Understanding Depression & Anxiety
How we feel can have an impact on our ability to manage our day-to-day tasks and responsibilities. Our feelings can also have an affect on our relationships with others, as well as our overall mental health. Everyone experiences times when they are irritable, sad, or worried. However, when these feelings are persistent and interfering with life's daily activities, it can lead to depression and anxiety.
Depression
What are the Facts?
Depression is a common mental health disorder that can affect people of all genders. However, there are some gender differences in the prevalence and presentation of depression.
​Here are some key points:
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Prevalence: Depression is more common in women than in men. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), globally, women are about twice as likely as men to experience depression.
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Lifetime risk: Research suggests that about 1 in 4 women will experience a major depressive episode at some point in their lives.
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Postpartum depression: Women may experience postpartum depression after giving birth. Estimates vary, but it is believed that around 10-20% of women experience postpartum depression within the first year after childbirth.
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Hormonal factors: Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause can impact a woman's mood and increase vulnerability to depression.
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Gender-based stressors: Social and cultural factors, such as gender-based violence, discrimination, unequal access to education and healthcare, and gender roles and expectations, can contribute to higher rates of depression in women.
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According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, depression is the leading cause of disability in the United States for people between the ages of 15-44.
Signs & Symptoms of Depression
Depression can manifest in various ways, and individuals may experience different symptoms to varying degrees. It's important to note that experiencing a few of these symptoms occasionally does not necessarily indicate depression, but if you or someone you know consistently experiences several of these symptoms for an extended period, it may be indicative of depression.
Here are some common signs and symptoms:
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Persistent sadness: Feeling sad, empty, or down most of the day, nearly every day.
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Loss of interest or pleasure: Losing interest in activities or hobbies that were once enjoyable.
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Fatigue and low energy: Feeling tired and lacking energy, even with minimal exertion.
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Changes in appetite: Significant weight loss or gain, accompanied by an increased or decreased appetite.
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Sleep disturbances: Insomnia (difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep) or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping).
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Feelings of worthlessness or guilt: A pervasive sense of self-blame, low self-esteem, or excessive guilt.
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Difficulty concentrating: Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering details.
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Psychomotor agitation or retardation: Restlessness or feeling slowed down in speech or movements.
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Suicidal thoughts: Frequent thoughts of death, suicidal ideation, or suicide attempts.
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Physical symptoms: Unexplained headaches, stomachaches, or other physical ailments without an apparent cause.
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Social withdrawal: Withdrawing from social interactions, avoiding friends and family.
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Irritability or agitation: Feeling easily frustrated, agitated, or experiencing anger outbursts.
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Loss of libido: Decreased interest in sex or reduced sexual desire.
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Not everyone with depression experiences all these symptoms. Depression can present differently from person to person. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, please seek professional help so that you or your loved one can get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a natural human response to stress or perceived threats. It is a feeling of unease, worry, or fear that can be experienced by individuals in various situations. While occasional anxiety is a normal part of life, excessive or persistent anxiety can interfere with daily functioning and well-being.
Anxiety disorders are a common mental health condition in the United States. They encompass a range of disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder (SAD), and specific phobias.
Here are some general statistics related to anxiety in the United States:
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Prevalence: Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders in the United States, affecting approximately 31.1% of adults at some point in their lives. It is estimated that around 19.1% of adults in the U.S. experience anxiety disorders in a given year.
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Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): GAD is characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry about various aspects of life. It affects approximately 3.1% of the U.S. population in any given year.
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Panic Disorder: Panic disorder involves recurring and unexpected panic attacks accompanied by intense fear or discomfort. Approximately 2.7% of adults experience panic disorder at some point in their lives.
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Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD): SAD is characterized by an intense fear of social situations and significant distress in social interactions. It affects about 6.8% of the U.S. population.
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Specific Phobias: Specific phobias involve an excessive and irrational fear of specific objects or situations. They affect approximately 7.9% of people in the United States.
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Comorbidity: Anxiety disorders often co-occur with other mental health conditions, such as depression, substance use disorders, and other anxiety disorders.
Symptoms of Anxiety
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Anxiety disorders can be caused by a combination of factors, including genetic predisposition, brain chemistry imbalances, life experiences, and environmental factors.
Symptoms of anxiety can vary but commonly include:
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Physical symptoms: These can include increased heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating, trembling, muscle tension, headaches, stomachaches, and fatigue.
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Cognitive symptoms: Anxiety can cause excessive worrying, racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, and a sense of impending doom or danger.
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Emotional symptoms: Anxiety often leads to feelings of restlessness, irritability, unease, or a constant state of tension. Individuals may also experience fear, panic, or a sense of detachment.
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Behavioral symptoms: Anxiety can influence behavior, leading to avoidance of certain situations or places, seeking reassurance, withdrawal from social activities, or engaging in repetitive behaviors as a means of coping.
It is important to note that anxiety disorders are treatable, and various interventions, such as therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes, can help individuals manage their anxiety and lead fulfilling lives. If you or someone you know is experiencing anxiety symptoms, it is recommended to seek professional help from a mental health provider.