anxiety or depression, or both, is manifesting in your life, you can both figure out next steps to take to create a life that makes you feel happy and fulfilled.

Choose Healthy Habits And Dont Rush It

If you arent in the habit of exercising, start gradually.

Something as simple as taking a walk, 30 minutes a day, even if you do only 10 minutes at a time, can help your heart. Physical activity improves your mood while youre doing it, but regular physical activity can also improve your mental well-being, lower the risk of depression and improve your overall quality of life.

If reaching for unhealthy foods has become a habit, try using healthier cooking techniques or substituting ingredients to cut down on fat, added sugar, sodium and calories. Grab healthy snacks, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, or choose undressed salads and other low-fat dishes when eating out.

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What Are The Treatments For Depression

Many helpful treatments for depression are available. Treatment for depression can help reduce symptoms and shorten how long the depression lasts. Treatment can include getting therapy and/or taking medications. Your doctor or a qualified mental health professional can help you determine what treatment is best for you.

• Therapy. Many people benefit from psychotherapyalso called therapy or counseling.7,8 Most therapy lasts for a short time and focuses on thoughts feelings and issues that are happening in your life now. In some cases understanding your past can help but finding ways to address what is happening in your life now can help you cope and prepare you for challenges in the future.With therapy, youll work with your therapist to learn skills to help you cope with life, change behaviors that are causing problems and find solutions. Do not feel shy or embarrassed about talking openly and honestly about your feelings and concerns. This is an important part of getting better.Some common goals of therapy include:
• Getting healthier
• Making sense of past painful events
• Identifying things that worsen your depression
• Having better relationships with family and friends
• Understanding why something bothers you and creating a plan to deal with it

• Find a therapist to overcome stress

We Are All Vulnerable But In Different Kinds Of Ways

Another important factor is the environment in which we grow up. If our parents tell us that the world around us is full of danger and that we should constantly be on our guard, we tend to develop fears. Studies show that we can even copy our fears off of human examples. Imagine this: You continuously observe how your mother is afraid of dogs and avoids them so you begin to develop a fear of dogs yourself.

The tendency towards depressive thoughts and behavior can also be encouraged by our environment. For example, we might take over our parents negative view on things or learn from them to believe that we dont deserve happiness.

Often, vulnerability plus stress leads to disorders. We all have vulnerabilities that, under normal circumstances can usually be dealt with. However, if certain external factors such as persistent stress, emotional stress, or even trauma are added, symptoms such as anxiety or depression can arise, depending on the level of our vulnerability.

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Why Is Anxiety So Common Today

Poor health, difficult relationships, unemployment, poverty and disadvantage, loneliness, work stress, and exposure to violence are just some of the traditional causes of anxiety. There are some traditional sources of anxiety that are on the rise in our modern world.

The Relationship Between Anxiety And Depression

Helpful Links

While anxiety is generally considered a high-energy state and depression a low-energy state, anxiety and depression are more closely related than you might think. A person with depression often experiences a lot of anxiety, possibly even to the extent of having panic attacks.1

Anxiety disorders involve more than common nervousness and worry. They can cause terrifying fear about things other people wouldnt think twice about. Many people with anxiety disorders fully comprehend that their thoughts are irrational. But they still cant stop them. Feelings of losing inner control haunt them. This angst is one of the entry ways for depression.2

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What Is Social Anxiety

When people bring up social anxiety, they usually mean social anxiety disorder, an anxiety disorder also called social phobia.

Fear around social situations is the main feature of social anxiety, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition . But this fear can come up at different times, depending on what kind of social anxiety you have.

For example, some people have performance only social anxiety, meaning their anxiety only flares up in situations where they must speak or perform in front of others. They might not experience anxiety at parties, their workplace, or the grocery store, as is common for other people with social anxiety.

Since social anxiety causes fear in social situations, its not uncommon to become isolated if you live with the condition. While isolation doesnt always cause loneliness, it often can and this loneliness often leads to depression.

