You Are Not Alone! Why So Many Feel Both Anxious & Depressed
Have you ever been so nervous or sad that these emotions stay with you for weeks?
The pandemic has changed the mental outlook for many people. A new study published in The Lancelet showed that rates of anxiety and depression climbed by more than 25% in 2020. Tens of millions more cases of anxiety and depression arose during the pandemic on top of the already hundreds of millions. Researchers found there were 3,153 cases of major depressive disorder and 4,802 cases of anxiety per 100,000 in 2020.
In addition, the rates of anxiety and depression increased more for women than men at 30% for depression and 28% for anxiety disorders worldwide. Men’s anxiety and depression increased by 24% and 22%. Pandemic job loss and online schooling led to many women losing their employment or attempting to work from home while managing childcare and other household obligations. Younger age groups had greater increases in depression and anxiety too. This was likely due to socially distancing from their friends and feeling isolated and lonely in their virtual school experience.
Now is clearly the time to get an understanding of why people suffer from anxiety and depression as well as how to start healing and living well.
Possible Links Between Anxiety and Depression
One of the reasons you could get a mix of anxiety and depression is genetics. 40% of genetic factors play a hand in having anxiety and depression. Maybe your parents have a history of anxiety and/or depression. Perhaps their proclivity was inherited from their parents or another relative in the family.
Environmental stressors can also be another factor, such as trauma from your past or early childhood neglect. It can also result from current stressors such as being afraid to leave your home or feelings of loneliness. During this challenging time of the pandemic, many have experienced grief, unemployment, social isolation, and illness from Covid-19. People who are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder also have an increased risk of developing depression.
Furthermore, chronic pain from any disabling pain syndrome can also be linked to anxiety and depression. Pain from illnesses like fibromyalgia, headaches, nerve pain, or the lasting effects of COVID-19 can lead people to a sense of hopelessness and deep worry.
Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression
A good indicator that you have anxiety and depression is that your thoughts are often racing but you do not have the energy to move or to make the changes that you desire. You may feel easily irritable or have a loss of interest in activities you once loved.
People with anxiety and depression experience intense worry that makes it hard for them to eat and sleep well. You could find it challenging to relax and also be prone to panic attacks. There are also physical symptoms like a rapid heartbeat, headaches, or finding it hard to breathe.
Treating Anxiety and Depression
Exercise can release the feel-good chemicals in your brain that help keep you at ease. It is also a good distraction away from your worries and your problems. Even doing low-intensity exercises like walking around your neighborhood for 15 minutes can keep your heart pumping with a positive outlook.
Relaxation techniques like mindfulness meditation, grounding techniques and yoga can help you focus on the present moment. Additionally, journaling your thoughts and feelings can help your mind creatively explore triggers, identify patterns and help you develop goals for change. The outlet of writing can help derail your train of racing thoughts and provide relief and clarity by getting your thoughts out of your mind and on paper.
Take the Next Step
Know that anxiety and depression are two battles you should not have to face alone. Never be afraid to reach out to others about your anxiety and depression symptoms. If you are experiencing any symptoms that have stayed with you for a couple of weeks, consider therapy. Together you and your counselor can come up with a personalized treatment plan that will address your goals of feeling better.
Please read more about anxiety and depression therapy. Then, please contact us at Mindworthy Therapy to begin your path to feeling better.
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