Can You Have Anxiety Without Depression

Give Yourself An Exit Strategy

Sometimes, anxiety is due to feeling out of control. You cant always be in the driver seat of your life, but you can take steps to identify your triggers and cope with circumstances that cause anxiety.

Does the thought of going into a social situation or meeting new people make you want to jump off a bridge? As everyone at a party engages in exciting conversations, maybe you see yourself holding up the wall and counting down the seconds until youre put out of your misery. You drove with friends and cant leave, so you spend the entire night looking like the punchbowl attendant. Its this fear that makes you decline invitations and sleep through the weekends.

But what if you had an exit strategy in place before leaving the house? For example, instead of carpooling with your party animal friends, you could drive yourself. This way, you can leave if your anxiety starts to build and you cant handle another minute of awkward interactions. The more in control you feel, the less anxiety youll have.

Misconception: Antidepressants Will Make Me Gain Weight And Make Me Obese

Truth: Antidepressants have side effects too, it is a well-known fact, but would you not take antibiotics for the same reason when you are sick? No, you need to take them to get better.

Same with antidepressants. Studies have shown that they may make you gain weight sometimes, but that is also a factor of the fact that they increase your appetite, and people with depression find it hard to function too normally right away.

They might not be able to exercise very much due to the low mood they may be experiencing, and need to eat more due to the medication.

For this reason, almost any doctor will tell someone they are giving antidepressants to ensure that they get plenty of exercise.

Some antidepressants may actually make you lose weight, but if this happens the doctor should be consulted right away as this may be a symptom of a serious problem.

Many Alternative Therapies Are Safe And Effective Treatments Of Anxiety

Anxiety: an overview

Generalized anxiety is a chronic condition characterized by both psychological or physical symptoms such as feelings of tension, excessive worrying, and heightened arousal that significantly interfere with work, going to school, being in a relationship, or functioning in society generally. Symptoms of generalized anxiety often change over time, last for months or longer and are not due to another mental health problem, a medical problem, or substance abuse. Many explanations of chronic generalized anxiety have been proposed and the condition is probably related to how the brain responds to chronic stress at the level of neural circuits or neurotransmitters.

Panic attacks are transient episodes of intense anxiety that may be triggered by an unexpected or frightening situation or object, or occur spontaneously. Panic attacks are typically associated with dizziness, perspiration, hyperventilation or shortness of breath, elevated heart rate or palpitations, feelings of intense dread, fear of dying. There is considerable variation in the duration and severity of symptoms that take place during panic attacks. Many individuals who experience panic attacks suffer from significant social and occupational impairment. Biological, social and psychodynamic theories have been advanced in attempts to explain generalized anxiety and panic attacks.

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Signs Of Depression And Anxiety

At first glance, anxiety and depression can seem like two very different and unrelated conditions. Anxiety is thought of as more of a high energy state of being, and depression is thought of as more of a low energy state of being. However, those who suffer from one or both know that, often, one condition can come along with the other.

Anxiety and depression can commonly trigger one another. Anxious thoughts can eventually cause someone to fall into a depressive episode, and a depressive episode can bring on anxious thoughts. As a result, many symptoms of both conditions can overlap. For example, sleep issues, difficulty concentrating, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, and tiredness can be found in anxiety and depression.

The difference in symptoms that co-occur with anxiety and depression are the reasons they happen. Tiredness in depression is often a primary symptom. Tiredness in anxiety is often a secondary symptom resulting from exhaustion and lack of sleep due to rumination and thought patterns. Loss of interest in activities while depressed may result from fatigue and low energy, while loss of interest while anxious may be the result of panic attacks.

Try A Walk Around The Block

According to 2019 research, 2.5 hours of exercise each week can help relieve both depression and anxiety. Exercising outside also appeared to offer more benefits than exercising indoors.

Physical activity can help naturally boost your mood by prompting the release of happy hormones in your brain.

That said, exercising when living with depression or anxiety can be a challenge. If youre able to exercise, it can help to start with small activities you can incorporate into your routine, such as:

• a walk around your neighborhood after dinner

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Find What Relaxes You

There are already things in your life that relax you. You may find it beneficial to make a list of things you enjoy and that help you to relax so you can reference it when symptoms of anxiety arise. When you notice your anxiety rising turn to those activities to help stop symptoms before they escalate.

For example, if you find that a warm bath is relaxing, dont wait, draw a bath, maybe light some candles or add a few nice scents and get in. Whether its a bath, a shower, skipping stones at a park, getting a massage if it works, do it right away, rather than allowing yourself to become overwhelmed by your anxiety.

