I Am Suffering From Depression And Anxiety. What Should I Do?

It is not uncommon to feel low or sad from time to time. Many things can trigger these feelings - a new job, shifting countries, a new environment or the loss of a loved one. However, if you have been feeling this way for a while and nothing seems to help, you might have depression. At times, this feeling of persistent sadness can also be coupled with a racing heartbeat, rapid breathing and a sense of impending doom. This can be a sign of anxiety. 

Though depression and anxiety are two separate mental health conditions, it is common for them to occur together, sometimes at the same time. In fact, estimates show that 60% of those with anxiety will also have symptoms of depression, and the numbers are similar for those with depression. “Depression and anxiety are like flip sides of the same coin,” says therapist Nancy B. Irwin, PsyD. "Being depressed often makes us anxious, and anxiety often makes us depressed."

The two conditions commonly involve overlapping symptoms. Symptoms you could experience with either condition include:

• changes in sleep patterns

• changes in energy level

• increased irritability

• trouble with concentration, focus, and memory

• aches and pains or stomach issues that have no apparent cause

If you feel like you have both - anxiety and depression, the good news is that these mental health conditions are highly treatable. 

Getting a Diagnosis 

The first thing you can do if you relate to these symptoms is to consult a mental health professional who can give the correct diagnosis. While there is no single test that can diagnose depression or anxiety, to gain more insight into what you’re going through, your therapist will generally start by asking questions about your symptoms, including how long you’ve had them and how they affect your daily life. Remember to be honest and open so that they can understand you leading to the correct diagnosis. 

A good therapist won’t judge you or say you shouldn’t feel a certain way. They will listen with compassion and offer support in identifying and addressing your symptoms.

Try Therapy

Talk therapy has been shown to be extremely effective in treating anxiety and depression. There are a few types of therapies you can try, including CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), Problem-Solving Therapy, and Mindfulness amongst other approaches. In a therapy session, the therapist typically invites you to share what’s been going on in your life, what’s on your mind, what’s bothering you, or whether there are any goals you’d like to discuss. The therapist will listen and may take notes as you speak. You won’t be criticized or judged for your emotions and your conversation will be kept strictly confidential. Your therapist will determine the best course of treatment for you. The important thing is to be consistent and stick with the treatment plan to see results. 

Consider Medication 

If your symptoms are severe enough to affect your day-to-day life, your therapist may recommend trying psychiatric medication alongside talk therapy. Remember, medication for anxiety and depression merely sets you up for recovery and relieves the severity of your challenges. They don’t catapult you to the finish line. A psychiatrist might prescribe antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications or mood stabilisers to help with your symptoms. 

Bottom Line 

Anxiety and depression can feel overwhelming, especially when you live with both conditions, or aren’t exactly sure which condition you’re dealing with. But you do not have to deal with it all by yourself. Help is available, and we are with you, every step of the way. 

Our therapists at Amaha work closely with our psychiatrists when needed, in order to build an integrated care management plan to deliver the best outcomes for each client. Amaha psychiatrists come with decades of experience and rigorous training in diverse clinical settings for the entire spectrum of mental illnesses. Psychiatry at Amaha goes beyond just medication - we combine the biological, psychological and social aspects of care to create a comprehensive treatment plan for each client. Book a session now.