Anxiety & Depression – The Common Colds of Mental Health
Anxiety & Depression – The Common Colds of Mental Health
You may have heard depression and anxiety being referred to as the common colds of mental health. At first, it appears that this analogy has some truth. Colds are widespread and can affect anyone, of any age, at any time – like depression and anxiety. Just like general doctors see many patients due to cold symptoms, therapists see many patients due to the symptoms of anxiety and depression. However, this is where the similarities end and the analogy can become misleading. Depression and anxiety cannot be caught from another person, and you do not recover from them after a few days of rest. They may be common, but they will not go away on their own and need treatment. It is vital to highlight that just because depression and anxiety are frequently seen, it does not make them any less important. It is useful to understand the signs and symptoms of both of these mental health conditions so that you can seek help early for either yourself or a loved one.
We all go through times in our life where we feel a bit down, but depression is much more than that. It persistently affects you for weeks or months causing feelings of unhappiness and hopelessness. You may lose interest in the activities you used to enjoy and feel tearful a lot of the time. Although it can lead to a range of different emotional and physical symptoms, here are a few of the common symptoms to look out for:
- Having a hopeless or helpless outlook on life
- Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
- Having a low mood, feeling sad, and experiencing uncontrollable emotions
- Sleep problems – sleeping too much or too little, and feeling fatigued
- Changes in appetite – eating too much or not enough. Weight gain or weight loss without actively trying to change weight
- Symptoms of anxiety (see below for more details)
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts of worthlessness, death, or suicide
Depression can be a serious condition and has a significant impact on a person’s life. Symptoms range from mild to severe and affect every individual differently. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, it is important to seek help. However big or small your worry may be, Sollars & Associates has 17 locations in Michigan that are here to support you.
Anxiety is a persistent feeling of fear, worry, or uneasiness that can be very intense. It’s normal to feel anxious in certain situations like attending a job interview or sitting an exam, but it is not normal if these feelings are constant and being to control your life. There are many different types of anxiety disorders that people can experience, such as phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, or separation anxiety to name a few. Similar to depression, anxiety can cause both emotional and physical symptoms that vary from person to person. Some of the common symptoms to look out for include:
- Feeling worried, tense, nervous, or restless
- Problems sleeping due to worry or fear
- Physical symptoms such as a fast heart rate, sweating, shaking, dizziness, stomach problems, or rapid breathing
- Increased fatigue and weakness
- Difficulty concentrating and easily distracted by worry
- A feeling of impending doom or danger
- Experiencing nightmares and vivid dreams
Depression and anxiety are two different problems, but some people may experience both. It is important to try not to worry about labels. Both these conditions are common in fact, depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. So, if you are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety – you are not alone. Most importantly, both conditions are treatable.
If you are looking for in-person or online counseling sessions in Michigan, then Sollars & Associates is here to help you. We have 17 locations all across Michigan, and it is easy to get in touch. Just fill out an online form or call us on (248) 787-0855 today. Our therapists are here to support your emotional and mental health needs.
