Research shows that around one in four people are suffering
from mental illness, which means that at any point in time,
a quarter of the population have some kind of mental health
problem which can range from mild depression and anxiety
right through to serious mental health conditions such as
schizophrenia and other forms of dementia.
No one is immune to developing a mental health problem as
mental illness can strike anyone, anywhere, at any time and
at any age. So how can you recognise the early warning
signs? All of us will inevitably feel a bit out of sorts or
low at times and it's important to stress that this is a
perfectly normal part of life and the feeling usually wears
off after a short period of time. It's when we can't shake
this feeling off on our own that we should pay attention
and on the alert for other symptoms of depression or
anxiety.
The most common types of mental health problems are indeed
anxiety related disorders and depression and by recognising
the symptoms we can help prevent ourselves or others close
to us from experiencing unnecessary suffering and despair.
Common symptoms of anxiety and depression
* Low moods or sadness
* Unable to sleep or sleeping too much
* Changes in appetite
* Fatigue
* Loss of libido
* Weight loss or weight gain
* Irritability
* Emotional outbursts
* Experiencing a panic attack
* Unable to relax
* Excessive worrying
* Feeling worthless and guilty
* Unable to make decisions
* Feeling anxious and nervous
* Obsessive compulsive behaviour
* Thoughts of suicide
We may experience one or more of these symptoms from time
to time and yet not be suffering from a mental illness but
if the symptoms persist and are severe enough to interfere
with what you normally do on a day to day basis then you
should seek advice from your doctor.
For example if you find it hard to go to work, or get up in
the morning, or if you avoid social contact with friends or
stop indulging in hobbies or pastimes that you used to
enjoy or if you are constantly worrying and feeling anxious
then this should all be taken seriously.
Recognising anxiety
Anxiety can be defined as a persistent nagging and
unrealistic worry or fear about any aspect of your life,
for example it could be connected to your health, your
relationships or your work. You might have some difficulty
focussing or concentrating on a task, your sleep may be
disturbed and you could feel edgy and irritable or shaky
and nervous.
Again it's important to stress that we all become anxious
when faced with threatening or difficult situations such as
a driving test or a job interview and this is a good thing
as it helps us to prepare for the event. It's when this
anxiety persists when there is no obvious reason for it
that we should pay attention and seek help before it gets
any worse. If we are extremely anxious or worried then we
might also experience panic attacks.
What are panic attacks?
Panic attacks are terrifying; they can come on at any time
without warning. Physical symptoms include difficulty
breathing, pounding heart, unable to swallow, pains in the
chest, dizziness and shaking. People often describe the
sensation of a panic attack as if they are having a heart
attack and feel as if they are going to die. Once someone
has experienced a full blown panic attack they may be so
scared of having another one that even the fear of the
panic attack itself is enough to bring one on.
People who are suffering from persistent anxiety are often
suffering from depression too.
Recognising depression
Depression can be said to exist when you have been feeling
low for more than a couple of weeks or so and the symptoms
are severe enough to hinder you from carrying out your
normal daily routines the way you used to and you no longer
enjoy the same activities that you used to find
pleasurable. It can make you feel exhausted, worthless and
unable to cope with even the most minor of tasks.
When to seek help
Quite simply, it is important to seek help as early as
possible in order to get the right support. Many people are
tempted to go it alone and struggle on day after day which
not only reduces quality of life it also magnifies existing
feelings of isolation, hopelessness and despair.
If you are diagnosed with depression or an anxiety related
disorder then it is quite likely that you will be offered
medication in the first instance, and possibly some form of
therapy.
The good thing is that both depression and anxiety are
treatable and with the right support and understanding from
family and friends, most people will get back to their old
selves again and will go on to make a complete recovery.
----------------------------------------------------
Depression and anxiety are serious mental health conditions
that can strike anyone at anytime. For more information
about depression and selp help come and visit
http://www.fightingdepression.co.uk
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