What many anxiety and depression sufferers fail to realize is that these disorders are two of the most treatable forms of mental illnesses. There are numerous medications on the market today for attacking anxiety and depression. In addition, there is no shortage of literature and resources designed to help every anxiety and depression sufferer recover from their condition.
Up to now, medical science still has no complete understanding of anxiety and depression, although what is known is that these two disorders are related. For instance, it has been found that people with anxiety disorders are more likely to have depression compared to people who do not have anxiety disorders. The same goes for people with depression; they are more likely to develop or have anxiety disorders. Because of this apparent link between anxiety and depression, a lot of the treatments for anxiety are similar or are the same as the treatments for depression, and vice versa.
Sedatives were traditionally used to attacking anxiety and depression. In fact, alcohol was the very first sedative used as an anxiety treatment. However, alcohol had toxic effects and was highly addictive and so it was quickly replaced by barbiturates in 1912. However, it was soon found that barbiturates have almost the same negative effects as alcohol. Today, benzodiazapines are the most common type of anxiety treatment.
Like their predecessors, benzodiazapines are also highly addictive and in some cases can make the symptoms of anxiety and depression worse. If you are concerned that you may become addicted to benzodiazapines, or if you are diagnosed with both anxiety and depression, you’ll probably want to avoid using sedatives to attacking anxiety and depression.
A number of drugs are proven effective for treating some forms of depression. However, these same drugs can make anxiety disorders worse. For example, Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors like Wellbutrin are known to be effective in treating depression, but are not recommended to people who suffer both anxiety and depression. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs are medications effective at attacking anxiety and depression.
Anxiety and depression can also be treated in non-pharmaceutical ways. Sufferers can join support groups, undergo therapy and counseling, get on a regular exercise routine and switch to a healthy diet.
If you feel that you may be suffering from anxiety, depression or both, make an appointment to see your doctor for early diagnosis and treatment. As mentioned earlier, anxiety and depression are highly treatable disorders. If you don’t take immediate steps effectively attacking anxiety and depression, it will only become worse.
How To Deal With Depression Tip #1
Fish oil supplements. These can be an effective anti-depressant. Fish oils contain omega-3
fatty acids that have been found to suppress feelings of depression. Omega-3 fatty acids can help the brain replenish its supply of DHA fatty acids, which are needed to keep the brain healthy.
How To Deal With Depression Tip #2
B vitamins and folic acid. According to research, the B vitamins are another natural cure for depression. Research has discovered folic acid deficiencies in adults who have depression. Low folic acid levels can cause one to experience bouts of depression. Additionally, low folic acid levels can slow your body’s response to depression medications.
How To Deal With Depression Tip #3
Exercise. A good workout can help alleviate depression. Exercise acts as a mood enhancer.
Exercise can enhance the effects of depression medications by helping the body absorb medications better. And exercise encourages the production of endorphins, the “happy mood” chemical.