Let’s ask the experts!
What is the difference between normal sadness or grieving and depression?
Everyone experiences a range of emotions over the course of days and weeks, typically varying based on events and circumstances. When disappointed, we usually feel sad. When we suffer a loss, we grieve. Normally, these feelings ebb and flow. By contrast, depression tends to feel heavy and constant. People who are depressed are less likely to be cheered, comforted, or consoled.
What do I need to tell my healthcare professional when discussing my feelings of depression?
Total openness is important. You should talk to your healthcare professional about all of your symptoms, important milestones in your life, and any history of abuse or trauma. Also tell them about past history of depression or other emotional symptoms in yourself or family members, medical history, and medications you are taking, prescribed, or over-the-counter. It is also key to share how depression has affected your daily life and whether you have ever thought about suicide.
How long should I wait to see a medical professional?
It is important to see a healthcare professional as soon as you notice significant changes in your mood, difficulties in your work/school or home life, or if those close to you have commented about any concerning changes in your mood, personality, and/or behavior. More serious symptoms, such as suicidal thinking, require immediate attention.
Check more of those questions and answers at Psychiatry.org - Expert Q&A: Depression https://www.psychiatry.org/Patients-Families/Depression/Expert-Q-and-A
Now, let’s look at Anxiety disorders
There are several types of anxiety disorders: generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder with or without agoraphobia, specific phobias, agoraphobia, social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, and selective mutism
The American Psychiatric Association estimates that Anxiety disorders are the most common of mental disorders and affect nearly 30 percent of adults at some point in their lives. Anxiety disorders can cause people to try to avoid situations that trigger or worsen their symptoms. Job performance, schoolwork, and personal relationships can be affected. However, anxiety disorders are treatable with a number of psychotherapeutic treatments. Treatment helps most people lead normal, productive lives.
Can meditation or other relaxation techniques help with my anxiety?
Relaxation techniques and meditation can certainly help with your anxiety. Non-medication options are the first-line treatment for the mild anxiety that most of us experience from time to time. There are many books, online resources, and apps with relaxation exercises (often paired with deep breathing) and meditation guidance. They are relatively simple to learn, yet highly effective. These approaches can provide relief and can be used anywhere once the person understands the method. Mental health professionals can guide the person who needs a more personal approach to learning relaxation or meditation.
To know more about Anxiety Disorders, copy and paste the link below
Psychiatry.org - Anxiety Disorders https://www.psychiatry.org/Patients-Families/Anxiety-Disorders