What are depression, anxiety and panic? by Jammy Hokins
Introduction
We wish to start this section with a clear definition of what we mean by the terms depression, anxiety and the very high levels of sudden-onset anxiety known as panic.
Together, these affect more than one in five people at some time in their lives.
What is depression?
Feeling fed up and low in mood is a normal part of life. When difficulties or upsetting events occur it is not unusual to feel down, stop enjoying things and to feel understandably low for a time as a reaction to these events.
Likewise when good things happen, a person may experience happiness, pleasure and a sense of achievement. The reasons for low mood are usually clear - a stressful situation, a relationship difficulty, feeling let down by someone, financial difficulties, unforeseen events or some other practical problem.
Most of the time the drop in mood only lasts for a short period of time and then we "bounce back".
Occasionally, however, a person's mood may seem to fall for little or no obvious reason and it may be difficult to begin with to know quite why. In some cases this "depressed" feeling can worsen and completely dominate the person's life. When someone feels very low for more than two weeks and feels like this day after day, week after week, this is called a depressive illness.
It is important to say that there should no stigma attached to the diagnosis of "depression". In reality the term is simply a convenient way of describing a broad range of symptoms that vary from person to person but are having an unhelpful impact on their lives.
b). What is anxiety?
Anxiety, worry, tension and stress are all terms that are used to describe what is a widespread experience for many people. Anxiety is a common emotion, which at times can be helpful even though it can feel very unpleasant.
For example, in situations of danger we begin to feel anxious and this prompts us to try to deal with it by getting away as rapidly as possible. If you walk along a badly maintained path next to a large drop, anxiety can be life saving, appropriate and helpful.
However, sometimes anxiety can occur inappropriately and then it becomes unhelpful. The person may feel anxious in situations that are not really dangerous at all, or notice excessive anxiety well beyond what is actually helpful or appropriate in the circumstances.
Worrying thoughts are common in anxiety. In worry, the person goes over things again and again in their mind in a way that is unhelpful because it does not actually help to resolve the difficulty that is being worried about. Instead, problems are turned over and thought about again and again.
Sometimes the worry may be out of all proportion; something that may originally have happened in a few moments, perhaps something that someone has said to you, can dominate your thinking for much of the following days or weeks, adding up in total to many days or even weeks of worry over the following months.
In anxiety, the person often overestimates the threat or danger they are facing, and at the same time usually underestimates their own capacity to cope with the problem.
Normally, when there is no stress, the person feels able to cope with the problems they face. In other situations, they may begin to feel stressed. Either they see the problem as too large or overwhelming, or they think they cannot cope.
In both situations, the anxiety balance is upset, and the person begins to feel increasingly stressed and upset. At times of emotional distress, it is sometimes easy to forget that we are not alone when we face life's difficulties - we do not only have our own capacity to cope, but also upon the support of others around us including friends, relatives, voluntary sector groups and health care practitioners such as your GP as well as those working within the mental health services..
c). What are panic attacks?
Sometimes anxiety can come on very rapidly (usually within 10 minutes) to such a high level that the person feels so mentally and physically tense and unwell that they stop what they are doing and try to leave or escape from the situation. Failing that they may become paralysed into inactivity like rabbits caught in the headlamps of a car and just wait, expecting disaster to strike at any moment.
They do this because they fear that something terrible or catastrophic will happen. This feeling of acute fear, dread or terror is called a panic attack.
Panic attacks typically have a rapid onset and are short-lived, usually lasting no longer than 20-30 minutes. During panic, the person can experience catastrophic fears that a sudden and threatening physical illness or terrible event will occur right now.
"I'm going to faint", "I'm going to suffocate" "I'm going to collapse", "I'm going to have a stroke", or "I'm going to have a heart attack", are the sorts of thoughts that will go through their minds.
Sometimes the fear is that a catastrophic mental event will occur such as going mad and losing control. These fears may take the form of a mental image (for example, a picture of losing control or of being admitted to hospital with a heart attack).
Sometimes fears may be focused upon the reaction of others (e.g. a fear that others will look and laugh or mock you if you were to collapse).
The key point is that the fear is immediately threatening, scary and catastrophic. Sometimes the person becomes so fearful that even just thinking about the situations and places where panics have previously occurred may result in them feeling anxious.
They may find themselves worrying that a further panic attack will occur and this anticipation itself can add to the person's anxiety. The person commonly reacts by avoiding anything to do with that situation or place.
The result is often an increasingly restricted lifestyle, reduced confidence and additional long-term distress. When this happens, the person is described as having a phobia as well as panic attacks.
