Unfortunately, depression and anxiety are very
prevalent in our culture. Often depression and anxiety
can be triggered by life stressors. There are different
types of depression and anxiety. Some long term, chronic
forms of depression and anxiety appear to have genetic roots,
as they often run in families. These types of depression
and anxiety may need medication, in conjunction with therapy
to effectively treat. Severe depression and anxiety
can also be made worse by life stressors.
Other forms of depression and anxiety are less
severe and are strictly related to current life events.
Life events that can trigger depression and anxiety are quite
varied. Examples include, but are not limited to:
losing a job; loss of a relationship; death of a loved one;
illness or loss of abilities; work; family and financial
stress; and traumatic events.
Symptoms of depression include: 1) depressed
mood most of the day, nearly every day; 2) markedly diminished
interest in activities; 3) significant weight loss or weight
gain; 4) insomnia or hypersomnia; 5) psychomotor agitation
or retardation nearly every day; 6) fatigue or loss of energy
nearly every day; 7) feelings of worthlessness or excessive
or inappropriate guilt; 8) diminished ability to think or
concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day; 9) recurrent
thoughts of death or suicidal ideation, plan or attempt.
The more of these symptoms you have and the longer you have
them, the more severe your depression.
There is also depression associated with bi-polar
disorders. With bi-polar disorders, periods of depression
can be followed by periods of elevated mood and vice versa.
There are also less severe depressions that are more transient,
called "adjustment disorders" that relate to current
life circumstances. Additionally, there is a chronic,
low grade depression called systemically that lasts for a period
of two or more years. Lastly, there are types of depression
that do not fall neatly into any one category.
Often depression and anxiety go hand in hand.
Symptoms of generalized anxiety include: 1) excessive
anxiety and worry; 2) difficulty controlling the worry; 3)
feeling restless, keyed up or on edge; 4) difficulty concentrating
or mind going blank; 5) irritability; 6) muscle tension; and
7) sleep disturbance.
There are also many other kinds of anxiety
disorders. Examples include: panic attacks; agoraphobia;
phobias; obsessive-compulsive disorder; post-traumatic stress
disorder; acute stress disorder; adjustment disorder with
anxiety or with anxiety and depression; non-specified anxiety
disorder.
Whatever type of depression or anxiety you
may be suffering from, Dr. Bailey can help you on your path
to recovery. The primary tools Dr. Bailey uses to treat
depression and anxiety are cognitive behavioral therapy, stress
management and self-care. If the depression and anxiety
are related to family issues, she may also employ family systems
therapy, process oriented therapy and inner child work.
Depending on the severity of your depression or anxiety, Dr.
Bailey may also recommend that you be evaluated for medication
by your health care provider.
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