Depression & Anxiety
Depression & Anxiety
Depression and Anxiety are potentially serious disorders that can severely affect your quality of life.
Depression is a mood disorder thought to be caused by an imbalance in brain chemicals that can vary in severity and symptoms. About 14.8 million Americans over age 18 suffer from depression in any given year and although 80% of those who get treatment see improvement within 4-6 weeks of starting treatment, only 1/3 seek treatment in the first place.
Anxiety is your minds natural “Fight or Flight” response to threatening events. The right amount of anxiety can help you, but when anxiety takes over it can interfere with your life.
Depression Symptoms
Depression symptoms can vary from person to person. Sometimes depression can be brought on by a stressful event, such as the death of a loved one. It can also occur after the birth of a child (post-partum depression) or other illnesses. Scientists don’t know exactly what causes depression, but we do know that both genetics and your situation contribute. Symptoms can be mild and hard to notice, even in yourself.
Symptoms of depression include:
- Prolonged sadness
- Unexplained crying spells
- Significant changes in appetite
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Irritability, anger, worry, agitation, anxiety
- Pessimism, indifference
- Loss of energy, persistent lethargy
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness
- Inability to concentrate, indecisiveness
- Inability to take pleasure in former interests, social withdrawal
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
Anxiety Symptoms
Some worry and anxiety is normal for everyone. However, when anxiety gets severe it can last for several weeks and prevent you from doing the things you normally would. Anxiety is not something that is “in your head”. The symptoms are real, and they CAN be treated.
Symptoms of anxiety include:
- Worry
- Fears
- Thoughts that don’t go away
- Avoidance of people places or things
- Compulsions
- Restlessness
- Aches, pains
- Rapid heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Faintness
- Dry mouth
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Difficulty concentrating
Depression and anxiety are flaws in brain chemistry, not character. If you or a loved one is battling symptoms of depression or anxiety, schedule an appointment with Dr. Gautam.