A phobia is anxiety that regularly occurs in a specific situation. You may have heard of people who have panic attacks on buses or in shops or crowded situations - the most common form of phobia and is sometimes called agoraphobia.
Panic attacks also commonly occur in other specific situations (in open spaces, and in phobias of certain animals such as spiders and snakes, and even such apparently harmless creatures as butterflies).
In some cases the person may not have a specific fear or anxiety but experience panic attacks when other upsets or fears build up and up in their minds. It is important to realise that problems of anxiety, depression and panic may occur together, or quite separately.
However they are affecting you, this chapter will help you to find out more about the causes of these, and help you to begin to plan ways of changing this. How common are depression, anxiety and panic?
Depression and anxiety are far more common experiences than most people think. Anxiety and depression can affect anyone.
Some well known people have experienced them. You may have seen television programmes or read books about their experience of tackling these problems. Around 1 in 5 people experience depression and at least 1 in 10 people experience a panic attack at some time in their lives.
It is extremely likely that you will know one or two friends, family members or people you come across on a daily basis who regularly experience these problems.
There will probably be many more people around who are suffering from depression, anxiety and panic than you are aware of because of the unwillingness of many people to admit having such experiences.
Jammy Hokins writes for http://www.anxietyremedies.info where you can find out more about cheap hotels and other topics.
About the Author
Jammy Hokins writes for http://www.anxietyremedies.info where you can find out more about cheap hotels and other topics.
Relationships
ArticleWorld.net Free Articles - http://www.articleworld.net All people want love, then when they get it they become afraid and start running in the opposite direction. On the one hand, they want love and to be in a relationship; on the other hand, they are relieved to getaway. It always seems to as if relationships are difficult; difficult to find, difficult to keep and difficult to enjoy. The fundamental truth is there is never a scarcity of relationships, there is never a scarcity of love. Love is our natural condition. Why aren't we in it all the time? What is it that makes us run from the love we are so hungry for? What drives people from the arms of each other, and what would it take to keep them there? In order to answer this question, first we have to understand the difference between Real and Counterfeit love. Most of us live with the mirage of love rather than the real thing. Like a mirage, Counterfeit love is false and can never bring true satisfaction. Like all mirages, when Counterfeit Love is seen for what it is, it evaporates, leaving no room the real thing. No on runs from love that is real; they cannot. It's too nourishing and too rare. But counterfeit love traps you, scares you, keeps you on the run. Counterfeit love gives a mirage of water in the desert, and we all know that a mirage wont quench your thirst. Many feelings masquerade as love; dependency, attachment and possessiveness are just a few. Below I have offered several touchstones to love, which are touchstones to help you separate counterfeit love from the real thing. To begin, we will first look at some needs and patterns inside people that keeps them from really being with the other people, and potential mates, in front of them. Waiting For The Perfect Partner Many people have a secret fantasy which whispers that a perfect partner is somewhere, waiting for them. This perfect partner will not only accept them fully as they express the parts of themselves that are hidden, but will also bring out the best in them. Rather than criticize, demean and demand from them, the partner will give unconditionally and fulfill his/her needs. Fantasy should not be discounted, as it constitutes much of life. Touchstone 1 Rather than looking for perfection outside of yourself by seeking another, find the perfection in yourself right now. List five things you accept and like about yourself. Add to this list everyday. Focus upon what is good in yourself, and the parts you don’t like will fade away. No other person can make you whole. In order to find your perfect partner, you must become what it is you want to find. Touchstone 2 Some use the quest for a perfect mate as a way to rejected and avoid being with the real people who come into our lives now. It is a way of avoiding fears that we may have of relationships. See if that is what you are doing. Is it safer to have a fantasy than a real flesh and blood person to build a life with? Answer the following questions. What are the advantages to having a relationship? How will it improve your life? List as many as you can think of. What are the disadvantages to having a relationship? How will it affect your live negatively? List as many as you can think of. In order to resolve any concerns you have about relationships, you first must be aware and understand of them. Now that you have made your lists, please examine the disadvantages. Fantasy is a way of avoiding confronting such feelings. They must not be discounted, and you should ponder them closely. They constitute important obstacles standing in your way of having the relationship you desire. With this new awareness, you are now enabled to begin to resolve these concerns. Touchstone 3 How to deal with people who are waiting for the perfect mate. Be aware when a person is seeking an image, know that you will never perfectly fill that bill. Be who you are. Don't turn yourself into someone you think he/she will enjoy. They will know what