Good health isn’t just about being physically fit and active. Mental and emotional well-being is equally important. According to a survey, four in ten people nationwide reported symptoms of anxiety or depression in early 2021. The underlying cause of these mental health conditions differs between individuals; however, one can identify the possible contributors and take steps to improve their condition. This post highlights the common causes, symptoms, and remedies for depression and anxiety.

Causes of anxiety

Illness-induced stress
Severe health conditions like cancer can lead to anxiety symptoms. Patients may worry excessively about the condition’s prognosis and how it may affect their life in the long run.

Trauma-induced anxiety
Traumatic childhood events like kidnapping, mugging, and surviving a natural disaster can increase one’s susceptibility to anxiety.

Genetic predisposition
Researchers have found that individuals whose blood relatives have anxiety are two to six times likelier to inherit the mental health condition than those who do not have any relatives with anxiety. However, genes and environment work in tandem to influence one’s chances of developing an anxiety disorder.

Personality type
Some studies have linked specific personality types with a greater likelihood of developing anxiety. Individuals who score high on neuroticism are believed to be more susceptible than others. An association has also been established between introversion and anxiety.

Comorbidities
Individuals with other mental health conditions, such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are also highly susceptible to anxiety.

Symptoms of anxiety

Restlessness
Patients with anxiety may experience perpetual restlessness and tension. They may fidget often and find it hard to sit in one place for long.

Increased palpitations
Anxiety triggers the “fight or flight” response in the body’s autonomic nervous system, leading to anxiety attacks that can increase one’s heart rate considerably.

Sweating
Sweating is a natural response to stressful or fear-inducing situations. Hence, individuals with anxiety typically experience profuse sweating during anxiety attacks.

Causes of depression

Genetic predisposition
Although the exact genetic causes of depression are unclear, scientists believe 40% of individuals with depression have a genetic predisposition to the condition.

Childhood trauma
About 37% of individuals with chronic depression reported having experienced traumatic childhood events.

Comorbidities
Comorbid mental health issues, such as anxiety, PTSD, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, can increase one’s risk of depression.

Symptoms of depression

Feelings of despair
Many with depression experience despair, hopelessness, or a loss of purpose.

Sleep issues
Researchers have found a definite association between a lack of sleep and depression. However, in some cases, individuals may also sleep excessively as a form of escape.

Lack of motivation
Individuals with depression may be demotivated to achieve their goals at work and in their personal lives.

Avoidance of social interactions
Reclusiveness, characterized by a lack of interest in meeting even close friends and family, is a characteristic symptom of depression.

Treatments and remedies for depression and anxiety
Today, with increasing mental health awareness, several psychotherapeutic interventions and approaches are being implemented to help people cope with anxiety and depression. Examples include cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and interpersonal therapy.

Therapists also recommend several easy remedies to improve mental health:

Exercising and staying active
Limiting caffeine intake
Meditating and practicing mindfulness
Getting a good night’s rest
Relaxation and deep breathing techniques

Timely diagnosis and professional help can accelerate healing and restore mental and emotional well-being.