Anxiety Leads to Depression

The link between the two emotional states is quite obvious. Most of the people suffering from anxiety disorder, no matter of its form, are aware of the fact that their reactions, fears and worries are exaggerated, yet they cannot do anything to control them. The frustration accumulated in time, transforms into depression, thus leading to an aggravation of the patient’s condition. Because of this it is important that depression and anxiety are treated together.

Depression and anxiety disorder are inter-related. It is possible that depression triggered anxiety, but in the majority of the cases anxiety lead to depression. Depression usually sets in when people suffering from anxiety realize that is something wrong with them, try to fix that problem but fail. This feeling of failure is what causes depression. And depression leads to worries and concerns, which lead to further depression, like in a never-ending circle.

According to therapist Sally R. Connolly, there are studies which have proven that anxiety can be hereditary or, at least, people who had in their family sufferers of anxiety are prone to develop this condition too. 

When one person suffers from anxiety it is quite difficult to figure out if he also suffers from depression, too. However, there are some signs which may indicate that a person suffers from both conditions. The most commonly met are:

• panic attacks;
• insomnia;
• fear, stress and worry over insignificant issues;
• sadness and feeling of worthlessness;
• tiredness;
• total disinterest in entertaining activities;
• sweating, alert rhythm of the heart, difficulty in breathing.

The best way to treat anxiety disorders and depression is to address both issues simultaneously. The most effective way of treating both conditions is by undergoing cognitive-behavioral therapy, where patients will learn how to control their fears and emotions. They will be encouraged to seek deep down in their soul and see what the problem which triggered these conditions is.

Also medication can be of real help in these situations. Antidepressants will help both treating the depression and anxiety disorder at the same time. For better results, it is advisable that medication should be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral therapy. Also, no medication should be taken without the doctor’s prescription.

Physical exercises can be also of some help, because they release the chemicals responsible with relaxation. Yet, they are not a way to treat anxiety and depression, but rather a way to improve your emotional state for a short period of time.

Anxiety disorder and depression are conditions with which it is hard to live and all the persons who suffer from one or both conditions should seek for medical attendance. Talking about the symptoms they have and the emotional states they experience will help doctors prescribe the right treatment. Thus, the patient will have the chance to start a new, happy life.