you are doing, lose respect, run away. Be warm and caring. Touch your mate softly. Don't reject his/her fantasies. If he/she is a person who is controlled by his peer group, see if you fit into his/her group image? For some people, the perfect person is stable, without too much passion. For others, it's just the opposite. Find out who the person is. If you do not fit his/her image, say good-bye, don't conform. Realize that everything changes. What seems perfect one day will seem flawed the next. Examine your feelings about yourself, the ways in which you feel imperfect. Work on these issues directly; Another person can never complete something you are lacking within. See if your desire for perfection is simply a way of avoiding falling from love. It is easier to focus on what is wrong with a person than on what is right? Make a practice of finding everything that is right about all the people you meet, day after day. This will bring you an entirely new perception of people and of life. Accept your own flaws, do not judge them. The more you love and accept yourself, the more perfect others will seem. Rather than look down upon others, make an effort to focus upon their beauty and goodness. Even if he/she isn't the right one for you, you can train yourself to find reality positive and comforting. About the author: Brenda Shoshanna Ph.D. is a Psychologist and award winning author whose self help books have been published in over 13 languages. http://www.brendashoshanna.com"Ask Brenda Shoshanna Her new ebook, Save Your Relationship, teaches the 21 basic laws of successful relationships. It shows you, step by step, how to heal a broken relationship, and how to build health and satisfaction with your significant other. You can learn more about it now by visiting: http://www.truthaboutlove.com"Save Your RelationshipArticle provided by:http://www.contenttycoon.com Depression - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment options http://www.articleworld.net/articles/7929/1/Depression---Symptoms,-Causes-and-Treatment-options Knut Holt Knut Holt is an internet consultant and marketer focusing on health items. TO FIND anti-aging supplements and natural medicines against hypothyroidism, over-weight, joint pain, heart disease, hemorrhoids, depression, acne, eczema, rosacea, scars, wrinkles, other skin problem and other common diseases, PLEASE VISIT his web-site:---- http://www.abicana.com/shop2.htm By Knut Holt Published on 05/11/2006 The main symptom of depression is sadness or low mood level, but many other mental and physical symptoms also occur. Here are symptoms, causes and treatment options explained. Depression gives both mental and physical symptoms Depression is a complex of psychological and physical symptoms. Low mood level or sadness is often the most prominent symptom. The common property of these symptoms is a decreased activity level in parts of the brain. THE SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION Depression may give one or more of these symptoms: -Low mood level or sadness. -Lack of joy or interest in activities that were joyful before. -Pessimism. -Feel of guilt of something without any substantial reason to feel so. -Inferiority thoughts. -Irritability. -Slowness in the thought process. -Slowness in interpreting sensorial stimuli. -Slowness of digestion or other internal physical processes, and symptoms caused by this slowness, for example inflated stomach, constipation or difficulties by urination. -Slow physical reactions. Depression can be a mild disease that only causes some annoyance in the daily life, but can also get very serious and make a person totally unable to work and unable to participate in social life. By depression of some severity, there is also a greater risk of suicide. Depression can occur in all age classes. In teenagers lack of interest in school work, withdrawal from social life and difficult mood can be signs of depression. THE PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES THAT PRODUCE THE SYMPTOMS By depression there is a decreased amount of neurotransmitters in parts of the central nervous system, mainly deficiency of serotonin, but also to some extend of noradrenalin, acetylcholine, dopamine or gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA), or the nerve cells do not react properly by stimulation from neurotransmitters. A neurotransmitter is a signal substance that transmits the nerve signal through the junctions between two nerve cells. Serotonin and noradrenalin cause nerve cells to send impulses along to other nerve cells, and thus increase the activity in the brain. Deficiency of these substances causes slowness in parts of the brain, and that again causes the depressive symptoms. The role of GABA is the opposite, namely to slow down some nerve impulses, mainly those causing anxiety and panic response. Lack of GABA causes higher anxiety and easier panic response. Yet, lack of this transmitter also seems to cause depressive symptoms. This is because a too high activity in some brain processes may slow down other processes. There are many causes and subtypes of depression with different physiological mechanisms involved. TYPES OF DEPRESSION Depression is often divided into subtypes according to exhibited symptoms. 1. Mono-polar depression and dysthymic disorder By mono-polar depression there are pure depressive symptoms. Mild cases of mono-polar disorder that do not affect a persons ability to work and to participate in social activities are often called dysthymic disorder. 2. Bipolar disorder (manic-depressive disease) and cyclothymic disorder In this condition there are periods with symptoms of depression - the depressive phase, alternating with periods of elevated mood level with increased mental and physical activity - the manic phase. In the manic phase, the affected person also sleeps poorly and has concentration difficulties. A mild form of this disease is called cyclothymic disorder. 