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What Causes Depression And Anxiety?
Hello doctor. I want to discuss regarding on my behavior and state of mind. To simplify it, my mind is in a constant up and downs, causing me to feel really depressed at a moment, and feel happy when I am in a right state. I am not sure why I am like this, but then I can t seem to ignore things, rather i have to put some effort to do so. Some recent unpleasant events may have caused this, but times when I am not doing anything, or when I am alone, thoughts comes and goes. In a critical case, I was walking on a road feeling depressed, and it made me wish for a car to hit me so I could just die or something. So at least I am not commiting suicide. Other times, I want to just cry, tearing or not, but gives me the chills, or having cramps like sensation on my abdominal area when my anxiety peaks. I considered of going to a psychaiatrist, but then holds me back in the same time, thinking that this is natural for me, for I may just be too sensitive, or overthinking about things. In the same time I am concerned that what if I am really mentally ill, that I may look down upon myself that I am not worth. I am productive in a way, when I am tasked to do something, or in front of people at least, so people won t be bothered in a way. I don t really open up on things like this, but in the same time I don t wanna to self diagnose. On the other hand though, I keep the positive view of my life, and when I am anxious, I always tell my self that I am in a place where I am suppose to be , which helps me to at least relax a little bit. Just so I am curious why I am like this, or at least to have some sort of an idea, how could you conclude my behavior?
Wed, 26 Sep 2018
Hi,
You are having anxiety disorder. All your symptoms are due to this anxiety state. You also seem to have panic disorder at times. I will tell you few tips which you need to follow:
1. Connect with others: Loneliness and isolation set the stage for anxiety. Decrease your vulnerability by reaching out to others. Make it a point to see friends, join a self-help or support group, or share your worries and concerns with a trusted loved one.
2. Practice relaxation techniques: When practiced regularly, relaxation techniques such as mindfulness meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, and deep breathing can reduce anxiety symptoms and increase feelings of relaxation and emotional well-being.
3. Exercise regularly: Exercise is a natural stress buster and anxiety reliever. To achieve the maximum benefit, aim for at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise on most days.
4. Get enough sleep: A lack of sleep can exacerbate anxious thoughts and feelings, so try to get seven to nine hours of quality sleep a night. If you struggle with sleep, adopting smart sleep habits can make a big difference.
5. Be smart about caffeine and alcohol: If you struggle with anxiety, you may want to consider reducing your caffeine intake or cutting it out completely. Same with alcohol, which can make anxiety worse.
6. Train your brain to stay calm: Worrying is a mental habit you can learn how to break. Strategies such as creating a worry period, challenging anxious thoughts, and learning to accept uncertainty can significantly reduce anxiety and fear.
7. If you have anxiety that’s severe enough to interfere with your ability to function, medication may help relieve your symptoms. You need to visit a psychiatrist who will help you with medications.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Sanjay Kini,
General & Family Physician
You are having anxiety disorder. All your symptoms are due to this anxiety state. You also seem to have panic disorder at times. I will tell you few tips which you need to follow:
1. Connect with others: Loneliness and isolation set the stage for anxiety. Decrease your vulnerability by reaching out to others. Make it a point to see friends, join a self-help or support group, or share your worries and concerns with a trusted loved one.
2. Practice relaxation techniques: When practiced regularly, relaxation techniques such as mindfulness meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, and deep breathing can reduce anxiety symptoms and increase feelings of relaxation and emotional well-being.
3. Exercise regularly: Exercise is a natural stress buster and anxiety reliever. To achieve the maximum benefit, aim for at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise on most days.
4. Get enough sleep: A lack of sleep can exacerbate anxious thoughts and feelings, so try to get seven to nine hours of quality sleep a night. If you struggle with sleep, adopting smart sleep habits can make a big difference.
5. Be smart about caffeine and alcohol: If you struggle with anxiety, you may want to consider reducing your caffeine intake or cutting it out completely. Same with alcohol, which can make anxiety worse.
6. Train your brain to stay calm: Worrying is a mental habit you can learn how to break. Strategies such as creating a worry period, challenging anxious thoughts, and learning to accept uncertainty can significantly reduce anxiety and fear.
7. If you have anxiety that’s severe enough to interfere with your ability to function, medication may help relieve your symptoms. You need to visit a psychiatrist who will help you with medications.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Sanjay Kini,
General & Family Physician
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