From darkness to dawn: a guide to depressive anxiety disorder. I wondered how you could have depression and anxiety at the same time.
You’d be really screwed up with both of them. I’ve had depression since I was 16 (36 years ago).
Then, around 3-4 years ago, the anxiety developed. Actually, I believe the anxiety was there years ago, but didn’t get diagnosed and put on meds until 3 years ago.
It was like riding a roller coaster. Having anxiety made the depression worse. I was so worried about the anxiety that it put me in a depression. I was really worried about having panic attacks.
So what is anxiety depression? Just like it says, anxiety and depression are different mood disorders that can have overlapping symptoms, but they also have their own unique causes and symptoms.
It’s possible to have both conditions at the same time, and some people with depression have a history of anxiety disorders.
Anxiety vs Depression
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety can cause feelings of nervousness, worry, or dread, while depression can cause feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and reduced energy. However, both conditions can cause agitation and restlessness.
Some common types of anxiety disorders include:
- Firstly, Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Agoraphobia
- Social anxiety disorder
- Selective mutism
- Lastly, Separation anxiety
What is Depression?
Basically, depression is a common and serious mental health condition that can affect anyone.
It’s characterized by a persistent low mood or loss of interest in activities, along with other symptoms that can impact a person’s daily life.
Some symptoms of depression include:
- Firstly, Low mood or sadness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
- Changes in appetite
- Sleep disturbances
- Feelings of low self-worth or hopelessness
- Lastly, Tiredness and poor concentration
What are the Main Reasons for Anxiety Depression?
From darkness to dawn: a guide to depressive anxiety disorder. Anxiety and depression can have many causes, including:
Stressful or Traumatic Events
Generally, experiencing abuse, the death of a loved one, or financial problems can trigger anxiety and depression.
When my ex-husband and I lost our house in 2007, that started the downfall of our marriage. He lost his job and I was on Disability.
My depression became even worse than before. I was buying reduced CD’s like they were going out of style. Altogether, the lyrics in the music I was buying was my way of expressing my sadness which I couldn’t voice.
Major Life Changes
Even planned major life changes can cause anxiety and depression.
Medical Problems
Also, chronic pain, cancer, or stroke can increase the risk of anxiety and depression.
When I was hit with having Parkinson’a disease, it sent me into a downward spiral. I was a massage therapist making good money, but I couldn’t do that anymore.
The tremors started and got worse and worse. So, I went back on Disability. I’ve made peace with the tremors. There’s nothing I can do to stop them, just manage them.
Low self-esteem, being pessimistic, or being too dependent can increase the risk of depression.
Medications
Some medications, like sleeping pills or high blood pressure medications, can increase the risk of anxiety and depression.
Personality Traits
From darkness to dawn: a guide to depressive anxiety disorder. I’m on high blood pressure pills, but I’ve been thinking about using something more natural than all these chemicals. I need to do more research.
Low self-esteem is right up my alley (used to be). Growing up, I always wanted to fit into “the crowd”, but I always got shoved out. So, I became a low self-esteem loner.
Genetics
A history of anxiety or depression in biological relatives can increase the risk.
At length, my mother dealt with depression. It became really bad years later, she was always angry at something or someone. And I suffered with depression right along with her.
Childhood Experiences
Difficult experiences in childhood, like abuse, neglect, or being bullied, can trigger anxiety problems.
I was constantly bullied all throughout school which made me more clingy to my real friends. Lost those friends and now I have none (literally).
Get out the violin’s. I have one person in mind who I might ask if she wants to go out for lunch sometime. She is an extremely nice person and easy to talk to.
Substance Abuse
Equally, alcohol or recreational drug abuse can increase the risk of anxiety and depression.
Sexual Orientation
Being lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender can increase the risk of depression.
What Does Anxiety and Depression Feel Like?
From darkness to dawn: a guide to depressive anxiety disorder. As can be seen, anxiety and depression are mood disorders that can cause a range of feelings and symptoms:
- Depression: Can cause feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness. Other symptoms include:
- Low energy
- Loss of interest in activities
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Physical aches or pains
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
- Anxiety: Can cause feelings of nervousness, worry, or dread. Other symptoms include:
- High-strung feeling
- Racing thoughts
- Agitation
- Both anxiety and depression: Can cause agitation and restlessness.
Subsequently, I’d say for me, the anxiety is far worse than the depression. I can’t stand the shaky, going out of my mind sensation.
I was alway’s on high alert even though there was no danger. The panic attacks were the worst. You never knew when those were going to hit.
Although, when I was at the all time low with depression, that was life threatening. Maybe anxiety and depression are equalls in terms of which is worse than the other.
Stress, Anxiety, and Depression
From darkness to dawn: a guide to depressive anxiety disorder. Stress plays a big factor in anxiety and depression.
I remember the one stressful event that ballooned my anxiety to extremes. It was when I put my last cat down (I had 3).
I couldn’t handle it and started panicking. A huge panic attack forced me to run out of the room and drive home. I didn’t even get to say goodbye to him.
I felt so guilty. From then on, even when I have moderate stress, the anxiety shows up. Although, sometimes it shows up unannounced.
After a recent med change, my anxiety has gone down quite a bit. Almost nonexistent. What was that change? I changed from Cymbalta to Trazodone.
Therefore, I’m sleeping much better and I am more productive. Before, I used to just lie in bed all day. Now, I’m cleaning again and I picked up my messy room.
