Anxiety and depression are two of the most prevalent yet frequently misunderstood mental illnesses. Loved ones may mischaracterize them as the jitters or as the blues. Some may see them as phases that will pass. It is not uncommon for people suffering depression or anxiety to hear advice like…
“Have you tried these breathing and relaxation techniques? They helped my friend a lot.”
“Let’s talk about this in the morning. You just need a good night’s sleep. Then things won’t seem so bad.
“Come to yoga with me. It really helps me relax.”
“You should walk outside every day. The exercise and fresh air will make you feel better.”
Friends and family members — without question — offer such recommendations with the kindest and sincerest of intentions. However, advice like this tends to come from a misunderstanding of what anxiety and depression are and how they can be treated.
Anxiety is not just the jitters. Depression is not just the blues. The longevity and severity of their symptoms distinguish them from the normal ups and downs of life that everyone experiences. Anxiety and depression are disruptive to people’s everyday lives and can be difficult to treat without the guidance of a licensed mental health professional.
Treatment for anxiety and depression may involve talk-based therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), pharmacological treatment, or a combination of the two. It may also include suggestions to adjust your sleep routine and exercise habits, incorporate relaxation techniques, and meditation exercises. Just like other serious illnesses, treatment is supervised by a mental health professional who can make a proper diagnosis and devise a thorough and customized treatment plan.
When you are ready to meet with a licensed professional about your anxiety or depression, the therapists and counselors at Thriveworks in Seattle, WA are ready to meet with you. Our experienced staff has helped many clients and we look forward to doing the same for you.
Common Types of Anxiety and Depression
People often talk about depression and anxiety together because they often occur in tandem. While they are separate illnesses, many who suffer from anxiety also suffer from depression, and vice versa.
Depression and anxiety also share another characteristic: They each come in a variety of forms and proper diagnosis is often key to effective treatment.
Depression, for example, can manifest in different ways and at different times in an individual’s life. Some of the most common types of depressive disorders include:
- Major depressive disorder: When most people talk about depression, they are usually referencing major depressive disorder. Its symptoms include feelings such as sadness, despair, hopelessness, and emptiness. Major depressive disorder may come with sleep and appetite disruptions (either an increase or decrease) and may also result in unclear thinking and thoughts of suicide or death. These symptoms may be experienced for most of the day and for a minimum of two weeks.
- Adjustment disorder: When people go through life changes that are particularly stressful, these adjustments can trigger a form of depression. Examples of such changes include illness, job loss, career change, death of a loved one, relocation, and more. The symptoms overlap with major depressive disorder, but because they are tightly connected to a life experience, once the adjustment is processed emotionally, the depression may lift.
- Bipolar disorder: Sometimes, bipolar disorder is called manic depression because those are its two poles — mania and depression. The depression pole has the same symptoms as major depressive disorder, but people also swing to the mania pole. During mania, they experience an unnatural, frenetic euphoria or irritation. They often make unwise decisions and take risks that result in injury (physically, financially, sexually, or socially).
Anxiety is similar to depression in that it manifests in many ways. A few types of anxiety disorders include:
- Panic disorder: When people experience anxiety as recurring panic attacks, they may have panic disorder. During a panic attack, your heart may race, you may feel cold or hot, and you may feel like you are having trouble breathing. People who experience panic disorder may change their behavior in order to avoid the recurrence of another attack.
- Social anxiety disorder: When people feel nervousness and intense worry about normal, daily social interactions, they may have social anxiety disorder. This form of anxiety may make people feel judged or embarrassed, even when their loved ones support and care for them.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder: When the effects of trauma linger within an individual’s life, they can develop into post-traumatic stress disorder. Symptoms often include nightmares and flashbacks that can feel as if the traumatic event is still occurring.
Start Anxiety and Depression Counseling at Thriveworks in Seattle, WA
If you are struggling with depression or anxiety, know that Thriveworks in Seattle, WA is ready to help. We offer evening and weekend therapy sessions and when you contact our office, you may even be able to see a provider within 48 hours.
We accept most forms of insurance and offer an exciting array of benefits including access to your provider between sessions, text message support, and online appointments by phone or video.
You do not have to fight anxiety or depression alone. Call Thriveworks in Seattle, WA today to set up your first appointment.
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