Depression commonly manifests physically, through stomach pains, headaches, disrupted or excessive sleep, and motor control difficulty. While the causes of depression are unknown, a predisposition for it often runs in families and it can be triggered by trauma and adverse life circumstances. Depression is diagnosed more frequently in women and tends to display differently in women than in men. For adolescents depression is often expressed in irritability, risk-taking behavior, and anger. For depressed children, common symptoms are physical complaints, social withdrawal, sensitivity to rejection, and vocal outbursts or crying. In any age group, changes in sleep patterns, changes in appetite, feelings of worthlessness, difficultly concentrating, and thoughts of death are common.
People tend to suffer higher rates of depression after giving birth and in late fall. Depression and anxiety often exacerbate each other, and people with depression commonly have difficulty concentrating on tasks and conversations. Some people abuse alcohol and drugs or overeat as a way of coping, causing them to develop other medical problems. Depressed people are also at increased risk for self-harm.
Depression is a mental illness which is characterized by prolonged emotional symptoms including:
- Apathy
- Sadness
- Guilt
- Exhaustion
- Irritability
Diagnosing depression involves a psychiatric evaluation and physical tests to determine whether a person’s symptoms are actually being caused by a different disorder. A person must have been experiencing symptoms for at least two weeks to be diagnosed with depression. Every case is unique and requires individual attention, but there are a number of effective complementary ways of treating depression, including:
- Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
- Medication
- Adopting a healthier lifestyle
- Mindfulness techniques and Body awareness
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Anxiety Disorders are the most common mental health concern. Over 40 million adults in the U.S. have an anxiety disorder, with about 31% of the adult population in the U.S. experiencing an anxiety disorder in their lifetime. About 7% of children experience issues with anxiety each year. The most common anxiety disorder is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder, phobias, separation anxiety disorder, and agoraphobia.
Anxiety disorders are often best treated with psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be regarded as the therapeutic approach with the highest level of research evidence in its support. Mindfulness-based Cognitive therapy is also very effective..