Depression
Depression has no limits and boundaries; it can affect any type of person at any given time in their life. Everyone experiences feelings of sadness that are part of regular mood changes. Depression is more than a temporary state that can easily be overcome by pure motivation. It is different from feeling of sadness in the sense that it last longer, it is more intense and it can lead to clinically and significant impairment in a person’s ability to function professionally and is affected I his/her personal life. Depression affects the emotional, cognitive, and physiological state of a person’s wellbeing. Depression varies from person to person.
It’s important to remember that these symptoms can be part of life’s normal lows. But the more symptoms you have, the stronger they are, and the longer they’ve lasted—the more likely it is that you’re dealing with depression. When these symptoms are overwhelming and disabling, that’s when it’s time to seek help.
Common symptoms of depression
Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. A bleak outlook.
Frequent, increased crying or tearfulness. Tendency to be negative self judgemental and increase feelings of worthlessness, guilt, and obsessive negative thinking.
Loss of interest in daily activities. No interest in former hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex. You’ve lost your ability to feel joy and pleasure. Low energy and difficult to concentrate.
Appetite or weight changes. Significant weight loss or weight gain—a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month.
Sleep changes. Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping (also known as hypersomnia).
Anger or irritability. Feeling agitated, restless, or even violent. Your tolerance level is low, your temper short, and everything and everyone gets on your nerves.
Tendency to neglect daily responsibilities. Isolating from family and friends. Feeling hopeless and ineffective, which may deepen the feeling of depression. Strong feelings of being stuck in a depressive cycle.
It is common for a person who experiences depression to also experience symptoms of anxiety.
Depression can worsen if it is not treated. The sooner you address these symptoms, the sooner you can learn strategies to deal with your depression. Your life matters! Call me for a consultation 778 297 6066.
Anxiety
Feeling occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. Anxiety is an intense, excessive and persistent feeling of being worried, fearful, nervousness that become overwhelming.
An anxious person may have repeated episodes which interfere with daily activities and finds it difficult to control these symptoms. Feeling anxious can become prevalent and are out of proportion to the actual danger, the person perceives a situation as a real threat affecting his or her ability to overcome the physical symptoms and emotional state of mind. Anxiety can last a long time.
In an attempt to prevent these feelings, the person suffering anxiety may avoid places or situations. It is common for a person who experiences anxiety to also experience episodes of feeling depressed.
Often symptoms of anxiety may increase to the point of developing a strong panic and the person may have a physiological reaction, feeling debilitated and unable to continue doing what they are presently doing (panic attack).
Symptoms may start during childhood or the teen years and continue into adulthood.
Common anxiety signs and symptoms include:
Feeling nervous, restless or tense
Having difficulty controlling worry
Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry
Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom
Having an increased heart rate
Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
Sweating, trembling, feeling weak or tired
Having trouble sleeping
Experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) problems
Having the urge to avoid things that trigger anxiety
What to do:
Your feelings of anxiety may not go away on their own, and it may get worse over time if you don’t seek help.
It’s easier to treat it if you get help early. Call for consultation when:
You feel like you’re worrying too much and it’s interfering with your work, relationships or other parts of your life
Your fear, worry or anxiety is upsetting to you and is difficult to control
You feel depressed, have trouble with alcohol or drug use
You think your anxiety could be linked to a physical health problem
You have suicidal thoughts or behaviors — (if this is the case, seek emergency treatment immediately)
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