Losing a job, death of a love one, going through a divorce and any life-changing event may lead a person to feel sad, lonely, anxious and even scared. Most of the people feel sad and low at times, while some other were unable to cope with these changes causing them to develop mental disorders such as anxiety and depression.

Depression

Around 264 million worldwide suffer from depression. 17.3 million of them are adults age 18 years old and above who had at least one major depressive episode in the last year. Depression more commonly occurs in women than men. According to Mayo Clinic, Depression is a “mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest and can interfere with daily functioning. The most commonly diagnosed form of it is Major Depressive Disorder.

Major Depressive Disorder is characterized by having at least 5 or more of the following symptoms:

  • Low mood
  • Diminished interest or pleasure in activities (anhedonia)
  • Fatigue or loss of energy
  • Sleep changes
  • Diminished ability to think or concentrate or indecisiveness
  • Low self-confidence
  • Weight or appetite changes
  • Recurrent suicidal thought or ideations
  • Psychomotor agitation or retardation
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt.

Anxiety

40 million adults in the United States alone have anxiety disorders. Anxiety is a normal emotion or reaction of the body in response to possible stress or potential danger. We often experience occasional anxiety but when you experience constant and overwhelming anxiety and fear that’s when you should consider to sought consult.

The main symptom of Anxiety is excessive fear or worry. Other symptoms that may help in the diagnosis of Anxiety disorder are:

  • Intense fear and worry
  • Feelings of panic, doom or danger
  • Sleep problems
  • Cold, sweaty, numb feeling
  • Shortness of breath
  • Hyperventilation
  • Dry mouth, nausea, dizziness
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Intensely or obsessively avoiding feared objects or places

Difference Between Depression and Anxiety

Depression and Anxiety maybe different from each other but most people who were diagnosed with it experiences similar symptoms such as nervousness, irritability, problems sleeping and concentrating. Many people who were diagnosed with depression may have had a history of anxiety disorder in their life. On some occasions, you may have both depression and anxiety disorder.

How to Conquer Anxiety and Depression

1. Reach Out and Stay Connected

It may be exhausting to talk to someone when you have depression. It may be because you are ashamed of your current situation or you are feeling guilty for neglecting some important relationships that you have.  You need to know that this is a part of depression and it is not a weakness.

In people with anxiety, they may be overly anxious of people’s opinion towards them. This may also be the reason why they rarely talk to other people regarding their anxiousness.

Both anxiety and depression have their reasons why they do not reach out and talk to their loved ones. Reaching out is not a weakness but rather, a strength. You are not burdening others when sharing your worries. Instead, you are asking for their help and understanding. It makes everything so much better when you work together to improve your health status.

 2. Do things that you Enjoy

You may lose your will to do or perform your favorite things for a while as a symptom of depression and anxiety, but it does not mean that you can get back to it. You can never force yourself to something to have fun, but you can start slowly at things that you know you enjoy. May it be catching up on your favorite series, a day trip to a museum or practicing your favorite sport, it is never too late to start again.

3. Eat Healthy

In order to defeat any illness, whether physical or mental, you need to be healthy. Make a balance diet and stay away from caffeine, alcohol, preserved foods as this may affect the chemical balance of your brain. Do not skip your meals and minimize your intake of sugary foods. You may also incorporate some vitamin B and multivitamins to better support your body.

4. Take a Walk

The morning sunlight is rich in Vitamin D. It does not only make your skin healthier, but it boosts your serotonin level and improve your mood. If possible, take a walk in the nearby park for at least 15 minutes. While you are at it, you may also try hiking and playing a sport with a friend. Remember: The sun is your friend.