I have so much energy. Although, I’m seriously going to go holistic and getting off all of these harmful meds with bad side effects. I’ve ordered a book about natural medicines.
I didn’t know I was in a depression even though I really was sleeping too much and stayed out of sight from everyone. Undoubtedly, goes to show even after 30 some odd years, I don’t always recognize the signs of depression.
Depression and Anxiety Treatment
Henceforth, depression and anxiety can be treated with a combination of psychotherapy, medication, or both:
- Psychotherapy: There are many types of psychotherapy that can help with anxiety and depression, including:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Forthwith, it helps people replace negative thought patterns with more realistic ones. CBT can help people with anxiety disorders by helping them face their fears.
- Interpersonal therapy: Helps people improve their communication skills.
- Problem-solving therapy: Furthermore, it helps people develop skills to manage their symptoms.
- Medication: Further, some medications that can help with depression and anxiety include:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Bupropion
- Mirtazapine
- Exercise: Coupled with, exercise can help increase your sense of well-being and reduce stress. It can also increase the production of endorphins, which are feel-good neurotransmitters in the brain.
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): A procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain.
When treating depression and anxiety, it’s important to tell your doctor about all of your symptoms.
What is the 3-3-3 Rule for Anxiety?
From darkness to dawn: a guide to depressive anxiety disorder.
Consequently, the 3-3-3 rule is a mindful technique that can help people manage anxiety by bringing their focus back to the present moment. It involves:
- Looking: Identifying three things you can see
- Listening: Identifying three sounds you can hear
- Moving: Moving three parts of your body
The 3-3-3 rule can help people:
- Firstly, Calm anxiety symptoms like rapid heartbeat or shortness of breath
- Manage distressing thoughts, feelings, or memories
- Shift their focus away from panic and anxious thoughts
- Engage their senses
- Lastly, focus on reality instead of worrying about the future
To use the 3-3-3 rule, you can:
- Pick three objects and take a closer look at each one. For example, you could examine a bookshelf, a glass of water, and a lamp.
- Close your eyes to focus on the sounds around you. For example, you might hear traffic, birdsong, or a car horn.
- Choose three parts of your body and focus on them one at a time. For example, you could gently roll your head back and forth, wiggle your toes, or arch your back.
The 3-3-3 rule can be used by both children and adults.
Dealing With Anxiety and Depression
From darkness to dawn: a guide to depressive anxiety disorder. Dealing with anxiety and depression is a constant battle…well it used to be. Since the med change, I find myself with less anxiety and depression.
I went to the store today and didn’t feel anxious at all. Still, I don’t know how to explain it. I guess I feel like I’m in more control of me now because of the anxiety before.
My depression is gone. My thinking is clearer. I don’t feel like I have brain fog like before. It’s like I finally woke up because I had a cloud hanging over my head before.
I fall asleep a lot earlier. Before it was between 2 or 3 in the morning. Now, it’s around 11pm. It feels really good to be back in control again.
How to Comfort Someone With Anxiety and Depression?
Here are some ways you can help someone with anxiety or depression:
Listen
Nonetheless, let them know you are there to listen without judgment. You can say things like “I want to help you through this” or “How can I best support you?”
Acknowledge Their Feelings
Moreover, let them know that you can see how hard things are for them. Avoid statements like “I know how you feel” or “Just snap out of it”.
Encourage Treatment
If they are already in treatment, help them remember to take their medication and keep appointments.
You can also encourage them to make an appointment with a mental health professional.
Offer Help
Overall, you can offer to help with tasks that they might not be able to do well. You can also help create a regular routine to help them feel more in control.
Remind Them of Their Positive Qualities
Remind them of how much they mean to you and others. Therefore, if you know them, name some of their qualities so they get the gist that you know what their qualites are. Guessing is not good.
Seek Help if Needed
Consequently, if they express suicidal feelings, contact a doctor or hospital immediately. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, which is available 24/7.
Sum It All Up
From darkness to dawn: a guide to depressive anxiety disorder.
So, yes, you can have depression and anxiety at conspicuous times. One minute you have anxiety, the next minute you’re crying.
Double whammy! Even though the Trazodone is working, I still would like to try the holistic route. It will be better for my body. So, I plan on reading everything I can.
I will let you know how that goes as I switch over. In the meantime, the Trazodone is doing it’s job. Consequently, I’m taking 150mg at night.
I didn’t think I would ever see the day when I didn’t have anxiety. Thus, I thought it was going to be with me the rest of my life. Same with the depression.
It feels good to be free again. It’s been a long and tumultuous road. Until next time…
Articles About Depressive Anxiety Disorder
-Depression vs. Anxiety: Which One Do I Have?
https://www.webmd.com/depression/depression-or-anxiety
-Five Ways to Support a Loved One with Anxiety or Depression
-Can You Have Depression and Anxiety at the Same Time? A Guide to Managing Both Together
https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/generalized-anxiety-disorder/anxiety-and-depression
Have a Good One,
Cindee Murphy
“One Voice Heard By God Through Depression AND Anxiety”
“Depression is the soul’s way of telling you to change something in your life, not to cut your own bangs.”—John Fugelsang
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.”—Anne Lamott
“The things we fear the most have already happened to us.”—Robin Williams
“No one knows that you cry, but you don’t tell anyone that you might not be the golden one. And you’re tied together with a smile, but you’re becoming undone.”—Taylor Swift, “Tied Together With a Smile”
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