Helping A Suicidal Friend Or Relative
If you see any of the above warning signs:
- get professional help for the person
- let them know they’re not alone and that you care about them
- offer your support in finding other solutions to their problems
If you feel there is an immediate danger, stay with the person or have someone else stay with them, and remove all available means of committing suicide, such as medication.
Over-the-counter drugs such as painkillers can be just as dangerous as prescription medication.
Also, remove sharp objects and poisonous household chemicals such as bleach.
You Sometimes End Up Withdrawing From Everyone
Boundaries can become very restrictive. Isolation from loved ones and others can be used to control social anxiety. This can also lead to you feeling lonelier and more depressed. Having boundaries are important, but they should not be too loose or too rigid. LaQuista Erinna, a licensed clinical social worker in Willingboro, New Jersey
Worrying About A Loved One
Your uneasiness and depression dont only stem from concerns for yourself. Many times the feelings come from being worried about someone you love. You might worry about something happening to them or how you would cope if something did happen.
Research shows that caregivers often experience anxiety because they constantly worry about the person they care for. Even when there is nothing obvious to worry about, many people have overwhelming thoughts about something serious going wrong.
Anxiety and depression can also occur due to the fear of being separated from a loved one. This situation can occur in children and adults, although many think kids are the only ones who suffer. Adults sometimes think something bad will happen while away from their children, possibly leading to them avoiding separation.
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Past Experiences Contribute To Depression And Anxiety
Situations from your childhood or other times during the past can cause uneasiness later in life. Stress and trauma stay with you, even when you think youve gotten through it.
These experiences will have a long-term impact on your mental health and could involve physical or emotional abuse, losing a parent, neglect, racism, and social exclusion. Additionally, if your parents dont treat you kindly or are overprotective, it can trigger depression later.
Do I Need Health Insurance To Receive This Service
The referral service is free of charge. If you have no insurance or are underinsured, we will refer you to your state office, which is responsible for state-funded treatment programs. In addition, we can often refer you to facilities that charge on a sliding fee scale or accept Medicare or Medicaid. If you have health insurance, you are encouraged to contact your insurer for a list of participating health care providers and facilities.
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What Are The Different Types Of Depression
Major depression is the classic type of depression and whats diagnosed, or labeled, as MDD . People with major depression have symptoms of depression most of the day, nearly every day, for episodes of at least two weeks and can experience recurrent episodes throughout their lives. Under MDD, you can further break down depression into several specific subtypes:
You Get Exhausted Physically And Mentally
The first blade is the hardships of dealing with depression and anxiety, such as how depression can make you feel so physically and mentally tired and frustrated, but the anxiety will keep you up all night worrying about every little thing and wondering will the depression ever end.
The second blade of the sword is having depression and anxiety as a minority. Being a black woman with mental health issues adds more stress because in the black community, were always being told we need to be strong and never talk about our mental health. I grew up with a what happens in this house stays in this house mentality, as have many other black people with mental health issues. This to me has always been exhausting, because mental health issues in my community have always been so hushed. Jasmin Christal Pierre, 25, creator and CEO ofThe Safe Place in New Orleans
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You Can Care About Everything And Nothing At The Same Time
Youre continually trying to serve two masters and rarely finding any peace inside your own head. At times, it feels like no matter what you do, you just cant win: Depression makes it hard to get out of bed some mornings, while anxiety keeps you worrying about the ever-growing to-do list piling up around you as you lay in bed. Depression whispers that youre worthless, and that nothing really matters anxiety screams that youre not keeping up, or that something awful is about to happen and that everything, even the smallest of decisions, matters immensely. Perman
What Do You Need To Know
If you or your partner are suffering from depression or anxiety, it is important to understand that both of these disorders are treatable. Depression and anxiety are treatable with psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy, or in very serious cases, a combination of medication and therapy can have beneficial effects.
Results can be achieved fairly rapidly and changes in your life and relationship can be seen in just a few sessions. If you or your partner is struggling, reach out for help.
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Depression And Suicide Risk
Depression usually does not lead to suicide ideation. But, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services, studies have shown that about two percent of people who have been treated for depression in an outpatient setting will die by suicide. If the treatment is inpatient, the number doubles to four percent. Men are more likely to die by suicide after depression than women. Find hotlines and organizations for support in our emergency mental health resources directory.
