Approaching Mental Illnesses

Anxiety and Depression are two those mental disorders which are very common these days. People
experience these disorders at time of grief, loss of a job, divorce ,illness and other stressors can lead to

feeling of sadness, worry , frustration and loneliness.
Anxiety may occur as a symptom of Depression .

Depression is defined by having a low mood/or a loss of interest or enjoyment in most activities for

weeks or longer . Depressed person might feel guilt , hopelessness, low self-esteem or low confidence ,

thoughts of suicide, etc. But in Anxiety disorders you may feel very worried about a range of everyday

things , feeling of irritability, etc.
These causes various physical symptoms like :
•sleeplessness
•fatigue
•poor concentration
•headache
•Tension/Stress
•weight changes
•dizziness
•pain in chest
Anxiety and Depression aren't always isolated . While there are people who suffer from either anxiety or

depression, it's common to experience both. These can cause changes in neurotransmitters , including

serotonin , dopamine and epinephrine .
Most cases anxiety precedes depression , typically by several years and as early as a person's childhood

and adolescent years.
Combination of symptoms of both disorders can take place when left untreated.

These disorders can be prevented if treatments take place properly :

1. Pyschotherapy is very effective to treat anxiety and depression . Of these cognitive behavioral
therapy (CBT) works to replace negative and unpredictable thoughts from mind by facing the reality.

2. Medication : It can be extremely useful. Depression and anxiety often occur together and
research shows that both respond to treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
(SSRI) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor medication (SNRI).
3. Daily exercises : Daily exercise helps reduce stress by increasing metabolism of the body. It helps

to remove toxins from body and makes us physically and mentally fit and healthy .
4. Talk with family members and friends and explain how they can be helpful.