How to Deal With Stress

General Anxiety Disorder is the bosom buddy of depression 85% of people who suffer major depression and are called the “fraternal twins of mood disorders.” Doctors aren’t sure why GAD and depression are so closely linked, but both must be treated in order for the treatment to be effective. Where GAD and depression co-exist, depression is more difficult to treat, symptoms of both are far more severe and recovery takes a great deal longer and suicide rates are dramatically increased than in people with depression alone.

Although they are similar, GAD and depression aren’t the same thing. GAD is believed, in part, to be caused by a brain chemistry malfunction. People with GAD constantly experience low levels of anxiety, even when there is no reason for it. They are fearful of many ordinary daily situations, such as going to the grocery store. They chronically worry, whether about what people think of how they look or the way they drive, and are prone to forgetfulness, which causes further anxiety, and often bring on panic attacks. Anxiety left untreated can paralyze people to the extent that they are incapable of maintaining a relationship, keeping a job, and in some cases, they can’t leave their house.

Although depression is considered a “low energy” state, this really isn’t so. People who are depressed experience hopelessness and anger, but almost all have underlying anxiety. They are plagued with despair and often find every day activities, such as taking a shower, cleaning house and relationships overwhelming difficult to deal with.

As someone with personal experience with severe anxiety and depression, I know how debilitating the combination is. After I graduated with my Paralegal degree and landed a job, the anxiety was so severe that I was fired as a direct result of it. I knew my team leader watched my every move (this wasn’t paranoia; she really did!) and reported every little incident to our supervisor. This increased the anxiety so much that I would be working along well on something, and then suddenly my mind would go blank! I wouldn’t know where I was or what I was supposed to be doing! I felt so saturated in hopelessness and despair, fearful of panic attack and losing my job that I couldn’t stop myself from bursting into tears. When I was fired, just before my 90 days probationary period was up, I was just as relieved as I was hurt and angry.

Together, depression and anxiety cripple their victims, and diminish their chances for leading healthy, happy and productive lives.

GAD is treated with the same medications prescribed for depression; usually Xanax, Ativan or Klonopin. With all three drugs, there is the risk of dependency and when these medications are withdrawn anxiety symptoms return. .Newer treatments, such as Effexor have no such risks. These drugs are used in conjunction with improved diet, physical exercise, relaxation exercises and cognitive behavior therapy. These therapies have proven effective in decreasing symptoms, but physicians consider GAD incurable, but controllable.

Depression and anxiety no longer have the power to control my life. I now run a successful home-based business, and I’m no longer afraid to go out in public. I eat well, exercise and practice relaxation techniques. Yes, I have to work at it, but I’ve reached a point where I control depression and anxiety, but it doesn’t control me!

Did you know that every 8 seconds someone in the US has a panic attack? True! And sometimes I’m one of them! How about you?

I’ve had panic attacks that have lasted 30+ minutes, and was absolutely certain I was having a heart attack! I couldn’t breathe, I had chest and neck pains, my left arm hurt, yet at the same time was numb; how weird is that?. Although I still feel the symptoms of panic attack coming on, from time to time, I’ve learned how to take control of my thoughts and reactions, and have changed my lifestyle to drastically decrease the chances of panic attack. Click Here To find out Step-By-Step how I took control of my Anxiety and Finally Ended My Panic Attacks.

* Enter First Name
* Enter Email
	* = Required Field

Anxiety and Depression