Is Depression Linked To Chronic Pain
When pain lingers for weeks to months, it’s called “chronic.” Not only does chronic pain hurt, it disturbs your sleep, your ability to exercise and be active, your relationships, and your productivity at work. Can you see how chronic pain may also leave you feeling sad, isolated, and depressed?
There is help for chronic pain and depression. A multifaceted program of medicine, psychotherapy, support groups, and more can help you manage your pain, ease your depression, and get your life back on track.
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Is Depression Caused By A Chemical Imbalance
The human brain is extremely complicated. Because antidepressants work by changing brain chemistry, some people have assumed that depression is caused by changes in brain chemistry which are then ‘corrected’ by the drugs. Some doctors may tell you that you have a ‘chemical imbalance’ and need medication to correct it.
But the evidence for this is very weak, and if changes to brain chemistry occur, we don’t know whether these are the result of the depression or its cause.
Having Too Many Choices
The sheer number of options availablewhether it’s how to save, where to live, or what to buycan be overwhelming. That’s not a problem for those who pick the first thing that meets their needs. However, some people respond to choice overload by exhaustively reviewing their options in the search for the very best option. Research suggests that this coping style is linked to perfectionism and depression.
It is a topic that psychology professor Barry Schwartz first made waves about more than a decade ago in his book The Paradox of Choices. In it, he wrote that having too many choices can make you question the decisions you make before you even make them, it can set you up for unrealistically high expectations, and it can make you blame yourself for any and all failures. In the long run, this can lead to decision-making paralysis, anxiety, and perpetual stress. And, in a culture that tells us that there is no excuse for falling short of perfection when your options are limitless, too much choice can lead to clinical depression.
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How Is Depression Diagnosed
These days, a routine doctors visit with your general health practitioner may be all it takes to receive a diagnosis. Standard screening tools like the Patient Health Questionnaire a survey of yes, nine items, that physicians use to assess the severity of depressionare becoming widely used in primary care settings to screen for the condition.
In fact, most patients with depression are going to be diagnosed and treated by primary care doctors, not specialists or psychiatrists, says James Murrough, M.D., Ph.D., Director of the Depression and Anxiety Center for Discovery and Treatment at Mount Sinai.
Depression is mainly diagnosed by history and clinical presentations, or a specific pattern of symptoms, says Dr. Murrough, which is to say theres no blood test for MDD. But if you have symptoms like changes in sleep or appetite, your doctor may look into other conditions unrelated to mental health .
The first thing your doctor might do is order blood testsnot to make the diagnosis of depression, but to rule out things that could be masquerading as depression, explains Dr. Murrough. For example, an underactive thyroid can present as low mood and feeling sluggish, and iron deficiency anemia is another reason why some people might have low energy.
The Most Common Depressive Disorders Include:
- Major depressive disorder This is a depressed mood that lasts for a two-week period. This could occur as a single or recurrent episode.
- Persistent depressive disorder This is a depressed mood that occurs almost every day for at least two years
It’s common for those struggling with anxiety disorders to also struggle with depression or vice versa. Close to 10% of the world’s population suffers from anxiety and depression. However, while anxiety and depressive disorders are highly treatable, only a small percentage of affected people receive treatment.
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Move In Any Way That Feels Good
We know that physical activity is really good for mental health. It can help prevent anxiety and depression, manage symptoms, and manage your overall mood and stress levels. For co-morbid depression and anxiety, a recent study suggests that exercise is most effective when combined with medication.
The ideal dose of exercise is 30 45 minutes, 3 5 times per week, at moderate or high intensity. But dont let this ideal get in the way of being active. Even for people who arent experiencing mental health conditions, building an exercise habit takes time and effort.
Set small, achievable goals to begin. Choose any form of movement that feels good. Even 5 minutes a day, or dancing to a single Lady Gaga song, is a commendable place to start.
