DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY TREATMENT — WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
WHAT IS GOOD MENTAL HEALTH?
Good mental health can mean different things to different people. If you generally feel positive about yourself, are able to form good relationships and can mostly overcome challenges, then it’s likely you have good mental health.
But that’s not the case for many. Too many people feel unable to get help due to stigma, embarrassment or not knowing where to turn.
You may have been struggling for a while without help or perhaps you already have a diagnosis of depression and/or anxiety.
Taking the first step can be hard, but together we can form a treatment plan to help you feel yourself again.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE ANXIETY?
Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. But excessive anxiety means you have intense and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations.
These feelings are often difficult to control and can be stressful and overwhelming. You may feel restless and agitated, have a sense of dread or think about things over and over.
You may feel sick, light-headed, have a thumping heartbeat or headache.
There are different types of anxiety, including social anxiety, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, health anxiety and phobias.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE DEPRESSION?
Most people have times when they feel low or sad. Usually these feelings pass by themselves.
When they go on for more than a few weeks and interfere with life, that may be due to depression.
If you’re depressed you may feel tearful, stressed, irritable or angry, and less interested in activities you used to enjoy. Some people can feel guilty, worthless and hopeless. There may be changes to sleep and appetite, or a reduced interest in sex. You may feel unusually tired and find it difficult to think clearly and make decisions.
Anxiety and depression often occur together, so you may have a combination of the two.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY?
Depression and anxiety can have a number of different causes - it varies from person to person. It’s often a combination of things and for some people there isn’t an obvious reason.
Possible causes include:
- Life events which may have been stressful or traumatic
- Difficult childhood experiences
- Having another mental health problem
- Long-term physical health problems
- Changes associated with pregnancy and giving birth
- A genetic or family link
- Using alcohol and drugs.
If bereavement or grief is affecting your mental health, you can find help and support at: Cruse Bereavement Care or call them on 0808 808 1677. If you’re pregnant or in the year after birth, there’s more information on how to get help with your mental health here.
WHAT IF I’M FEELING REALLY LOW OR HOPELESS?
Sometimes depression or anxiety can make it hard to imagine a happier future. You may be thinking about suicide or ending your life. It can be very frightening to feel like this - whether they are only thoughts or you’re actually thinking of a plan.
If you feel unable to control these feelings and aren’t able to keep yourself safe, please call 111, your GP or the Samaritans on 116 123, or text Shout on 85258. For immediate assistance call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.
Page last reviewed by: Dr. Christina Hennessey 02/02/2022