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Questions To Ask Yourself

Again, its very common to feel low or sad, stressed or anxious, or any combination of the above, on occasion.

All the same, youre the best person to recognize whats typical for you. If you start to experience new, uncomfortable feelings, changes in your energy and motivation, or any other unusual symptoms, it never hurts to connect with a mental health professional for more guidance.

You might wonder whether an online self-test for anxiety or depression could offer more insight about the changes youve noticed. Some people do find these a helpful place to start but a more personalized route might involve asking yourself a few questions:

• Do I spend a lot more time worrying than I have in the past?
• Do I feel sad, empty, or hopeless often?
• Have I lost interest in the things I used to enjoy?
• Have I started to avoid spending time with friends and loved ones?
• Do I worry about things I cant control to the point where I have a hard time thinking about anything else?
• Do I become irritable or annoyed more quickly than I have in the past?
• Do I often feel restless, on edge, or unable to relax?
• Do I cycle through dark, unwanted, or fearful thoughts I cant seem to stop?
• Is it difficult to fall asleep, get enough sleep, or wake up on time most days?
• Have I noticed unexplained pain, tension, or other physical symptoms?
• Do these changes affect my daily life or relationships?

If you answered yes to most of the questions above, it may be time to reach out to a therapist.

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Mild To Moderate Depression

If you have mild to moderate depression that is not improving, or moderate depression, you may find a talking therapy helpful.

There are different types of talking therapies for depression, including cognitive behavioural therapy and counselling.

A GP can refer you for talking treatment, or you can refer yourself directly to an NHS psychological therapies service without a referral from a GP.

If you have moderate to severe depression, the following treatments may be recommended.

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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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Radhika Karandikar My Home Mantra

Between work, kids, homeschooling, family and trying to stay healthy, the everyday pressure of life can easily lead to anxiety. There is so much going on around us, so its natural to feel overwhelmed, anxious, helpless and at times, depressed.

You are not alone, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting 40 million adults. The good news is that there are many natural ways that can be very effective in coping up with anxiety and depression without popping pills.

Here are eight simple and effective ways to battle anxiety without medication.

You cant control the future, and you cant borrow a time machine and change the past, so heres a thought: Live in the moment. Take each day as it comes. Live healthy and happy.

But You Know They Are As Smart As Can Be

Just because they don’t like to be trained, doesn’t mean they aren’t smart little creatures. You know your Griffon is clever as can be. Whether it’s convincing you to feed them more food, finding the best nap spot, or discovering the best little nook in the backyard, there’s no doubt they are the sharpest tool in the small dog shed.

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What Antidepressants Can Do To A Brain That Is Not Depressed

Antidepressants are a great thing for people who are depressed, as they have an imbalance of serotonin in their brains, and antidepressants, no matter what class they belong to, affect this particular neurotransmitter in some way or another.

It, therefore, makes sense that in a brain that has normal levels of serotonin, these medications will have some different effects.

Recent research involving monkeys showed that SSRI antidepressants, in particular, may make permanent changes to the brain architecture if taken by those who arent really depressed and have normal levels of serotonin in their brains.

This provides a whole new reason to stay away from using popular antidepressants if you are not really depressed, in addition to the risk of side effects that already exist.

The drug used in the study was Sertraline.

You may commonly know it as Zoloft and it is available in other generic forms throughout the world.

Scientists have often debated the effects of antidepressants on the structure of the brain.

It is universally accepted that the changes antidepressants induce in a depressed brain, that is, one that is lacking in the appropriate levels of serotonin, are advantageous.

However, researchers wanted to find out what happens in the brains of those who are not depressed, or have the normal amounts of serotonin present for optimal functioning.

This study was published in a journal called Neuropharmacology.

What Are The Risks Of Having Anxiety Attacks

An anxiety attack is not life-threatening. See a caregiver to make sure your symptoms are caused by anxiety and not something more serious. You may develop other problems such as alcohol or drug abuse or depression if your anxiety attacks are not treated. Frequent anxiety attacks can cause many problems with your mood, work, and relationships. People who have an anxiety disorder are more likely to have thoughts of harming themselves. If you or someone you know has thoughts of hurting themselves or others, tell a caregiver right away. Treatment can help decrease the amount and severity of anxiety attacks.

