Depression and anxiety commonly manifests physically, through stomach pains, headaches, disrupted or excessive sleep, and changes in mood, behavior, or personality that may be noticeable by others. While the causes of mood disorders are unknown, a predisposition for it runs in families and can be triggered by stress or adverse life circumstances. Depression is diagnosed more frequently in women and tends to display differently in men than in women. People tend to suffer higher rates of depression after giving birth and in the fall and winter seasons.
Depression and anxiety may also be co-occuring. Some individuals have difficulty concentrating on tasks and conversations. Other individuals may overly rely on alcohol and drugs or overeat as a maladaptive way of coping in the absence of more helpful coping skills. Folks struggling with depression are also at increased risk for self-harm and suicidal ideation.
Depression and anxiety are characterized by prolonged emotional symptoms including but not limited to:
- Prolonged Sadness
- Mood Swings
- Guilt
- Sleep Disruptions
- Exhaustion and Fatigue
- Inability to relax
- Irritability
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
Every case is unique and requires individual treatment planning, and there are a number of effective complementary ways of treating depression, including:
- Talk therapy
- Behavioral Activation
- Medication Management