Managing Anxiety and Depression

UNDERSTANDING AND OVERCOMING ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION

Anxiety and depression are common mental health conditions that can significantly impact a person’s life.  While they are distinct disorders, they often occur together, therefore, understanding the causes and available treatments is crucial for managing these conditions and improving overall well-being.  In 2022,18.2% of Americans reported symptoms of anxiety and 21.4% reported symptoms of depression.  Despite the prevalence of mental illness, research shows less than 50% of people seek help for their mental illness.  Barriers to mental health treatment include negative societal attitudes, stigma, lack of awareness and understanding, misconceptions around treatment, confidentiality concerns, poor experience with mental health treatment, and fear of being judged.  Anxiety and depression have multiple potential causes which can be biological, environmental, psychological, medical, and lifestyle-related.  It’s also important to note that anxiety and depression can often occur together, and sometimes alongside other mental health conditions. 

Because of these potential causes, understanding and overcoming anxiety and depression often becomes muddled. 

Causes of Anxiety and Depression

The exact causes of anxiety and depression are complex and not fully understood.  However, several factors are believed to contribute to their development:

• Genetics: A family history of anxiety or depression can increase the risk of developing these conditions.
• Brain chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, can play a role in mood regulation and anxiety responses.
• Environmental factors: Traumatic experiences, chronic stress, and difficult life events can trigger or exacerbate anxiety and depression.
• Personality traits: Certain personality traits, such as perfectionism or low self-esteem, may make individuals more susceptible to these conditions.
• Medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as thyroid problems or chronic pain, can contribute to anxiety and depression.

Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression can manifest in various ways, both physically and emotionally.

Anxiety symptoms:

• Excessive worry and fear
• Restlessness and irritability
• Difficulty relaxing 
• Difficulty concentrating
• Muscle tension
• Sleep disturbances
• Panic attacks

Depression symptoms:

• Persistent sadness and hopelessness
• Loss of interest in activities
• Changes in appetite and sleep patterns
• Fatigue and low energy
• Difficulty concentrating
• Suicidal thoughts 

Treatment

The most effective treatment for anxiety and depression is a combination of psychotherapy and medication management.  Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy (IPT), can help individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and develop coping skills.  Additionally, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are first-line medications used to treat anxiety and depression.  These medications work by increasing Serotonin and/or Norepinephrine availability in the brain to improve mental health symptoms and often take 4-6 weeks to accumulate in your system before you begin to see improvement in your symptoms.  The goal with medication management in combination with psychotherapy is to improve effectiveness, reduce mental health symptoms, reduce risk for relapse, improve quality of life and improve coping skills. 

Another treatment that is gaining in attention is Ketamine therapy.  Ketamine It works by blocking glutamate, a chemical that activates the NMDA receptor, which is found in both the nervous system and certain brain neurons.  This receptor helps boost brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports brain cell growth and flexibility.  Higher BDNF levels help people with depression by restoring brain activity and strengthening connections in the prefrontal cortex, ultimately helping the brain heal and function better.

Seeking Help

If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety or depression, seeking professional help is essential.  A mental health professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and develop a personalized treatment plan.  Remember, recovery is possible, and with the right support, individuals can lead fulfilling lives despite these challenges.

Mental Health Resources

• Dial #988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://www.nami.org/
• Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA): https://adaa.org/
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): https://www.nimh.nih.gov/

Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information about anxiety and depression and should not be considered medical advice.  Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.

Stella Luna Counseling and Wellness can now support sublingual (lozenge) ketamine practice through our psychiatric nurse practitioner Kaleigh Samf.  We also partner with New Pathways Clinic and provides expert Ketamine Assisted Therapy (KAP).  Whether it’s working with clients during session, or helping to process and integrate the experiences after and/or between, our therapists are skilled in being able to provide compassionate, authentic, holistic care.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, October 13). Mental health conditions: Depression and anxiety. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/depression-anxiety.html 

Terlizzi EP, Zablotsky B. Symptoms of anxiety and depression among adults: United States,

2019 and 2022. National Health Statistics Reports; no 213. Hyattsville, MD: National

Center for Health Statistics. 2024. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.15620/cdc/64018.