Do You Suffer from Depression or Anxiety?
Millions of Americans are affected by mental illness, depression, and anxiety being among the most commonly diagnosed mental health conditions.
If you are feeling depressed or anxious, you are not alone. Recent studies revealed that nearly 16 million American adults suffer from major depression and 42 million suffer from anxiety disorders.
Depression
Depression is often referred to as a “depressive disorder.” It’s a mood disorder that can cause debilitating symptoms. To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for at least 2 weeks. Those suffering from depression often report the following symptoms:
- Mood variations from mild sadness to feelings of intense hopelessness, worthlessness, feelings of guilt or failure
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Loss of interest in work or hobbies
- Generalize fatigue
- Disrupted sleep patterns or excessive sleeping
- Decreased libido
- Anxiety
Additionally, depression can occur under specific circumstances:
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a dysfunction of circadian rhythms that occurs in winter months due to decreased full-spectrum light.
- Postpartum Depression typically occurs in women 2 weeks to 6 months after giving birth. Symptoms are similar to a major depression but normally includes a heightened sense of concern about their baby.
Anxiety
Everyone faces stressful seasons in life, but anxiety disorders are longer-lasting and can significantly impact daily life. The most commonly diagnosed anxiety disorder is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Symptoms include:
- Apprehension
- Worry
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Muscle Tension
Other anxiety disorders include Panic Disorder, Phobias, Separation Anxiety, etc.
Depression and anxiety are serious conditions that often require medical intervention. If you think you’re at risk for depression or anxiety, Sensenbrenner Primary Care can help you. Our providers can determine a diagnosis as well as offer referrals for additional treatment. If you’d like to make an appointment to discuss your mental health, please call our office.