3. Manic disorder This condition is characterized by abnormally elevated mood, by unrealistic optimism, by lack of sleep and by hyperactive behaviour. Many psychiatrists think that this disorder is simply the same disease as bipolar disorder where the depressive face has not yet occurred. 4. Depression with mainly physical symptoms Sometimes the physical symptoms of depression are alone or dominant, as for example: Digestive problems, constipation, difficulties with urination, slow response to sensorial stimuli or slow physical reactions. CAUSES OF DEPRESSION Two or more factors can have an effect simultaneously to cause depression. Depression can be an independent disease, or a part of other disease. Depression is also divided into different subtypes according to cause. 1. Reactive depression This disease is simply a result from psychological stress, physical struggle or mental straining without proper rest or sleep over a long time period. The straining will simply wear out the nervous system or deplete the organism from nutrient necessary for the nervous system to work properly. 2. Endogenous depression When there has not been any period of stress, straining or lack of rest that can explain the condition, the condition is often called endogenous depression. Inheritance is thought to be a part of the cause. 3. Depression by physical disease Depression or depressive symptoms may be a symptom of physical disease. This is perhaps the most common cause of depression. Diseases often associated with depression are: Heart disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke, hypertension or Cushing's syndrome. Mononucleosis or flu may trigger depression that continues after the infection has gone. By lack of thyroid hormones, hypothyroidism, the metabolism in the whole body is slowed down, including the production of neurotransmitters in the brain. Therefore depression is an important symptom of hypothyroidism. 4. Depressive symptoms as a consequence of unsound lifestyle A general unsound lifestyle with too less exercise, too much of stimulants like alcohol, coffee or tea, too less of important nutrient and too much of sugar and fat may give depressive symptoms, as well as physical problems. 5. Postnatal depression Women will often have a period of depression after pregnancy and berth of the baby Pregnancy and berth is physically and mentally exhausting, and may drain the body for nutrient. This in turn can cause depressive symptoms . 6. Seasonal affective disorder Depression can occur in cold and dark periods of the year and go away in warm and light periods. Light stimulates brain activity, and lack of light is a causative factor. TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION Serious or prolonged depression is often treated with anti-depressive medication. Medicines used against depression generally increase the level of neurotransmitters like serotonin in the central nervous system, or they mimic the neurotransmitters. The medications mostly used today increase the serotonin concentration by decreasing the removal of serotonin from the space around nerve cells. Examples of this medication type are: Fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), escitalopram (Lexapro, Celexa), sentraline (zoloft). By bipolar disorder in the manic face, heavy tranquilizers (neuroleptica) are used to stop the manic symptoms. By bipolar disorder, lithium salts are sometimes used to stabilize the condition, and prevent new outbreak of depressive or manic faces. Psychotherapy is sometimes used by depression, usually in combination with medication. Sometimes serious depression is treated by applying electric shock through the head, electroconvulsive therapy. The shock induces epileptic eruption of nerve signals through the brain and this gives cramps throughout the body. The cramps are alleviated or stopped by applying anaesthesia before the electroshock. This form of treatment is controversial, since it can cause memory loss and is suspected of causing brain damage. The possibility of brain damage is however denied by most psychiatrists. By seasonal depression, light therapy maybe useful. Adjustment of lifestyle should always be considered by depression or depressive symptoms. Lifestyle measures can sometimes be enough to cure depressive symptoms before a serious depression develop. Lifestyle adjustments can be: - To slow down a stressful life with too much work or activities. - Enough rest and sleep. - A good diet with enough of necessary nutrients. - Some physical exercise. - Meditation. - Supplement of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, lecithin, amino acids and essential fatty acids. - Stimulants like coffee or tea may help against depressive feelings in moderate amount. However, if you are a heavy user of these stimulants, you should cut down on your consumption. There exist nutritional products in the marked to help against depressive symptoms. These contain ingredients that the brain uses as building blocks for neurotransmitters, for example amino acids and lecithin. They also often contain vitamins and minerals that the brain uses as tools to produce neurotransmitters, especially vitamin B6. Supplements may further contain herbal extracts that trigger higher brain activity much like anti-depressive medications, but may have fewer side effects. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Knut Holt is an internet consultant and marketer focusing on health items. TO FIND natural supplements to help against serotonin deficiency, GABA deficiency, hypothyroidism, mental problems, acne, skin problems, heart disease, hemorrhoids, rheumatism, and other common health problems, PLEASE VISIT:---- http://www.panteraconsulting.com/salg2.htm ----Free to reprint with the author's name and link.