How Are Depression And Anxiety Diagnosed
There are no specific tests but your GP may perform some blood tests for other health conditions that share similar symptoms with depression or anxiety.
Your GP will need to get a good picture of the way youre feeling mentally and physically. They will ask you lots of questions about your symptoms and the changes youve noticed.
It can be difficult to think about specific answers on-the-spot but the following suggestions might help you plan ahead for your appointment.
- Make a list of all your symptoms, whether they are worse at certain times of the day or on particular occasions, how long youve had them and their effect on your day-to-day life and relationship with others.
- Explain any circumstances that could be contributing to these symptoms and the way you feel.
- Take a list of all medications you currently take, including any supplements or non-prescription medication.
- Be as open and honest as you can remember anything you say is confidential.
What Can I Do To Help Today
Depression often causes fatigue, trouble sleeping, and a lack of motivation. Sometimes just getting out of bed can be hard.
Asking what you can do can really help them through their day.
Maybe theyre not eating well and you can pick up dinner. Maybe they need a morning call or text to ensure they get to work on time.
Sometimes you just need to listen. Helping doesnt have to be a huge, drastic effort. It can be as simple as picking up a phone, sharing a meal, or driving them to an appointment.
what Not to say
Just remember: Advice isnt the same as asking for help. If they ask for your advice, give it if you so choose. But dont offer them helpful solutions or statements that seem like a cure for their depression. This can feel judgmental or not empathetic.
DONT say:
- Just think happy thoughts. I dont understand what you have to be so sad about.
- Everything will be OK, I promise.
- I cut out sugar and I was cured! You should try it.
- You just need to snap out of this.
- So many people out there are worse off than you.
Instead Say: Im Always Here For You
You dont have to understand what your friend is going through to be there for them. Showing you care will help if your friend is self-conscious about their anxiety or has a hard time opening up about it. Listen without judgment to what they have to say and what their experiences are like. Being there for someone even when you cant relate is a powerful way of showing support.
Read Also: How To Get Out Of An Anxiety Attack
First Talk To Someone You Trust
Reach out to someone you trust krero with a friend, a whnau member, a workmate, someone at church, an elder or a health professional. They can just listen and be there for you. They may also give you advice and information, as well as practical support.
People who have been through depression and anxiety themselves can be especially helpful. There may be support networks, often run by and for people with experience of depression and anxiety in your area.
Go to mentalhealth.org.nz/get-help/in-crisis/support-groups/ to find out more.
My father said only weak people seek help. But I knew I needed help. Now, how I stay well is by ringing friends and family.Gillian
Youre Not Alone I May Not Understand Exactly How You Feel But Youre Not Alone
Depression is incredibly common. Its estimated that from 2013 to 2016, of U.S. adults experienced depression at least once.
This is from the data we have. Many people dont seek help.
Depression can make many people feel alone and like they should isolate. Tell them theyre not alone. Be there for them, even if you dont have a similar personal experience.
If youve had depression, you can share that you know what theyre going through. This can help them relate. However, keep the focus on them. Remember to listen first.
You May Like: How Does Social Anxiety Develop
When To Talk To Your Doctor
If you have symptoms for 2 weeks or longer, it might be a sign that you have depression, anxiety, or both.
When you go see your doctor, its important to be open and honest and not to sugar-coat how you feel. Your doctor wants to help you, so they need to get a clear picture of what youve been feeling the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Whats The Outlook For People With Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders can often go undiagnosed and untreated. Fortunately, treatment can help. The right treatment can help improve your quality of life, relationships and productivity. It can also support your overall well-being.
You dont need to live with constant worry and fear. If you notice symptoms of an anxiety disorder, talk to your healthcare provider. Its best to get diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Doing so can limit the problems that anxiety disorders can cause. Often, a combination of medications and counseling for anxiety can help you feel your best.
Recommended Reading: How To Deal With Postpartum Anxiety
Preparing For Your Appointment
Before the appointment it might be helpful to write down what you’d like to talk about to make sure that you don’t forget anything. Take a few minutes before the appointment to write up a list of things you might want to bring up.
Write down any symptoms of how you’re feeling and how your mood might be affecting you day-to-day life.
Write down key personal information, including upsetting events in your past and any current major stressful events.
Make a list of your medical information, including other physical or mental health conditions and the names and amounts of medications, herbal remedies or supplements you take.
Feel free to take a family member or friend along to your appointment for support if it will help you feel more at ease.
Write down a list of questions to ask. These may include:
- what type of mental health problem might I have?
- why can’t I get over my mental health problem on my own?
- how do you treat my type of mental illness?
- will counselling or psychotherapy help?
- are there medications that might help?
- how long will treatment take?
- what can I do to help myself?
- do you have any brochures or other printed material that I can have?
- what websites do you recommend?
In addition to the questions that you’ve prepared, don’t hesitate to ask questions to your GP if you don’t understand something.
You aren’t alone
Te Taha Tinana Look After Your Physical Wellbeing
There are lots of ways you can look after your physical wellbeing:
- Go to a park, the beach or the bush to absorb the peacefulness and fresh air.
- Do something physical, like going for a walk, a run or a swim.
- Get your hands dirty in the garden.
- Get regular sleep.
- Cut back on alcohol and recreational drugs.
- Eat healthy meals.
Dont Miss: Fear Of Spoons Phobia Name
Recommended Reading: How To Sleep Better With Anxiety
What Does The Doctor Look For To Make A Depression Diagnosis
A doctor can rule out other conditions that may cause depression with a physical examination, a personal interview, and lab tests. The doctor will also do a complete diagnostic evaluation, discussing any family history of depression or other mental illness.
Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms, including how long youve had them, when they started, and how they were treated. Theyâll ask about the way you feel, including whether you have any symptoms of depression such as:
- Sadness or depressed mood most of the day or almost every day
- Loss of enjoyment in things that were once pleasurable
- Major change in weight or appetite
- Insomnia or excessive sleep almost every day
- Physical restlessness or sense of being run-down that others can notice
- Fatigue or loss of energy almost every day
- Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness or excessive guilt almost every day
- Problems with concentration or making decisions almost every day
- Recurring thoughts of death or suicide, suicide plan, or suicide attempt
Set Targets For Your Conversation
First of all, you need to think regarding the results you are seeking. You should remember that treating and diagnosing depression and anxiety takes some time as well as expertise. Set some reasonable targets for your conversation, like a) think about all your concerns, and b) work with the physician to determine your plan for addressing these concerns.
Read Also: Is There Any Over The Counter Anxiety Medicine
Do Not Expect That Your Physician Can Read Your Mind
Even a physician who has already seen similar patients for several years might skip the signs of your mental illness, mainly if she or he is focused on some other concerns and conditions. That does not mean that the doctors do not sense an issue & ask about this instead, they usually do. But do not assume this would come up you need to prepare to bring this up.
What To Look For In A Psychiatrist
Those who have never visited a psychiatrist may not know how to find one that suits their specific needs. There are a few factors to keep in mind when you search for a psychiatrist:
- Your condition or concern. Psychiatrists treat many conditions, but some specialize in areas of focus that may suit your needs. You may want to look for a psychiatrist, who may treat your conditions while matching your specific conditions and concerns.
- Which medications you may or may not need. You may need a psychiatrist to manage medications while also providing talk therapy options.
- Credentials. When choosing the best psychiatrist for you, you may want to consider their credentials. Do they have proper education, training, licensing and practice experience? Which areas of mental health do they specialize in? Be sure to research their treatment approaches and philosophy as well.
Don’t Miss: What To Do When Having An Anxiety Attack
Check Feelings About Going Back To School In Person
Returning to school at the end of summer vacation can be stressful for kids even during normal times. But it can be particularly tough if they spent most of last year in remote learning. It can be hard to re-engage with other students, Sánchez says. Some children may be shy and introverted. Here, too, you can share your feelings to help them open up. You could say something such as, Im excited about seeing my co-workers again, but it feels weird being back in the office.
What To Do If You Think A Friend Is Considering Suicide
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, help is out there. Reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8255 for free, confidential support 24/7.
Suicide isnt inevitable. We can all help prevent suicide.
The National Suicide Prevention Hotline offers you a toolkit for supporting people on social media, down to specific platforms like Facebook and Twitter. They help you determine how to identify someone in need of support and who to contact within the social media community if youre worried about their safety.
Also Check: How Do I Stop An Anxiety Attack
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.
Know That There Is Ease After Every Hardship
Allah has promised in the Quran that every hardship will be followed by ease, so as Mufti Menk says, try to put your trust in His promise and dont lose hope. For more inspiring quotes, check out these 50 Inspirational Mufti Menk Quotes and Sayings with Images.
Also, watch this short video in which Mufti Menk explains why we get depressed?
Also Check: How To Manage High Functioning Anxiety
Ensure Your Mental Health Providers Are Talking With One Another
Just like you might have to take important steps in coordinating the follow-up, youll have to take the lead to keep everybody participating in the care connected. Its quite common for a PCP in order to prescribe the medications whilst depression and anxiety therapy is given by the social worker, psychologist, or some other specialist.
For helping to facilitate the communication between the mental health providers, first of all, make sure youve signed the release form hence the therapist and physician might exchange information when protecting the privacy.
What Is Separation Anxiety Disorder
This condition mostly happens to children or teens, who may worry about being away from their parents. Children with separation anxiety disorder may fear that their parents will be hurt in some way or not come back as promised. It happens a lot in preschoolers. But older children and adults who experience a stressful event may have separation anxiety disorder as well.
Read Also: Does Anxiety Make It Hard To Breathe
Stress Is Not Anxiety Or Depression
Stress is not the same as anxiety or depression but for some people, being stressed for a long time can lead to anxiety or depression, and it can affect a persons physical health, particularly cardiovascular health.
When we talk about being stressed, it usually means were upset or tense about something thats happening in our lives. Stress is a normal part of daily life. Its a natural physical and mental response that is designed to help people cope effectively with emergencies.
Some stress can be a good thing. It can help us get motivated to get things done, but health problems from stress happen when it is regular and doesnt let up.
Dont Miss: What Is Apiphobia
How To Help Someone With Anxiety
All of us worry and get scared from time to time. But those with anxiety may feel consumed by fears of things that might seem irrational to others. It can be hard to relate to these concerns, and as a result, many people dont know how to best help someone with anxiety. People are often dismissive of people experiencing anxiety, says Joseph McGuire, Ph.D., a pediatric psychologist with Johns Hopkins Medicine. With other medical illnesses, you may be able to see physical symptoms. But with anxiety, you dont necessarily see what the person is dealing with. So its important to be sensitive to what the person with anxiety is going through, even if it doesnt make sense to you. Its distressing to watch a loved one experience panic attacks and face anxiety every day, but there are things you can do to help. It starts with recognizing the signs of excessive worry and understanding the best ways to support your loved one.
Also Check: How To Self Soothe Anxiety