Depression & Anxiety: Understanding and Managing Mental Health Conditions
This comprehensive resource page delves into the world of depression and anxiety, two common mental health conditions that can take a toll on an individual’s daily life. It discusses various treatment options, including therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes, and highlights the importance of seeking help if you’re struggling with these conditions.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a behavioral health crisis, get help now with crisis intervention.
What Are Depression and Anxiety?
Depression and anxiety are mental health conditions that can significantly affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. They often occur together and can be triggered by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.
- Depression is marked by persistent sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Anxiety involves excessive worry, nervousness, and fear that can interfere with daily functioning.
Many people experience both, and they can be effectively treated with professional care.
Common Symptoms of Depression:
Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
Fatigue or low energy
Difficulty concentrating
Changes in appetite or weight
Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, or worthlessness
Thoughts of death or suicide
Common Symptoms of Anxiety:
Excessive worry or fear
Restlessness or feeling on edge
Rapid heartbeat or shortness of breath
Difficulty sleeping
Trouble concentrating
Muscle tension
Consider speaking with a mental health professional if you’re experiencing several of these symptoms.
Available Treatments for Depression and Anxiety
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment, but with the right combination of approaches, most people improve significantly. At SummitStone, we offer:
- Telehealth
- Group Therapy
- Peer-Supported Therapy
- Medication Evaluation
- Vocational Support
- Adolescent Mental Health Programs
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Trauma-Informed Therapy
- Individual Counseling
- Yoga for Mental Wellness
- Women’s Behavioral Health Services
- Services for Veterans and LGBTQ+ individuals
What to Discuss with Your Doctor
Choosing the right medication, medication dose, and treatment plan should be based on a person’s needs and medical situation, and done under an expert’s care. Only an expert clinician can help you decide whether the medication’s ability to help is worth the risk of a side effect. Your doctor may try several medicines before finding the right one.
You and your doctor should discuss:
1. How well medications are working or might work to improve your symptoms
2. Benefits and side effects of each medication
3. Risk for serious side effects based on your medical history
4. The likelihood of the medications requiring lifestyle changes
5. Costs of each medication
6. Other alternative therapies, medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking and how these may affect your treatment
For more information, please visit Medications Health Topic webpage developed by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Please note that any information on this website regarding medications is provided for educational purposes only and may be outdated. Information about medications changes frequently. Please visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website for the latest information on warnings, patient medication guides, or newly approved medications.
Depression & Anxiety FAQs
How do I know if I need help?
If your symptoms last more than two weeks and interfere with daily functioning, it may be time to seek professional help.
SummitStone offers several free resources, click here to Get Help Now.
Can I have both depression and anxiety?
Yes—many people experience symptoms of both conditions. Treatments often address both simultaneously.
Some estimates show that 60% of those with anxiety will also have symptoms of depression, and the numbers are similar for those with depression also experiencing anxiety (Source: National Alliance on Mental Health).
Is treatment effective?
Absolutely. Many people experience relief through therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
Do I need to take medication?
Not necessarily. Many people respond well to therapy alone, but for others, medication can be life-changing.
To get help from a mental health professional, contact Summitstone.
How do I get out of a depressive episode?
1. Seek Support and Professional Help
The first and most crucial step in how to get out of a depressive episode is reaching out for support. Isolation can exacerbate feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Talk to your friends or family about what you’re going through, as opening up about your emotions can be cathartic. Additionally, consider seeking help from a mental health professional, such as a therapist or counselor, who can provide valuable insights and coping strategies.
2. Make Positive Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle adjustments can significantly impact your mental well-being. While they may not be a cure for depression, they can help alleviate symptoms and improve your overall mood. Consider incorporating the following practices into your daily routine:
3. Regular Exercise
Engaging in physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, which act as natural mood boosters. Immerse yourself in activities you enjoy, such as walking, jogging, yoga, or dancing. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
4. Healthy Diet
Nourishing your body with nutrient-rich foods can influence your emotional state positively. Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your meals, and limit sugary and processed foods.
5. Adequate Sleep
Make sleep a top priority and set up a regular sleep routine. Lack of sleep can exacerbate depressive symptoms, so aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep (without interruptions) each night.
6. Mindfulness and Meditation
Practicing mindfulness and meditation in your daily routine can help you stay present and reduce rumination on negative thoughts. Consider incorporating mindfulness exercises into your daily routine.
7. Limit Alcohol and Substance Use
While it may be tempting to turn to alcohol or substances for temporary relief, they can worsen depressive symptoms in the long run. Limit your consumption or avoid them altogether.
8. Engage in Activities You Enjoy
Depression often leads to a loss of interest in activities that once brought joy. Counteract this by making a list of activities you used to enjoy and gradually reintroduce them into your routine. Engaging in hobbies or investing time with your loved ones can offer a profound sense of purpose and pleasure.
9. Challenge Negative Thoughts
Depression often involves negative thought patterns that can distort your perception of reality. Practice recognizing these negative thoughts and challenge them with evidence that contradicts them. Consider seeking help from a therapist to learn cognitive-behavioral techniques.
10. Create a Supportive Environment
Surround yourself with a network of supportive and empathetic individuals who can offer encouragement and empathy during your journey to recovery. Minimize contact with people who may contribute to feelings of negativity or stress.
11. Set Realistic Goals
During a depressive episode, even small tasks can feel overwhelming. Break your goals into smaller, achievable steps, and celebrate each accomplishment along the way. Remember that progress, no matter how small, is still progress.Practice
12. Self-Compassion
Be kind to yourself during this challenging time. Avoid self-criticism and practice self-compassion. Treat yourself with the same level of understanding and empathy that you would offer to a friend.
For more help, visit our blog: How to Get Out of a Depressive Episode: Practical Steps to Regain Your Emotional Balance
Depression & Anxiety Resources
