Dealing with Anxiety and Depression

Although anxiety and depression are considered to be two distinct disorders in the world of mental health, most people who suffer from depression also experience anxiety and vice versa. Symptoms of depression include a feeling of low self-esteem, loss of interest, sadness and pessimism. An individual suffering from anxiety is plagued with excessive worry, restlessness and irritability that stems from the unrealistic view of problems that one has. The co-existence of these two mental conditions have led researchers to conclude that anxiety and depression aren't different disorders but two faces of the same coin. Hence, the treatments that reduce anxiety also fight depression. Here are a few ways of dealing with anxiety and depression.

Dealing with Anxiety and Depression through Psychotherapy

Cognitive Therapy: Through this therapy a mental health professional asks the patients to think of the feelings that triggered anxiety and depression in them. Patients are then encouraged to alter these thoughts and feelings so that they can have a realistic view of situations and deal with them in a more calm way.

Behavioral Therapy: In this therapy, patients are asked to face the fear that provoked anxiety and depression in them. By confronting their fears, patients are able to come out of the panic that they may feel due to the situation. This therapy desensitizes a patient towards the fear before such a reaction, and helps him in dealing with anxiety and panic attacks.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: As the name suggests, this therapy makes use of both the above mentioned therapies and has been found to be very useful in dealing with anxiety attacks and depression. It is a form of psychotherapy in which the dysfunctional emotions, thoughts, and behavior are modified, which treats the problem and boosts confidence. This is effective for panic attack treatment.

Dealing with Anxiety and Depression the Medical Way

Synthetic Drugs: Medicines are often prescribed for patients who are being treated for anxiety and depression as a part of the healing process. These medicines are not the cure, but they help in alleviating depression and anxiety symptoms. Anti-depressants are prescribed to patients suffering from mild to severe depression. These can also be used to treat anxiety. Other than these, medications like beta blockers and SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are also given to those suffering from anxiety and depression.

Herbal Remedies: Herbs like Gingko biloba, St. John's wort, ginseng, garlic, and basil are some herbs that provide natural remedies for depression and anxiety. Although most of these are free from any side effects, the natural compounds present in some herbal medicines may interfere with anti-depressants if taken with them.

Dealing with Anxiety and Depression by Complimentary Treatments

Exercise: Studies have shown that those who exercise regularly are less prone to suffering from depression. They are also bettered equipped to deal with anxiety and panic attacks. When on exercise, the body releases chemicals called endorphins that reduces the sensation of pain and induces a positive feeling. Just 30 minutes of exercise 3 to 5 times a week works as an effective anxiety reliever.

Relaxation: Deep breathing, meditation, muscle relaxation, controlled breathing, and visualization are some of the relaxation techniques, that if practiced regularly can relieve anxiety and foster emotional well being. Many of these techniques are being used in organizations to help employees in dealing with anxiety at work.

Hypnotherapy: During hypnosis one is in a relaxed state of mind. During this state, a hypnosis therapist uses different therapeutic measures to help one face his fears and view them in a new perspective. Hypnosis is often used with cognitive-behavioral therapy to treat depression and anxiety.

Alternative Form of Treatment: Alternative therapies like yoga, meditation and acupuncture are also found to be effective natural cures for depression, stress and anxiety. These forms of treatment are based on the premise that overall health of an individual can be improved by ensuring proper flow of energy within the body. Other the other hand, massage therapy, another kind of alternative therapy, aims at working on specific points in the body believed to trigger the release of endorphins - the feel-good chemical.

There are a number of methods to deal with anxiety and depression. Although alternative forms of treatment work to ensure general well being of mental health, psychotherapy is known to be the best answer for those who are wondering how to deal with anxiety and depression. Medicines and other forms of treatment can be combined with these therapies for better results in dealing with anxiety and depression.