Feelings of loss and loneliness are usual happenings in our lives. We laugh and celebrate when we are happy, while we mourn during sadness. These are two important opposing poles that make life very much interesting. But, how does it feel to be stuck in one pole? Is there a way out to it? Join me as we explore the overlapping world of depression and anxiety, and let’s discover the proper treatment to this combination.
People who are depressed also experience feelings of anxiety. Most of the patients who suffer from this disorder have more than one condition. They often worry too much, that their concerns have elevated to fear. They are constantly bothered by their predicament that it becomes obsessive thoughts. Episodes of panic are also prevalent due to worrying. Sleepless nights, palpitation, and cold sweaty hands are some of the episodes that depressed patients with anxiety cases have to deal with.
These two conditions are somewhat overlapping. Same with people who have depression, patients with anxiety disorders also have a feeling of depression. There is a feeling that they can no longer be freed from the painful effects of their anxiety disorder. Aside from the symptoms of anxiety, they also feel an intense kind of sadness, hopelessness, and discouragement. Their daily lives are hampered by these factors. As a result, their relationships are put into risk, they perform poorly in school or in work, and their health is put in danger.
The usual conflict in this scenario would be which condition you should treat first. Maybe we should try to hit two birds with one stone. One of the best changes I did to fight my anxiety was adapting a healthy lifestyle. In this pursue, I need to alter my diet and live an active life. I began to wary of my fat, sugar, and caffeine intake. These 3 are the usual culprits that could affect my heart and circulation. During panic attacks, palpitations can take place. Hence, I would like to lower down my risk in that department.
I also felt a little depressed when I learned of my condition. It seems like I can no longer live the life I had before due to my anxiety attacks. But, I was wrong. I have learned that exercise is a natural depression-buster. When I work out, I feel very good afterwards. A scientific reason for this would be the serotonin or the feel-good chemical that the brain releases when a human being gets active. This is instant mood uplift and it also improves my cardiovascular performance.
There is more to life than taking a medicine. A person needs to be diagnosed by an expert before one can take an anti-depressant. If the depression is not merely the case, the anti-depressant might counteract the manic condition of the patient. There should be a different treatment for people with bipolar disorder. Also, the medicines have after effects that might negatively affect the body in the long run.
Apart from exercise, I also do breathing exercises. If you are interested with yoga you may also try it. Yoga is known for its relaxing effect to the mind and body. It’s like doing an exercise while you improve your breathing. However, it is still important that you know at least one breathing technique. When I experience a panic attack, which is another symptom of my anxiety, I usually do the “brown paper bag breathing”. I cover my mouth and nose with a paper bag, and I inhale and exhale through it. When I have a panic attack, I tend to over breath. It is the decrease of the carbon dioxide inside the body that causes the problem. Breathing though a bag allows me to regain the carbon dioxide I need.
Just because depression and anxiety tends to work hand in hand, you should not be afraid of this combination. There is always a treat to these cases. All you have to do is to believe that you can actually get out of this situation, and you have the power to treat yourself.