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Whats The Key Difference

Clinical depression is essentially one condition, though it has a range of symptoms and can feel very different to different people.On the other hand, anxiety is an umbrella term that covers a range of more specific conditions. The most common is generalised anxiety disorder , but it also includes phobias, panic disorders, adjustment disorder, and stress reaction.

How Can We Solve The Problem Of Depression

5 Ways to Help Yourself Through Depression Exercise. Take a 15- to 30-minute brisk walk every day. Eat healthy foods. Some people with depression dont feel much like eating. Dont dwell on problems. It can feel good to talk through a problem with a caring friend. Express yourself. Notice good things.

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Can I Take Antidepressants To Prevent Depression

Antidepressants are not a preventive measure.

They are supposed to work after the serotonin balance in the brain has already started to malfunction and needs to be corrected.

If antidepressants are taken before this happens, they can cause serious damage to the brain that may not be reversible.

Some people may be concerned that due to their family history they are at risk for developing depression, so maybe they could take antidepressants to prevent it?

Researchers are currently studying a new use for antidepressants: to prevent depression in people who may not necessarily have experienced it before.

However, it has not been proven yet, and in the meantime taking antidepressants on your own is not a good idea, as it is a powerful medication and can harm you adversely.

If you are extremely concerned that you are at risk, talk to your doctor and maybe they can refer you to a psychotherapist instead so that you can better eliminate your chances of getting depressed without putting your body through side effects.

Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle Through Exercise Diet And Sleep

Burning the candle at both ends will take its toll on anyone, especially those already prone to mental health issues.

Getting regular exercise, whether its 30 minutes to an hour a day, eating a nutritious, low-glycemic diet rich in whole foods combined with fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats and fish, and getting 7 to 8 hours of restful sleep each night provides the body with sufficient energy.

It also helps regulate the brains chemical makeup and processes so that it functions at peak performance.

Though it sounds simple, maintaining a healthy lifestyle takes planning and discipline, although the mental wellbeing rewards are well worth the effort.

Cultivating a healthy lifestyle actually encompasses three things exercise, diet, and sleep and together they form the three pillars of health.

Making small, positive changes to each can add up to huge gains in the way we feel, both physically and mentally.

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It Completely Sucks But There Is Hope

Anxiety and depression have a way of shrinking your world. The first steps to expanding your life again are accepting that it is OK to not feel OK. It will take work, but you will heal and, one day, you will reconnect with how much you matter. Matthew Emerzian, CEO and founder of Every Monday Matters, a not-for-profit organization that helps people with self-worth

Some interviews have been edited and condensed for clarity.

Living With is a guide to navigating conditions that affect your mind and body. Each month, HuffPost Life will tackle very real issues people live with by offering different stories, advice and ways to connect with others who understand what its like. In May, were covering anxiety in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. Got an experience youd like to share? Email wellness@huffpost.com.

Treatment Options For Patients With Anxiety

There are two primary treatments for individuals with anxiety:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy , which involves learning how to lower anxiety and face distressing situations.
• Medication management with antidepressants, which works well on its own but even better when coupled with CBT.

During therapy, continue to show your support by:

• Asking your loved one what you can do to help them.
• Asking if you can attend a therapy session to learn some skills to better support them.
• Making time for your own life and interests to sustain your energy.
• Encouraging your loved one to try another therapist if the first one isnt a good fit.

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Can Anxiety Lead To Panic

A person who has panic disorder may experience anxiety that they are going to have a panic attack. The uncertainty about if or when an attack is going to happen can lead to anxiety between attacks.

For a person with panic disorder, anxiety may trigger a panic attack. The fear of having a panic attack can affect the persons behavior and ability to function in daily life.

The APA suggest there may be a biological factor underlying panic disorder, but scientists have not yet identified a specific marker.

• tightness in the throat and difficulty breathing
• trembling or shaking

Not every case of anxiety will include all these symptoms. Anxiety can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the trigger and how the person reacts to it.

Faced with an examination, for example, some people might feel mildly apprehensive, while others may experience all the above symptoms.

Usually, when the hazard or perceived danger passes, symptoms go away.

Anxiety that continues for a long time or that is triggered by specific events may be a sign of another disorder, such as social anxiety disorder.

Anxiety often results from stress or feeling overwhelmed.

Common causes of anxiety include:

• the use of some medications
• a recent or past traumatic experience

Triggers of anxiety could include:

• public speaking
• exposure to a phobia trigger
• a fear of having a panic attack

Sometimes, anxiety can also stem from a psychological disorder.