Anxiety & Depression

Anxiety & Depression

Anxiety and depression are caused by an imbalance in the brain hormone serotonin and often occur together called “comorbidity”. Although you may think of anxiety as a higher energy state than depression, each condition impacts the other, e.g., continued anxiety can make a person feel depressed and feeling depressed for a long period of time can cause anxiety.

What is Anxiety?

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a general term for feelings of insecurity and distress in response to specific triggers. Many people commonly feel anxious in unfamiliar situations or temporarily worry about something like an assignment or upcoming test. However, the anxious feelings do not go away for someone with a generalized anxiety disorder. Instead, they interfere with daily activities and can get worse over time.

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health concern in the United States and affect an estimated 40 million people, if not more.

What is Depression?

What is Depression?

Depression is the persistence of negative feelings that impact daily functioning and outlook. For those experiencing depression, feelings of helplessness or hopelessness extend beyond a couple of weeks and can persist for years. Common symptoms include fatigue, sadness, irritability, and a general loss of interest in activities and daily routines.

Today, young adults between 18-25 are 60% more likely to have depression than adults aged 50 or older.

What Do They Feel Like?

What Do They Feel Like?

Anxiety and depression are caused by an imbalance of serotonin (a neurotransmitter and hormone) in the brain and often occur together. Although you may think of anxiety as more stimulating than depression, each condition impacts the other. Continued anxiety can make a person feel depressed and feeling depressed for a long period of time can cause anxiety.

Below are common symptoms and behaviors that are often seen in individuals with anxiety and depression:

Anxiety

  • Trouble sleeping or staying asleep
  • Excessive worry
  • Feeling agitated
  • Restless
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Irritability
  • Many fears
  • Isolation or avoiding social interaction
  • Panic attacks

Depression

  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Losing interest in activities that were enjoyable
  • Loss of sleep or trouble sleeping
  • Uncontrollable emotions
  • Irritability or feeling “on edge”
  • Anxiety
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Changes in appetite or weight

Explore Programs

Explore Programs

Learn more about how our programs can help individuals living with anxiety and depression.

Five young adults in sitting yoga position meditating

Meditation

For anxiety and depression, mindfulness improves overall mood by helping individuals to focus on the present moment, improving sleep, attention, concentration, and interpersonal relationships.

Person in black tights doing standing tilted yoga pose

Yoga

For individuals with anxiety and depression, yoga can help promote a tranquil sense of self that is free from the judgment or apprehension that can make it challenging for anxious and depressed individuals to function in their daily lives.

Person looking at nutritional value chart

Nutrition

Multivitamin and mineral supplements (vitamin D, vitamin B complex), foods rich in probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants can make up for the nutritional deficiencies that are common in people with anxiety and depression.

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Music

Science has shown that music can release serotonin within the brain, facilitating relaxation and a sense of calm that allow anxious and depressed individuals to express themselves through music.

Holistic
Wellness
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Holistic
Wellness
Solutions