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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What Does Depression Look Like
Well raise your question with a few Qs of our own: Are you female? Are you a teen? Depression can also affect different ages and genders in unique ways:
Women are more likely to ruminate . This can look like negative self-talk, sudden crying spells, feelings of guilt, or blaming oneself. Women are also more likely to have depression at the same time as an anxiety disorder, such as panic disorder, eating disorder, or obsessive-compulsive behavior.
Men with depression are more likely to show signs of irritability, anger, apathy, escapist behavior , or reckless behavior .
Younger people can struggle with depression and MDD . Children and teens may sometimes exhibit oversensitivity, social withdrawal, poor school performance, frequent physical complaints , or feelings of incompetence and despair .
Older adults and the elderly are often misdiagnosed or undertreated for depression because their symptoms can be mistaken for other disorders , or they may assume their feelings are just an inevitable part of aging. For many, sadness isnt the biggest indicator of depression instead, physical complaints are often the predominant symptom. Sleep trouble, low motivation, neglect of personal care or hygiene, and fixation on death are other signs of depression in older adults.
When A Child Shows Signs Of Depression
If you suspect that a child is depressed, talk to their parent or guardian. If it is your child, speak with a pediatrician or mental health professional. They may rule out any medical issues and/or refer your child to a mental health professional for further evaluation and treatment.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Depression
Depression can affect your emotions, mind and body. Depression symptoms include:
- Feeling very sad, hopeless or worried.
- Not enjoying things that used to give you joy.
- Being easily irritated or frustrated.
- Eating too much or too little.
- Changes in how much you sleep.
- Having a difficult time concentrating or remembering things.
- Experiencing physical problems like headache, stomachache or sexual dysfunction.
- Thinking about hurting or killing yourself.
If you or someone you know has thoughts of hurting themselves, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.8255. This national network of local crisis centers provides free, private emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Curl Up With A Good Book
Open up a book and get lost in another place and time for a while. Pick a comfy spot , choose a good book, and spend some quiet time reading.
Sometimes the mind just needs a break from the stresses of everyday life, and reading is the perfect escape. Lose yourself for an afternoon in a Gothic romance, a thrilling mystery, a beloved classic, any world you choose. Relax and read some good books you love. You might just discover or rediscover a calming, enjoyable habit.
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Does Social Anxiety Lead To Depression
The two conditions can exist side by side. Its common for people with depression to feel anxious about certain things, as depression can make it difficult to keep stressful situations in perspective. Dr Monica Cain, counselling psychologist at Nightingale Hospital London says anxiety can also trigger depression.
She says, If anxiety is left untreated and you try to manage the worrying and catastrophising through avoidance, eventually those strategies are likely to stop working. Thats when youre at high risk of depression.
How Can I Help Someone With Depression
Helping someone with depression might not look a single way. However, things that you can do to help include encouraging treatment, listening with compassion, helping the person suffering with daily tasks, be vigilant for signs of suicidal behavior, and to make sure you are caring for yourself, too.
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How The Pandemic Stresses Us Out And Who Is At Risk
Vannorsdall says research supports what doctors are seeing in their offices. Certainly, the pandemic is causing distress, she says.
There has been a general uptick in emotional distress, anxiety and depression, she says. Were also seeing more patients for problems with alcohol consumption and sleep disorders, both of which help us regulate our emotions and can contribute to mood difficulties. People with preexisting vulnerabilities to mental or physical health problems are particularly at risk.
She says patterns of anxiety and depression seem to occur in waves much like COVID-19 itself: When the number of new coronavirus cases starts to surge, so do peoples anxiety and depression. But, she adds, there are reasons for optimism.
We benefit when we have a sense of control, the sense that we can do something to affect our situation. As more knowledge and prevention strategies such as vaccines emerge and more of life returns to normal, people may be feeling less helpless than they did earlier in the pandemic.
Managing Anxiety And Depression
A therapist can offer more guidance on treatment options for anxiety and depression, but you can also take steps to cope with symptoms on your own.
The strategies below may not always help, but trying different approaches at different times can help you learn more about what works for you. That insight can guide you toward a personalized toolbox of coping strategies, so you always have options to consider when feeling distressed or overwhelmed.
Your therapist can also offer suggestions for new strategies to try, plus offer tips on putting them into practice.
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