Depression is beyond unhappiness. A depressive disorder is a complicated condition that requires medical attention. In most cases, depression is described as a feeling of sadness, anger, or loss that significantly interferes with daily activities.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [1], around 8.1 percent of American adults around the ages of 20 and above had depression in any two-week period between 2013 and 2016. Apart from interfering with daily activities, depression can influence relationships with people and worsen underlying health conditions.
Sad and upsetting events can aggravate medical conditions like cancer, diabetes, obesity, asthma, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and obesity. Without proper treatment, depression is a medical condition that can worsen with time. Hence, it’s better to consider consulting a mental health professional for help.
Certain signs indicate a depressive state in individuals. Here are some of the significant warning signs of depression:
Anxiety
Anxiety is a widespread symptom of depression. However, it’s not a cause of depression. Anxiety is a condition that often occurs alongside depression, and it leads to certain symptoms. Some common anxiety symptoms include nervousness, feeling tense, restlessness, rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, trembling, and trouble concentrating.
According to the American Psychiatric Association [2], women are more likely to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder than men. There are various types of anxiety disorders, including phobia, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, separation anxiety disorder, illness anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The cause of anxiety is not entirely clear. However, certain factors contribute to the feeling, which includes genetic and environmental factors. Lifestyle changes are usually a better choice to treat anxiety and cope with the symptoms. Doctors may also recommend the use of medications like antidepressants and sedatives to treat the condition.