Depression and Anxiety
Depression and anxiety patients are often left with more questions than answers. Depression and anxiety are common ailments. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), around 1 in 10 adults in the US experience one or the other of these conditions in any given year. One of the most frustrating facts about both depression and anxiety is that one’s rumination about the symptoms can increase their effect. In other words, it seems the more you think about what your condition is doing to you, the worse it seems to get. When depression and anxiety become chronic, it’s hard to know where to turn.
Some people, such as divorced individuals or the elderly, have statistically been more susceptible to major depression. Younger adults seem to be more susceptible to other kinds of depression. Statistics are similar for adults with anxiety-related disorders, though for this condition, symptoms tend to be more acute and generally shorter lived. Nonetheless, anxiety’s aggressive symptoms can be just as debilitating. Either one can bring about suicidal thoughts, though this is by far most common in major depression. Life does have its ups and downs, but when the symptoms of depression and anxiety persist and become chronic, one should seek immediate attention. Though medication is the most commonly advertised treatment for these conditions, it’s important to understand that drugs generally do not cure these conditions. They are most commonly geared to alleviating the acute symptoms. See this page for more information on my thoughts about the use of medication versus psychotherapy in the treatment of mental illness.
Depression and anxiety can often show up in combination with each other or along with other conditions. Drug or alcohol abuse can lead to or aggravate symptoms of either depression or anxiety or both. People with bipolar disorder usually experience depression as one of the two poles of the bipolar complex. In any of these cases, it’s important to take a broad approach to the multiple conditions and symptoms and to address them together. I am well-versed in addressing this wide range of experiences and will work with any other providers you may already be working with should you be interested in pursuing treatment with me.
Most importantly, you need not be alone in this process. It can be hard to reach out and get help. You might find yourself wishing that the depression and anxiety will just go away if you wait a little longer. This can be especially confusing as the symptoms can cycle through ups and downs. Let me help you find your way through this.