Treatment For Anxiety And Depression In Men

Your doctor is a good source of information and can discuss with you whether what youre experiencing may be anxiety or depression. They can also refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist. Any of these health professionals can help you with an action plan, whether or not you are diagnosed with anxiety, depression or both.

Anxiety and depression are like any other conditions there are ways to treat and manage them.

Lifestyle changes, such as spending time with supportive friends and family, regular exercise, getting enough sleep, maintaining a healthy diet and cutting down on alcohol and other drugs are all worthwhile changes that can help to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms.

Psychological treatments, including cognitive behaviour therapy, are effective in treating anxiety and depression and are often recommended first, particularly for mild to moderate anxiety and depression. Your doctor may refer you to see a psychologist or other counsellor for this type of treatment.

For some people, antidepressant medication might also be an option. Antidepressants can be effective for both anxiety and depression. They usually take at least 2 weeks before they start to help, and it may also take some time for your doctor to find the medication and dose that is most effective for you.

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Risk Factors For Depression

Depression can affect anyoneeven a person who appears to live in relatively ideal circumstances.

Several factors can play a role in depression:

• Biochemistry: Differences in certain chemicals in the brain may contribute to symptoms of depression.
• Genetics: Depression can run in families. For example, if one identical twin has depression, the other has a 70 percent chance of having the illness sometime in life.
• Personality: People with low self-esteem, who are easily overwhelmed by stress, or who are generally pessimistic appear to be more likely to experience depression.
• Environmental factors: Continuous exposure to violence, neglect, abuse or poverty may make some people more vulnerable to depression.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms

Worrying and the symptoms of anxiety can creep up on you gradually. This can make it hard to know how much worrying is too much.

Some common anxiety symptoms include:

• hot and cold flushes
• snowballing worries that get bigger and bigger
• a racing mind full of thoughts
• a constant need to check things are right or clean
• persistent worrying ideas that seem ‘silly or crazy’ .

If you think you have any of these symptoms, you might want to look at the different types of anxiety disorders below.

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Studies Retrieved For The Meta

As it regards the number of records that were originally identified, concerning burnout, and depression a total of 3,884 records were found. After refining the search results, 3,026 records were screened, 21 of them were excluded as they were not full-texts, 17 were excluded due to language restrictions , and 2,921 because they didnât fit the inclusion criteria or were excluded because the appropriate statistics were not provided. In total 67 papers were included in the meta-analysis .

Concerning burnout and anxiety, 2,309 records were identified. After refining the results, 2,019 available records were screened 10 of them were excluded due to non-use of the English language, 5 were not full-texts and 1,970 were excluded because they didnât fit the inclusion criteria or because the appropriate statistics were not provided. In total 34 papers were eligible for the meta-analysis .

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The Connection Between Depression And Anxiety

Although they are distinct mental health disorders, anxiety and depression often occur together. The rate of people with both depression and anxiety is about 40 to 50 percent. When two conditions occur together, they are said to be comorbid or have a high comorbidity. This simply means having one of the disorders or conditions makes a person more likely to suffer from the other condition.

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The Role And Impact Of Fear

We are always exposed to situations that cause us to be afraid: shootings, crime sprees, tragedies in war-torn areas, natural disasters, wildfires, political tensions, a life-threatening pandemic. Just about anything can cause us to become entrenched in fear and pessimistic about the future. For those who experience these situations firsthand, acute mental distress is often the result. For instance, a PLOS Medicine study showed that asylum seekers and refugees experience high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.

But you dont have to be involved in frightening or life-threatening events to experience distress from them. Simply hearing or reading about them may be enough to generate fear. Our increased exposure to everything can impair our mental state if we arent careful. But what if fear itself isnt actually the problem?

An interview with The Meadows Chief Medical Officer Jon Caldwell, MD, on our Beyond Theory podcast discusses the role and impact of fear:

Fear has this evolutionary function where it helps to alert us of possible dangers in our environment. Its a very potent emotion, says Dr. Caldwell. What Ive found really interesting is the way that fear can sometimes run amuck and really have a strong presence in our lives, to the point where it can control us.