Occasional bouts of depression is part of the full spectrum of typical human experience. However, depression which does not clear up on its own can became a serious issue. The same is true for anxiety - it is an expected, human feeling and can become an overwhelming problem for some.
Depression and anxiety both commonly manifest physically. Symptoms such as stomach pains, headaches, disrupted or excessive sleep, and motor control difficulty can suggest struggle. Predisposition for depression and anxiety runs in families and they can be triggered by trauma and adverse life circumstances. Both depression and anxiety have higher prevalence in people with marginalized, minority, or devalued identities (e.g. LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, first generation, BIPOC).
People tend to suffer higher rates of depression after giving birth and in late fall. Anxiety can increase during transition periods. Depression and anxiety often exacerbate each other and people with depression commonly have difficulty concentrating on tasks and conversations. Some people abuse alcohol and drugs, isolate themselves, or severely reduce their activity, causing them to develop other medical problems. Depressed people are also at increased risk for self-harm.
The clinical diagnosis of Major Depression is characterized by prolonged emotional symptoms including:
- Apathy
- Sadness
- Guilt
- Exhaustion
- Irritability
Likewise, a clinical diagnosis for an Anxiety Disorder requires prolonged periods of excessive worry which impede functioning.
Diagnosing depression and anxiety involves screenings, evaluations, and physical exams to determine whether a person’s symptoms are actually being caused by a different disorder. A person must have been experiencing symptoms for at least two weeks to be diagnosed with Major Depression. Every case is unique and requires individual attention, but there are a number of effective complementary ways of treating depression, including:
- Talk therapy
- Medication
- Adopting a healthier lifestyle
Book a consultation today for Depression And Anxiety with Emerging Light Therapy. Call (267) 625-2896.